In response to the call of sui generis leaders among the Ateneo de Davao University community, the Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF) opened on Monday this year’s National Volunteer Month celebrating leadership and service of volunteers to every stakeholder.

AOSF director Ms. Lilibeth L. Leh-Arcena welcomed everyone in the culmination of the event with the theme, “Be an inspiration, volunteer,” introducing the various volunteering opportunities from different organizations.

According to her, a volunteer comes from the “wind” which is self-propelling.

“Once a volunteer, always a volunteer. Kahit sumabak, I will go. Kahit hatakin, mauuna pa yan sayo,” she said, stressing on the practice of generosity and acts of service volunteers are raised.

Meanwhile, Charene Jumilla, a Political Science student, said that volunteering shapes and develops young individuals to be kinder and more sensitive to the needs of others.

“Joining in different volunteering orgs is just one way of saying that you are willing and ready to help those who are less fortunate. Not only that you can help them, but also it will be satisfying for your part that in your own little way, you were able to extend your kindness to other people,” she said.

Among the organizations that displayed their booths in the celebration were Madaris Volunteer Program, Jesuit Volunteer Philippines Foundation, Inc. Making a Difference, Arrupe Volunteers, Cardoners Volunteers, National Service Reserve Corps, and Amuma Volunteers. Project Dyesabel participated as well, together with Piglasapat, Buklat, Bahaghari, Tribung Mindanaw Mountaineering Club, AMUMA, and Philippine Red Cross Davao City Chapter.

The event lasted until November 11 giving the volunteers an opportunity to introduce their programs to those who visited the booths.