WHILE volunteering may seem like a tedious responsibility, working in the Sinulog festivities out of altruism has been a priceless experience for four emergency and security volunteers.
If it weren’t for the spirit of volunteerism, 20-year-old Walter Jumao-as said he would have spent his day at home while spectators flocked to the city’s streets on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020.
“I am actually a homebody, but I still enjoyed (the Sinulog Grand Parade) by serving as a volunteer. I have been serving the Philippine Red Cross as a volunteer for 12 years,” Jumao-as said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Jumao-as served as a medical volunteer since day one of the novena at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
While rendering voluntary service, he was able to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation to a devotee who collapsed.
“It was really a tough week. (I am) physically and emotionally tired, but the gratitude of the people you were able to help was enough. Even a simple handshake has become so priceless,” he said.
For Catherine Marie Sapaula and Janross Lugatoc, volunteering in what is perhaps the biggest fiesta in the country had been a fulfilling experience.
The students, who were members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics Mactan Campus, were among those assigned for crowd control along Imus St. in Cebu City.
Airman First Class Christian Llegado of the Philippine Air Force, for his part, said while making the revelers follow security instructions had been the toughest task, it was part of the challenge.
He said he hopes that next year’s Sinulog festivities will also be blessed with good weather just like this year. (WBS)