Filipino volunteers highlighted in two new documentaries
01/01/2009 16:33:00
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) Federation, the world’s leading independent international development organization that works through volunteers is celebrating 50 years of fighting poverty in developing countries. VSO Bahaginan, a committed member of the VSO Federation, highlighted the occasion by presenting two documentary films—Panudlak and RV Diaries, that both formed part of the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival.
The film, Panudlak is a documentary on Filipino volunteerism in Cambodia through the experiences of Manuel Reyes, an organization and project management adviser, and Debbie Satentes, an education adviser. Volunteerism in this documentary was associated to the process of planting, with the use of dramatic metaphor in the practice of “panudlak”, a Hiligaynon term for beliefs and rituals in anticipation of a good harvest.
When Manuel saw the murky brown waters of a river in Cambodia, he resolved to forget about his homesickness and instead focus on helping the underprivileged improve their living conditions through the various projects he spearheaded. Meanwhile, Sally found her strength by saving many lives as a municipal health officer. She championed the cause of good health by taking good care of the locals and keeping them well-informed about various diseases.
Reyes and Satentes expressed fulfillment after their volunteer experience. “I feel brilliant! My accomplishments in Cambodia stood out as opposed to when I was back home in the Philippines where everyone else is good and my accomplishments are just as good as everyone else’s,” Reyes said.
On the other hand, Satentes said, “I thought I will feel isolated and I won’t be able to mingle with them but I was able to learn their language and was able to mingle with them.”
While the first film talked about the fulfillment of being a volunteer abroad, the second film, RV Diaries, revolved around the stories of return volunteers. Sally, James, Ging, Bong, Norie, and Allan proved that volunteerism can be more rewarding than high-paying jobs abroad by taking the chance to be a volunteer once again whenever they are given the opportunity.
As depicted in the two films, Filipino professionals view volunteerism as a way to gain skills and experience, but more importantly, to uplift the morale of others and of one’s self. Non-government organizations like VSO Bahaginan help individuals fulfill their desire to serve others and reap the rewards of volunteerism by preparing a clear objective and program for them so that their skills are fully utilized and that they perform according to their area of expertise.
Volunteerism develops social consciousness in an individual. It makes him an integral part of the community by participating actively in what may seem like small initiatives that however, create a big and lasting impact altogether. Indeed, the two films became a medium for others to consider becoming a volunteer and make a parallel and long-term commitment beyond the widescreen.
