MARIKINA CITY, Philippines —- Heroes are not born, but made. For this year’s International Volunteers Day last December 5, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) salutes every single one of our two million volunteers nationwide, and urges many more Filipinos, especially the youth, to join us in saving lives. 

On December 7, the PRC Marikina Chapter initiated a mass cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstration and mass bloodletting activity to showcase the power of PRC’s Red Cross Youth (RCY) volunteers, proving that the spirit of volunteerism remains alive in the younger generation. 2,000 members of RCY councils in many senior high schools, state universities, and colleges in Marikina performed CPR within a “human cross” formation at the city’s Sports Center Complex, symbolizing the Red Cross emblem of protection and aid. 

“This demonstration shows the strength of the Red Cross volunteer system, as well as the importance of volunteerism against a world of greed and lost values. We urge people and families to join the Red Cross and help restore and reinvigorate our flagging value systems. We always say that our volunteers are our heroes, and heroes are not made in a day. They are molded through proper training, mentorship, and years of selfless service, which the PRC provides. Whether you’re old or young, no day is too late to start your journey as a volunteer. It’s never too late to be a hero,” remarked PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon. 

“Kudos to the Marikina Chapter, led by Chapter Administrator Jenny de Guzman, Chapter Chairman Serafin “Bojie” Bernardino, and the Marikina Chapter Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers for the success of this great initiative,” he added. 

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, who began as a RCY leader and career staff of the Red Cross Movement, remarked: “I know each and every one of you has the willingness to save lives. With all you have learned and gained from your PRC mentors like new skills and experiences, we hope they lead you to greater heights.”

Among the schools that participated in the event were the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMAR), Far Eastern University (FEU) Roosevelt, Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC), San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila School of Marikina City, St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina, Nuestra Señora De Guia Academy of Marikina Inc., Marikina Institute of Technology, Marikina Catholic School, and STI College Marikina.

RCY volunteers Lian Marsamulo (19 years-old) and Inna Tabuena (20 years-old), both from PLMAR, shared that they chose to be volunteers in order to be more aware and gain knowledge on how to help people, especially when accidents occur in their communities, citing the importance of having basic skills on first aid and CPR. 

For teenagers, try po natin sumali sa Red Cross o ibang voluntary groups kasi nakakenjoy po siya, and at the same time, madami ka pong natututunan habang nakakatulong ka po sa ibang mga tao,” said Jaychelle Magno (16 years-old), Secretary of the RCY Council of Nuestra Señora De Guia Academy of Marikina Inc. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Gina Tenerife (53 years-old), RC143 Team Leader of Barangay Malanday, said that her experience as a volunteer for nearly two years has allowed her to be proactive in her community, sharing that she had become someone her community can call on and take charge when emergencies happen, such as when her neighbor needed immediate medical attention. “Sa mga komunidad natin, kailangan natin ng RC143 volunteer kasi mas mabilis ang pagtulong agad, hindi iisipin pa kung sino ang tutulong sayo.” 

The PRC is the country’s foremost volunteer-based humanitarian organization, with more than two million active volunteers in the country. Individuals interested in volunteering for the PRC may visit or contact their nearest PRC chapter or branch. 

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