World Vision honors its humanitarian heroes

MANILA, Philippines – World Vision, an international non-profit humanitarian organization, honored 8 humanitarian heroes from among its ranks for their dedication and sacrifice on Monday, October 20. The highest honor went to one of its Mindanao-based program officers.

Frank Salindato, WVP program officer in Agusan del Sur, was given the award for his “selfless motivation” to serve the communities in Mindanao. He has been involved in the relief and rehabilitation of various communities affected by natural calamities such as Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) in 2012, Typhoon Megi (Juan) in 2010, and Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013. 

One of his greatest achievement, according to WVP, was the creation of a Floating Evacuation Center for a tribal community in Agusan del Sur.

Salindato, who was unable to attend the awarding ceremonies because he was on assignment, thanked his colleagues for the recognition. 

‘We need heroes’

WVP executive director Josaias dela Cruz said the award is meant to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism. It is also aimed to inspire WVP’s development workers to continue helping their communities. 

“We are blessed to have these good women and men in our midst. In World Vision, we are all even more blessed just to be in the humanitarian mission ourselves. We are blessed to be witnesses to the goodness of humanity in our line of work every day,” dela Cruz added. 

With conflict growing in different parts of the world and natural disasters becoming even more devastating, Dela Cruz said more humanitarians are needed.

“The world needs more heroes, self-less, dedicated, passionate workers who put themselves in the forefront of service and even in the face of danger.”

He added: “More than offering the basic survival needs, humanitarians give what survivors need the most – to know that someone cares about them. Today is a fitting recognition to the people who faced danger and adversity in order to help others.”

The following were the other finalists for the award:

• Aaron Aspi (National Communication Specialist, National Office)
• Cesar Bautista (Economic Development Specialist, Luzon Office)
• Ana Liza Pasacao (Program Officer, Visayas Field Office)
• Joy Maluyo (Development Communications Specialist, National Office)
• Reynor Imperial (Humanitarian Response Officer, Typhoon Haiyan)
• Gloria Cabacungan (Senior Auditor, National Office)
• Arlo Ramos (Health and Nutrition Specialist, Mindanao Office)

‘More work to be done’

Despite being at the center of attention, all the nominees were quick to give credit to others who inspired them to carry on. Nomineee Joy Maluyo said being able to do humanitarian work is in itself a reward. 

“For so long, before working in World Vision, I’ve been struggling to choose what career I should pursue. It’s here in humanitarian work where my dreams and convictions met. With my exposure in the field, I feel in my heart that this is it,” she said.

Maluyo has worked as a communications specialist in Yolanda-hit areas. She has written stories about World Vision’s efforts help survivors regain a sense of normalcy and hope. 

“For someone to believe in you is really uplifting. It encourages you to do more not for that person or for the organization but for what you were called to do – humanitarian work,” said Maluyo. “I will keep writing.” 

The Humanitarian Hero award was open to World Vision staff who displayed exemplary dedication to humanitarian work. The finalists were nominated by their co-workers and were judged based the impact of their work and their personal stories. – Rappler.com

World Vision is a partner of Rappler’s Project Agos.