22/05/2026
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๐๐๐๐: Proponents of Project First Aid Call for Stronger Support for Student Volunteers
The Federation of Supreme Student Council successfully concluded the final leg of PROJECT FIRST AID through the distribution of first aid and emergency response items at the Evacuation Center, CBSUA-Pili Main Campus. The activity was attended by representatives from three volunteer organizations: the CBSUA-Pili College Red Cross Youth Council, Gryphon Fire Volunteer and Rescue CBSUA-Pili, and the CBSUA Disaster Response and Recovery Operation Unit.
In his welcoming remarks, VPSA Villegas and Project Co-Chairperson emphasized the vital role of volunteer organizations and the spirit of volunteerism within the university and the wider community. He clarified that the resources utilized for the project came directly from the studentsโ semesterly contributions to the FSSC fund. He stressed that no officer should personally take credit for the initiative, as serving the student body and implementing projects that directly benefit the constituents remain fundamental responsibilities of student leaders.
As he stated:
โIyong perang ginamit para sa PROJECT FIRST AID ay โdi dapat ipagpasalamat sa amin. Hindi namin ito pera kundi sa inyo, sa mga STATEANS. Kami ay naging instrumento lamang na lumaban para maisakatuparan ito, dahil โdi lang mga volunteers ang makikinabang kundi pati ang mga estudyanteng matutulungan nโyo.โ
Drawing from their own experiences as volunteers, the organizers also highlighted the continuing struggles faced by student volunteers. It was emphasized that volunteers often remain a minority in institutional policies and projects and are rarely prioritized as beneficiaries of university initiatives. One volunteer shared that this was the first time they had received items and support specifically intended for volunteers from the FSSCโand only now, nearing graduation.
Meanwhile, Sen. Arenillo, the Overall Chairperson, reiterated that this initiative should not be the first and last effort of its kind, but rather the beginning of sustained support for all student volunteers in the university. She further emphasized that without supporting volunteers, there would be no one prepared to provide emergency response, first aid, and disaster assistance to the community during times of crisis.
Although they are continuously being tapped for university and community activities, volunteers remain underfunded and underappreciated, with limited institutional mechanisms to safeguard their welfare, safety, and operational readiness during disasters and emergencies.
Despite these challenges, the volunteer organizations vowed to continue extending their service and support to the students of the CBSUA community and remain committed to helping those in need.
