Empathy and genuine concern for others result in exemplary service.
The continued pursuit to impact positive changes in the community is where the passion and motivation of the all-women organization JCI Lakambini Davao emanate from.
The “Queens of Change”, as its members refer to themselves, have been carrying out initiatives for the benefit of different sectors - from business development to health improvement. The latest of which was the vaccination drive in April that covered 5,000 beneficiaries.
The Worth the Shot project provided pneumococcal vaccines for free in a bid to offer protection both among adults and children. The group’s president-elect, Meliza Carla Agoilo, a medical doctor by profession, coined its name to imply that it is just a little pain for a lot of gain since it gives the much-needed protection against pneumococcal infections.
“Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations in the world. Getting the vaccine against it will protect us from pneumonia and its potentially serious complications. Although this vaccine does not protect us from Covid-19, both of these diseases affect our respiratory system. So getting it right now in this time of Covid-19 pandemic, more than ever, is well worth it,” Doc Carla explained.
She further shared that the hesitancy of some to get the shot is common because of the growing concern on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines in general. However, the benefits still outweigh the risks.
Meanwhile, the pneumococcal vaccine could be costly for many, which may have pushed them to set aside their plan of getting it. Hence, the JCI Lakambini Davao made a way to offer such for free.
The vaccination drive was done in Maa and Buhangin, two of the biggest barangays in Davao City. But, it was not exclusive to their residents alone.
One of the JCI Lakambini Davao’s pillars and past presidents, Ellen Luz Quilaneta, said that the venues were randomly selected. Nonetheless, they made sure to also accommodate those from other barangays who were willing to travel to the site to be vaccinated.
Quilaneta, who has also been proactive and innovative in initiating projects, shared that Tingog Partylist was at the helm of the endeavor. And to make its run in the city successful, JCI Lakambini Davao partnered with the Department of Health (DOH), Tactical Operations Group 11, Philippine National Police (PNP), 911, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), JCI Davao Region, Matina Town Square, Department of Tourism (DOT), Public Safety and Security Commander Center (PSSCC), and the barangay LGUs of Maa and Buhangin. In the meantime, director Kazzy Tai of the lakambinis was the project chair.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that JCI Lakambini Davao focused on health initiatives. It has already launched the Parents Against Vapes project, adopted the health care center of barangay Bantol in Marilog district, and sent out dignity kits to the women victims of calamities.
For Quilaneta, “Serving the community is an opportunity to make remarkable things happen. It is something not everyone is called for.”
She added that their group encourages women to play an active role in community development and become the catalysts of change in the community.
“Our hearts are enormous enough, which makes us more capable of spreading love all over. We have so much love to give for the people in our community. And this is basically the reason why this local organization was born in 2018,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, the current president, lawyer Alpha Faith Macailing noted that “Good health and well-being is our primary UNSD goal as an organization. Making sure that our community is protected from pneumonia through our mass vaccination of Prevenar 13 in Brgy. Maa, Brgy. Buhangin and within the JCI community. We were able to protect 5,000 Davaoenos from this deadly disease. JCI Lakambini Davao will continue to help attain healthier community through our various efforts year after year [sic].”
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