Multi-awarded volunteer sparks inspiration as Kalahi volunteer

FOR SOMEONE to render or express his willingness to undertake service without getting paid or expecting valuable rewards is a truly inspiring act, a selfless act usually associated to volunteers - bighearted and empowered individuals unrecognized of their priceless service.

Volunteers are treasure to most government and non-government organizations that are into community service and communitydriven development which includes the KapitBisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), now a National Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Throughout the twoyear implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS program in Atok, Benguet, the purpose of the program which is empowerment is slowly being fulfilled. This is evident on certain individuals and groups in the community who had shown exemplary performance and enhanced their knowledge and skills by actively participating in the implementation, decision-making, and management of development activities in the Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC) of the program.

One volunteer stands out among them all which embodies an empowered person. He began a journey as a simple volunteer who later involved himself to different government and non-government programs implemented in their barangay until he became a multiawarded individual.

Manong Moreno Kimbongan, an Audit and Inventory Team (AIT) member for the Kalahi-CIDSS first cycle implementation and later became the Chairperson of the Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) during the second cycle.

Fifty – year – old Kimbongan hails from barangay Naguey, Atok, Benguet manages a piggery and raises chickens for a living who earlier dreamt of becoming an accountant but financial constraints caused him not to get a college degree.

As an AIT member he is now living a bit of that dream.

With his educational background, he still became involved in different local and national organizations, firms, and religious activities, earning him various awards.

Kimbongan was a volunteer to the Plan International, a non-government organization in the 90’s for the organization’s livelihood project and child fostering services. In 1992, he was awarded as the Most Developed Volunteer by the organization.

From then, he continued his volunteerism joining cooperatives and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). In 2006, his dedication won him the “Most Outstanding BHW.”

Kimbingan also involved himself to government sponsored seminars and trainings on gender and development, Barangay Child Protection Council, case management, violence against women among others.

In 2014, when the

Kalahi-CIDSS was introduced to his barangay, Moreno considered it as another opportunity to serve, thus becoming a volunteer.

His experiences in volunteering to other national programs and his experience on financial management prompted Kimbongan to be a member of the Audit and Inventory Committee. His knowledge and skills fits for the committee having attended trainings on finance, his knowledge and skills were enhanced letting him effectively perform his role during the subproject implementation.

As the community empowerment facilitator (CEF) assigned in his barangay, Manong Moreno does not only help his community but he continues to inspire them through his diligence, initiative, versatility, trustworthiness and many others.

“I want to help my community because I’m happier when I give rather than receive. Another thing is, this is a legacy we could leave to our grandchildren,” Kimbongan said.

Despite his educational limitations, he had already contributed priceless things which enabled various national and local program successfully implement their services. Particularly, his efforts are invaluable in the completion their sub-project - concreting of barangay Naguey community footpath with railings.

Manong Moreno might not have fulfilled his dream to become an accountant but living his dreams while being able to give back to his community is more valuable than a piece of diploma. Being recognized are just bonuses for all his efforts. Indeed, the lack of a degree is not a hindrance in sparking inspiration to others. DSWD-CAR Social Marketing Unit Release