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News & Features

Jun 01, 2016

What's your Weekend Purpose?

 “Thank God it’s Friday!” says most of the employee workforce after a long and tiring 5-day workweek. The weekends are what everyone looks forward to. Those two sacred days are when one can get uninterrupted rest and relaxation. What are the usual plans of everyone for the weekend? Will you be off lounging by the beach, hiking up a mountain, hanging out in the mall or maybe just curled up in your bed for the whole day? For some, their weekends are dedicated for volunteering!

 

In 2008, Insular Life forged a groundbreaking project with Gawad Kalinga for the Tambayan ng mga Bayani (Tambayani) Program in GK Manggahan Kawayanan in Marcelo Green Village, Parañaque City. This Tambayani was created to benefit both out-of-school as well as, in-school youth.   The GK Child & Youth Development team nurtures and develops the young through an age-specific, values-based program that helps them reach their fullest potential and this is done through three sub-programs: GK Sibol (ages 3 to 6), GK Sagip (ages 7 to 13) and GK Siga (ages 14 to 21).

 

Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Insular Life employees volunteer their time and talent to help the youth specifically the GK Sagip sub-program by holding various values formation activities, technical & academic skills trainings, arts & crafts, and sports. With our busy schedule, thinking about volunteering might seem overwhelming and time consuming, but in the end, the rewarding feeling a volunteer gets after reaching out and making a difference in someone’s life is priceless.

 

It’s easy to think about the positive impact that volunteers have on others, but we don’t often consider the positive impact that the others have on the volunteers. “Akala nila sila ang pinapasaya namin, di nila alam mas pinasasaya nila kami” said one volunteer. Learn more about the many benefits of volunteering and tips to get started as a volunteer today.

 

  1. Volunteering improves health and well-being. Insular Life volunteer AJ Bautista says that “doing volunteer work relieves stress.  It is a way to de-stress my mind and my body. It also makes me feel happier and healthier after talking and laughing with the kids.” A lot of people who volunteer say helping others give them a good feeling inside which decreases depression and boosts up self-esteem and confidence.

  2. Volunteering teaches you new skills. It is never too late to learn something new. Volunteering can open doors to new learning opportunities and experiences that you never thought you would do before. You may discover a new skill or even develop a new hobby. Volunteer Gretchen Tejoso recounts her experience in the Mind Museum when she was tasked to tour the children during their field trip.

  3. Volunteering connects you to others. Not only do you make friends with your fellow employee volunteers who you don’t see so often in the building, but you also make friends with your beneficiaries. Volunteer Elmer Saladas enjoys interacting with people. He makes a bond with them and imagines his life living in their shoes.

  4. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose. People volunteer to give back to the community so know that you can make a powerful difference. “I feel I am making a difference in those children’s lives through our monthly sessions. I feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment giving people unconditional and positivity without expecting something in return. Because of the satisfaction I get, I aim to encourage others to volunteer too; I want my colleagues to experience the fun and to be part of this great family” says volunteer Dani Abuel.