When I was in college, one thing I was too excited about was to be part of an organization that I like. Not like the usual academic clubs and organizations in high school where we were forced to be part of, in UP, we have the liberty to choose our organizations.

I have many options. I can choose an academic organization that can help me get through my studies; a varsitarian organization that can help me link with people who have the same interests or roots; a debate organization that can give me trainings –there is just too many to choose from.

But I chose to be part of UP SIBOL, a socio-civic organization that helps the marginalized sector through outreach and development-oriented programs.

Helping the marginalized? It seems ambitious. As an ideal college sophomore, I had that level of ambition to contribute to something bigger than myself. Something that I think I can achieve through UP SIBOL.

And yes, it helped me. A lot.

When I got in through a process that felt like hell, prime motivation was still aligned with SIBOL’s mission of uplifting the lives of many communities through little ways of a student-led organization. We have several outreach programs that cater to the kids, indigenous peoples, mothers, and many more sectors that needed attention.

It gave me something to look forward to. It provided an avenue for my passion to serve the community.

Joining means you care

I am no rich kid. I came from a middle-class family that happens to encounter financial struggles every now and then. But I grew in a family of givers — no matter how small, we should always share. That’s what my mom taught us when I was a kid and she continues to influence us ’til this day.

When I joined UP SIBOL, it felt like I am finally leading a life with purpose.

I remember so vividly my first activity as a newbie in my organization. We had our annual Street Kids initiative where we held a Christmas outreach program with the abandoned kids of Laguna.

It was a fulfilling first of many.

I can still remember the night before our outreach, we were too busy preparing food items and collecting Christmas gifts for the kids. With no decent sleep the next day, my heart gained tons of happy cells and energy when I saw smiles from the kids when they received their Christmas gifts.

We had so much fun. I had so much fun and it felt really good.

And that was the beginning of my journey of sharing a part of my self to the people I think we have to give our attention to — the poor and the marginalized.

Deeper, meaningful programs

Our programs expanded from catering to the street and abandoned kids, to providing opportunities for mothers to receive alternative learning.

It was one of the things I really liked about SIBOL — arms wide-open — we are ready to extend assistance in any possible way that we can as a student organization.

And when I got back from my study program in South Korea, I was too happy to know that we are finally touching more lives of not just kids but IP kids.

The Aetas of Zambales gave us another opportunity to extend our hands and hearts to the community.

AETAguyod is a brainchild by one of my seniors (also one of my early mentors in the organization), Sonny.

When Sonny was elected President of the organization, he had a chance to pitch the program to the members and alumni of UP SIBOL.

Sonny envisioned it holistically address the immediate needs of the indigenous kids in a school run by Franciscan nuns in Zambales. This school provides IP kids an opportunity to receive primary education for free including daily meals and lodging. However, like any other social institution, the school lacks sustainable funding and has difficulties in many aspects.

Sharing a piece of ourselves

More than helping them receive donations and immediate supplies, we wanted to empower them. That is for sure.  We believe that it is always more than the material things.

As most of the resident members are development communication students, we did series of community analyses on how we can help. We have personally learned from them their views and perspectives about our society as a whole.

It dawned upon us that more than the material things that we think they are lacking or haven’t had the privilege to enjoy, I personally felt that, what they lack is the confidence to face the world with their roots and culture. They are not proud of who they are.

They never felt that they were normal people experiencing discrimination on a regular basis. This made them feel like they are inferior individuals and that being an Aeta is something to be ashamed of.

Hence, most of them stopped believing in the future, they stopped dreaming.

And that’s quite sad, right?

Imagine children without dreams? Children without faith in themselves

and what the holds for them?

For our our first attempt to help them realize that they are important part of our society and that there are people who believe in them, we worked harder to let them join us in UP Los Banos.

We raised funds from our own little ways to fund their trip and did a benefit concert* where they shared their excellent talents with the UPLB community.

*All proceeds went to fund their immediate needs including supply of food.

They had fun and the people enjoyed every performance.

They were applauded and supported by the community.

We were touched by the fact that there are so many students who are willing to share a part of themselves in making the Aeta kids feel loved and valued.

On my own little contribution, when Sonny asked me to host the program with Bryan, I immediately said yes. It was surreal.

They thanked us, numerous times. But in reality, it wasn’t us who helped them. It was them who helped us realize so many things in life.

They weren’t just the ones with new dreams  — we learned to dream bigger as well, not just for ourselves, but for them. I think that’s the best thing I learned to treasure in my heart over the years. I won’t stop dreaming for others. 

Caring continues

The concert was just the beginning of our journey with the AETA kids. We had several outreaches in the community. Conduct of learning experiences about proper nutrition, culture appreciation, livelihood making, and a lot more! We did our best to transfer knowledge that we have to their community that we think will be useful for them someday, or somehow.

UP SIBOL have been instrumental for me to realize that opportunities are limitless when it comes to giving and caring. I can always be an instrument in making someone’s life a little easier and lighter. I can’t sponsor a child (yet) but I know I can always try to be an inspiration to them to dream big and conquer their struggles.

There is a Chinese proverb that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

True enough, many people have claimed that the road to happiness is actually the road traveled by givers and carers. Happiness is found in caring for others.

I guess what I’m saying is this: I know for a fact that these things are so little compared to all the big battles we are all facing  — poverty. But I know for sure that if caring continues for these people, slowly, we are letting them know that they are not fighting the battle alone.

❤️

To know how you can help, send @UP SIBOL a private message on Facebook or talk to me (we have something exciting in the pipeline). 🙂