BAGUIO CITY– Four community volunteers and two organizations were cited as Regional Outstanding Volunteers by the Search for Outstanding Volunteer Regional Search Committee (SOV-RSC) 2018 .
Dr. Gregorio C. Taag, Dr. Joanne Balderas, Ms. Imelda Dagupon, and Mr. Rhem Austeen Danio, and the Saint Louis University – Vicariate of the Mt. Provinces Medical Outreach Missions Foundation Inc. (SLU-VMP MOMFI), and the La Trinidad Accredited Community Disaster Volunteers (LT-ACDV) will be conferred the title Regional Outstanding Volunteers 2018 in December during the celebration of National Volunteers Month .
Dr. Gregorio C. Taag, 61, is a faculty member of Benguet State University and current president of The Cordillera Binnadangan Connection Inc. or TCC Philippines. He joined the TCC in March 2012 in order to organize concerts for intended beneficiaries and has been designated the organization’s president. His drive and respect for others is reflected in the members of the TCC’s referring to him as “Tatay” or father.
He started the “Concert for Life Series”, a fund raising activity where 100 percent of the proceeds are given to beneficiaries. This not only benefited people with chronic diseases like cancer, chronic kidney disorders, pediatric cases, among others, but also saved a person from human trafficking.
Taag also initiated project “TAKKAY,” an umbrella program of all other TCC activities aligned with the Concert for Life Series such as the TCC scholarship program, medical missions, Teen Health 101 (seminars/trainings), Project Lapis as a support for schools, feeding programs and disaster relief operations.
The concerts have also raised the cultural appreciation of Cordillerans of music.
Dr. Balderas started her volunteer work in 1994 during her residency in Ophthalmology. She was sought by Lions Club International for their “Sight First” program. She would close her clinic for weeks to join medical missions never seeking any compensation. Her efforts and attitude have been recognized electing her as the president of the Baguio Everlasting Lions Club.
A Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) since 2013, Dagupon of Barangay Imelda Village in Baguio City has proven her passion for volunteer work monitoring the nutritional status of children and linking communities with nutrition and health related service providers.
Her altruism and dedication had been recognized when she became the Regional Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar in 2017 and 2018.
Rhem Austeen Danio, 25, of Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet is a non –uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police who has established a support group for siblings of children with autism. He has experienced the difficulties of living with a sibling with special needs. His desire to help his younger brother led him to take up psychology and joined the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) in order to help other families cope with very trying situations.
With the increasing number of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Danio’s innovative practice of helping other siblings of families with children who have special needs has created an environment of acceptance and support within the families of people who suffer from ASD. He has also ensured the participation of PNP personnel in the different awareness campaigns of ASP-Baguio.
For the Organization/Non-Profit category, SLU-VMP MOMFI is cited for its outreach missions in far flung areas with marginalized, underserved residents. It gives free medical, surgical and dental services with primary health care lectures. Now it has an innovative practice of introducing evangelization as part of its medical missions.
The LT-ACDV, on the other hand, is noted for its innovative volunteer practice of selfless knowledge sharing and expertise development . It specializes on localized trainings so that members know exactly what to do in every possible situation.
The SOV aims to pay tribute to the unsung and ordinary Filipino citizens and organizations whose services contribute to the country’s development priorities.
This yearly centerpiece event culminates with the awarding ceremony during the celebration of the National Volunteer Month in December. **JDP/MAWC- PIA CAR
