Small but Significant: Redefining Volunteerism for a #HealthierPH

I know it’s still a few months away but this early, I’m already giddy with excitement about seeing the first part of Hunger Games: Mokingjay. I saw its trailer again last weekend when I was in the cinemas to see Lupin III, and that brief moment when I saw Julianne Moore as President Alma Coin was already enough for me to raise my anticipation several more notches higher.

The Hunger Games: Mokingjay Part 1 Trailer

One of the most iconic moments that I remember from the film was when Jennifer Lawrence’ character, Katniss Everdeen, volunteered to be their district’s tribute to the Hunger Games, as a replacement for her sister. It was a moment worthy of slow-mo, and one that went to the annals of internet sensation and meme-dom. As she screamed “I volunteer as tribute!” you know what selflessness and sacrifice is all about.

It may be not as dramatic as what Katniss did to save her sister, but I have also done some volunteering in the past. I remember being a Red Cross volunteer back in high school, and I also recall the time when I volunteered to help pack the relief goods for those who were devastated by the typhoon Ondoy. Yep, it’s not as dramatic as Katniss volunteering as tribute, but I believe it’s just as honorable.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice your life like what Katniss did to be able to reach out and help those who are in need. Even small acts make significant impacts. Volunteerism is comprised of little actions done as one, to make an impact on a greater scale. There are many avenues available right now that let us volunteer and contribute in our own small ways. A good example would be the #healthierPH Volunteer Portal of Unilab Foundation.

I was able to learn more about the #healthierPH portal when I attended Unilab’s blogger night last week. It’s volunteerism gone digital! It breaks the notion that volunteer work always means physical work; requires physical presence; or needs financial investments.

Unilab Foundation Executive Director Rhodora Palomar-Fresnedi shares with us what it takes to build a #HealthierPH

Met other awesome bloggers like Cher of StyleByCher, Aubrey of Reigning Still, and Annie of OhMyBuhay

Through the portal, anybody can be empowered and become a volunteer – whether you’re a student, a yuppie, an OFW, or even a senior citizen! By sharing time, talent, resources, or simply by helping spread the word about Unilab Foundation’s advocacies, you can help in building a healthier Philippines.

Since I don’t think I’d get the chance to volunteer in a Hunger Game anytime soon, I signed up at the portal to contribute in whatever way I can. Volunteering in the portal was fun because it’s done in the form of a game. You can earn points, get rewards, and level-up your ranking. You can also create your own “Voluntar”! Check out mine below.

I also checked out the #HealthIsHappening contest that that Unilab is running within the portal. It encourages you to make a habit out of a healthy activity (it can be as simple as jogging or drinking lemon water), by asking you to commit to doing that particular activity for at least 21 days. I’m working on my fitness right now so why not, right? Plus they’re awarding the winner a brand new iPhone 5S so this should be pretty neat!

Some of the advocacies being supported by the #HealthierPH Portal

Every noble act, no matter how small, still makes an impact on a bigger scale. Just like how Katniss Everdeen's small act of eating those deadly Nightlock berries became a spark that fed the fire of the revolution, your small contributions can still create significant changes to the nation as a whole.

You can visit the portal here,