The Unwavering Spirit of the Filipino Volunteer

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Natural disasters, no matter how devastating they can be, can never break a determined spirit.

Typhoon Pablo left our affected countrymen devastated. Their lives have been permanently damaged with their spirits seemingly broken. With a total of 344,030 families directly struck by the destructive power of typhoon Pablo, hundreds of lives have been lost and more have been declared missing and are yet to be found. Clearly, this disaster is one of the most devastating natural calamities in recent history.

Though the number of affected is disturbing, the aforementioned is only a portion of a bigger story. Typhoon Pablo and the damage that it has done is simply unfathomable.

It has been several days since typhoon Pablo left the Philippines. The destruction has ended. The restlessness brought by turbulent times have finally ceased. However, the tranquility that has emerged after Pablo's departure has left us with a clearer picture. We can now see the uncertain future that our countrymen have to face in their lives hereafter.

After a period of sheer devastation comes a period of rebuilding.

The Philippine Red Cross, through the leadership of Chairman Richard J. Gordon led the relief efforts aimed at alleviating the lives of the Filipinos struck by typhoon Pablo. The Philippine Red Cross, along with its staff and volunteers have worked endlessly to provide humanitarian assistance to those who are in dire need. It is without question that these individuals are determined in being of service to their fellow countrymen.

In the affected places such as Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, it is important to give credit to the volunteers who have worked continuously and passionately for they themselves are victims of typhoon Pablo. They too have lost their homes, livelihood and loved ones. Yet, in their intense desire to serve and push forward the humanitarian cause, they have chosen to set aside their own well-being to be of service to their fellow men. Evidently, it should go without saying that these people are the embodiment of volunteerism. That their actions are clear manifestations of the indomitable spirit of the Filipino. That even though they have gone through terrible experiences, they chose to display the resiliency that is distinctly attributed to the Filipino.

The Philippine Red Cross, along with its staff and volunteers, through the leadership of Chairman Richard J. Gordon, have displayed the unwavering spirit of the Filipino volunteer.

As we face tremendous hardship, let us be united in uplifting the lives of our countrymen as rebuild ourselves in preparation for a brighter future.

To donate, visit www.redcross.com.ph