Alfred Vargas: Altruistic to the core
DURING these challenging times, actor-turned-politician Alfred Vargas admits that his hands are full. The representative of the 5th District of Quezon City recently launched the “PWEDE” campaign which aims to support persons with disability through livelihood programs, small business start-up provisions (Puhunan Program), educational assistance (Pantawid Graduation), and supplying assistive devices to those with special needs, especially those who are physically challenged.
Vargas recalled that he was still very young when his grandmother was diagnosed with bone cancer which led to the amputation of her leg. “I saw firsthand how difficult the life of a physically challenged person can be, and it hit so close to home. Back then, when I had the chance to drink from a soda in can, I’d automatically keep the pull-tab tin rings, collect and donate these to institutions that give away wheelchairs for those who cannot afford to buy. So when my dream of becoming a public servant came true, programs and bills that benefit people with disabilities became part of my priorities.”
“We are envisioning PWEDE, which means ‘possible,’ to eventually become a foundation that will cater to more beneficiaries. For now, we start small and plant the seeds that we can nurture and develop into comprehensive programs for people with disabilities,” he shared.
Since he became a congressman in 2010, Vargas has already pushed for at least four of the House bills that have benefited people with disabilities. The official launch of the PWEDE movement also fell on a very special day, the birthday of Vargas’s late mother, Atty. Susan Vargas.
Aside from his government post, family has always been a top priority for Vargas. He has three lovely children with his wife Yasmine: Alexandra Milan, Aryana Cassandra and Alfredo Cristiano. “They are more than precious,” he enthused, adding, “They are my strength, my inspiration and my core.”
This already half-year pandemic has allowed Vargas to delve deeper into the meaning of human existence. “When the freedom to go outside was put to a halt, and most of our daily routine and work were limited to our own homes, we were given a lot of time to think and observe. We made realizations about what truly matters to us when survival is threatened.”
Vargas knows that good health, mental resilience, psychological soundness, and spiritual strength are all essential during these times. “I started to focus on my health and decided to try intermittent fasting. I eat healthy. I try to set aside worry and fear. I workout regularly knowing that a healthy mind can only coexist with a healthy body. The disciplines involved can be challenging but I just had to push myself to reach my goals.” To date, Vargas has lost more than 20 kilos of weight, and turned unwanted fats into muscles. He and his family also pray a lot. “We really have to keep the faith alive.”
That same faith kept Vargas going a few months ago when he was bashed because he followed his inner voice and decided to inhibit himself from a controversial process in the Lower House. He stood by his decision, and never retaliated even if the punches were thrown so low at him. He simply followed his heart and he continues to do his job the best way he knows how.
His acting career has also taken a back seat for now. Tagpuan, the comeback film of Vargas directed by Mac Alejandre from a Ricky Lee script, was supposed to part of the Metro Manila Summer Festival but the entire event was scrapped because of the pandemic. “Everything happens or does not happen for a reason. Resumption of movie screenings can wait because public health is of utmost importance at this time,“he told us.
His role as a public servant during these trying times seems like a 24/7 on-call kind of job. “There are so many issues to tackle. There are so many concerns to address. There are so many lives to protect. The general welfare of our constituents and people in general is threatened, and public health is in danger.”
He has also reached out quietly to many of his friends in and out of show business and politics. “We do not know how others are coping. Sometimes the helping hand we offer is the only one that has reached out to them. We should always, always check on our friends and families, especially those who are just within reach.”
Alfredo Vargas III will turn 39 next month and he told us that he continues to learn about life, politics and people, including himself. “The learnings and discoveries go on. I believe that we all have a moral responsibility to be kind, respectful and true to ourselves and to others.”
Effective altruism is an important quality in our leaders. It is essential because it combines both the head and the heart. Alfred Vargas is altruistic to the core. n