A day before repacking activities at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC), the main warehouse of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), were terminated on Saturday, three Binibining Pilipinas beauties showed up there to help repack goods for Typhoon Yolanda victims.
Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-Up Ariella Arida, Bb. Pilipinas-International Bea Santiago, and Bb. PIlipinas First Runner–Up Pia Wurtzbach spent their Friday morning repacking goods with other volunteers.
Although she had done volunteer work before, Ariella said this is the first time she volunteered at DSWD.
She said, “Masarap sa pakiramdam ang mag-volunteer, lalo na at alam mong nakakatulong ka sa nangangailangan. Nakakatuwa din na nakikita ko na madaming handang tumulong sa Tacloban. Nakakatuwa din na makita na ang mga goods ay handang i-deploy sa mga areas. (It feels good to volunteer knowing that I am able to help. I am also happy to see all the relief goods that are ready for deployment to the areas.)”
For her part, Bea shared, “It’s very organized here. I love how DSWD conducts the orientation focusing on those which should and should not be done by volunteers.”
She also said that it is good that there is a log-in and log-out system to keep track of the volunteers.
Bea also cited the relaxed ambience at the warehouse.
“I love the pleasant environment with the music. The people are so nice and comfortable to work with. It is as if repacking is just an easy task,” she beamed.
This was affirmed by Pia who remarked, “It’s very organized here. May sistema. Hindi lang basta papasok kung ‘di may briefing sa umpisa para malaman kung ano yung dapat tandaan. (It is very organized here. Volunteers don’t just come in. They undergo a short briefing wherein they are oriented on what they should do.)”
Pia commented that they have been to other warehouses but DSWD has the most organized and the biggest repacking center.
“I’m impressed with the system,” she added explaining that without such a system there would be instances that volunteers might miss to include some goods in the plastic bags.
She also enjoyed interacting with other volunteers especially the policewomen.
Messages of Hope
When asked to give their messages for the victims of ‘Yolanda,’ Arriela said“Nakakatuwa na nagsisimula na ang pagbangon. Sana tuloy-tuloy pa din ang pagtulong. (I am glad that the affected families are now on their way to recovery. I hope that the people will continue helping.)”
She went on, “Sa mga kababayan natin sa Visayas, sana patuloy kayong kumapit.Stay strong and positive. Ang daming handang tumulong. (To our countrymen in the Visayas, I hope that you continue to hold on. Stay strong and positive. Many are willing to help.)”
The beauty queen also expressed her gratitude for the efforts of DSWD and the government in helping the victims of Yolanda.
On the other hand, Bea, who is set to leave the country and compete for the Miss International 2013 competition, appealed to all to continue to pray hard.
Pia also shared the sentiments of her two colleagues for the victims to remain strong and prayerful.
She also thanked the volunteers for giving their time stressing that “we can all do our share in whatever form.”
Words of thanks
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman reiterated her expression of gratitude to all volunteers as she encouraged them to continue to share their time also in the repacking centers in Eastern Visayas which are being strengthened after the closure of NROC and other repacking sites.
“Responding to the needs of the affected families is made easier because of the volunteers and donors,” Secretary Soliman continued.
”It is very touching that Pinoys from all walks of life and all ages continue to help – beauty queens, uniformed personnel, students, clergy, government workers, corporate groups, among others. We affirm once again that we are a strong nation, and will rise up to this challenge.”# # #
