Rotarian Named as “Most Outstanding COVID-19 Volunteer” National Category Awardee

On December 16, 2020, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), together with other government agencies, bestowed the “Most Outstanding COVID-19 Volunteer in CALABARZON” award to Rotarian Guia Lopez de Leon. Dr. Guia is the President of the Rotary Club of San Pedro South of District 3820.

Awardees from other regions were: Zsa Zsa May Meneses, Joshua Toledo, Nap Marilag, Melissa Grace Olit, Evita Jimenez Tuazon, Chris Sorongon, Jose Marie Gochangco, Nino Archie Labordo, Clementia Lapaz, Conrado Lacaba Casas, Jr., Jaime Salva, Vladimir Santos, Gil Melo, Acsan Asgar, and Jimboy Baldesco.

The awarding was held at Pamantasan ng Cabuyao at City of Cabuyao, Laguna. And the Programme started with a Doxology and National Anthem by the Pamantasan ng Cabuyao Chorale. Then, Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) gave an inspiring Opening Remarks.

It was Director Anna Liza Bonagua of Bureau of Local Government Development who had read the citation. Presenters of the award were Executive Director Donald James Gawe of PNVSCA, Assistant Secretary (ASec) Greg Pineda of NEDA, Cabuyao City Vice Mayor Leif Opina and Cabuyao City Mayor Rommel Gecolea.

In her acceptance speech, Rotarian Guia first quoted Kartilya ng Katipunan’s “Maitim man o maputi ang kulay ng balat, lahat ng tao’y magkakapantay; mang­yayaring ang isa’y hihigitan sa dunong, sa yaman, sa ganda; ngunit di mahihigitan sa pagkatao.” (Whether our skin be black or white, we are all born equal: superiority in knowledge, wealth, and beauty are to be understood, but not superiority by nature).

She then advise fellow volunteers to “Ensure a strong foundation that no one can rock your boat. Pray with all of your heart, all of your mind, and all of your soul. And to just love.”

The Keynote Speakers were Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla of NEDA. They both commended the National Awardees for giving true love in the time of pandemic.

The winners in the poster-making activity for National Volunteers Month were also awarded. It was Ms. Diana Arboleda, former United Nations and VSO volunteer, who had facilitated this.

The Philippine Information Agency served as the excellent moderators for the entire event. Kudos!