Wednesday, February 28, 2007 A volunteer's journey towards self-discovery
"WHEN I first volunteered to be a member of the Project Implementation Team (PIT) of the Kalahi-Cidss Project, I first thought I was doing it to help my community achieve our life-long dream of having a post-harvest facility within our reach. It was only later did I realize that it was Kalahi-Cidss which helped me realize my self-worth."
Thus said 43-year-old Saturnino Salamanca of Brgy. Caraudan, Janiuay, Iloilo as he recalled his experiences with the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services Project (Kalahi-Cidss) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Saturnino has always involved himself in the affairs of his community. His was among the most familiar faces that diligently attend assemblies and help facilitate barangay activities.
"My attendance to so many Kalahi-Cidss activities opened my eyes to the many reasons why we are considerably poor and what aggravates this situation. Since most of us are farmers, we knew what we needed... and we knew that addressing this need would require our concerted effort," he said.
When Brgy. Caraudan's post-harvest facility with warehouse project was prioritized during the Cycle 1 of Kalahi-Cidss implementation, Saturnino enlisted himself as volunteer under the PIT. When first oriented of his roles and functions, however, Saturnino said he initially felt a tinge of misgivings.
"When we were oriented of the scope of our responsibilities, the first thing that came to mind was 'I can't do this,' considering my low educational background. But then, our community facilitator assured us that we would still be trained and regularly be coached so as to broaden our skills and understanding," he said.
As part of the PIT, Saturnino helped monitor and supervise the actual construction works and the laborers. He also prepared the construction logbook, materials record sheet, employment record sheet and daily time records of laborers. According to him, his greatest challenge was in ensuring that only materials that met the required specification were used.
"These were altogether new to me. I had to stay up so late to fully understand the documents we need to accomplish. There were times when I want to back out since my volunteer works were pulling me away from my livelihood. But whenever I see the passion and dedication of my fellow volunteers and residents, I was inspired anew," he said.
The completion of the post-harvest facility with warehouse in Brgy. Caraudan significantly helped the community in boosting their incomes as they no longer have to spend more to transport their palay in other towns. But for Saturnino, the project is his source of pride.
"This is the fruit of our concerted efforts. KALAHI-CIDSS boosted our self-esteem and we learned a lot. Now, I am able to put into practice the learnings I got from being a volunteer and from the trainings we underwent. At one time, when I was looking for the materials needed to repair my house, I practiced what I learned during the pre-construction conference I attended and ended up buying low-priced but 'standard' materials," Saturnino happily related. (ALJornadal)
