When I received a letter
from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) informing me that I passed the
agency’s scholarship examination, I realized that I was about to use taxpayers’
money for my education and should pay afterwards.
Years after, I found myself
working with an IT company that is very willing to improve the educational
system of the country. It delights my heart to be part of the Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) team coordinating with my own folks to bring hope to
Filipino youth.
Since 2011, I have been
working as a Public Relations staff of Rossking Pty. Ltd., the Philippine
headquarter of New Media Services. The Australian company delivers online
moderation services, customer support services, web design and development, business
platforms and web content production services to a good number of companies
across the globe.
After finishing college
with the help of people’s taxes, I always think of doing efforts to repay my
debts. Being part of the company’s CRS team is the answer.
In 2012, we hosted a
three-day football clinic to out of school youths who are attending an
Alternative Learning System program in La Trinidad, Benguet. Since I can speak in
Ilocano and Kankanaey, I was able to interact with the beneficiaries.
I spoke to the
beneficiaries and heard their stories. There was this guy who told me that his
father died early so he had to work for his family.
I felt I was very lucky
that both of my parents are alive and I do not have to suffer what he is
experiencing. I was very thankful that I passed the scholarship examination.
Until now, Rossking Pty.
Ltd. is paying a football coach to teach these out of school youths to play
football and apply sports lessons in their lives.
Months after, we started a
five-year plan with Special Education (SPED) Center Baguio to upgrade the
learning condition of deaf kids in the school.
In fact, Martin Eyking, the
soft-hearted owner of New Media Services, has a child who belongs to the deaf community
in Australia. He always becomes emotional when we talk about his son.
For how many times, I have
been tasked to coordinate with the department of the deaf kids. And every time
I go there, I learn new things and deepen my ties with them.
There must be communication
barriers but I can feel the joy in their hearts every time we appear and
announce good news to them. Their teachers act as our sign language
interpreters for them.
At first, Rossking Pty.
Ltd. donated free website, Wi-Fi connection and some Christmas treats. When the
previous school year ended, we renovated three classrooms then installed
lighting fixtures, shelves and some customized materials for deaf learners.
Every time I step inside
their classrooms, I always realize how grateful I am for having a complete
body. I learn to appreciate my two eyes, two hands and my ability to think
normally.
What I love about the CSR
of Rossking Pty. Ltd. is that it involves its employees. All of us in the
company may join the campaign freely in the field if we wish to.
For the record, I never
missed any CSR activity. During the football clinic, I was in my football
attire interacting with the children (some of them are even older than I am).
When the renovation of three classrooms at SPED Center Baguio started, I joined
other employees using construction tools to remove the flooring of one of the
rooms.
I strengthened my
relationship with my workmates who showed the other side of them while
interacting with the underprivileged kids. Until now, the biggest surprise for
me is to know that one of our workmates finished her studies through an ALS
program because she fell in love early.
CSR may be a tool for PR.
But on top of that, it is one of the best instruments to let your employees
appreciate what they have.
Author Bio:
Christian Lizardo Aligo
Christian Lizardo Aligo is
a Public Relations practitioner working for Rossking Pty Ltd, the Philippine
headquarter of IT firm New Media Services. Born and raised in Sagada, Mountain
Province, he is a proud Igorot who considers himself an essentialist brain,
moderate activist, a corporate slave and a classical music fan.
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