The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams but in active charity and in willing service.” – Henry Longfellow
Serving others never crossed her mind especially doing it for free because her own family is also struggling financially. Thus, at first, she was hesitant to be a volunteer Barangay Nutrition Scholar. Giving service and helping others are not her priorities in life as she was already juggling too many things being a mother and a father to her children. Her husband is working as a jeepney driver at La Trinidad which is three hours away from their home.
She only see her purpose in life as someone who does the endless household chores, who guides and takes good care of her children. Moreover, considering the long distances needed to hike to do the required work of being a BNS was an absurd and impractical thing.
With a sudden change of heart, in 2007, her bittersweet journey as a volunteer Barangay Nutrition Scholar started. As she felt the need of her barangay for a BNS, she accepted the duty.
It was a rough start, the long hours of hiking, the length of doing the OPT and the struggling children afraid to be weighed which made her job more exhausting that she wanted to give up.
Nevertheless, when she encountered malnourished children in the barangay, she didn’t have the heart to quit! Her heart was torn into pieces the moment she laid her eyes on their skinny and bony bodies. Right there, she knew that those little angels needed her help.
She found a deeper purpose of her life in serving these children who are our future hope.
She started learning every little thing she needed to know, to do and even researched on ways how to guide the parents and guardians of the malnourished children. She found the tasks tedious and very difficult but was inspired by parents who were very eager to learn and who were really determined to do everything for the sake of their children.
At times, she was disheartened by the parents who, according to them, don’t have time to watch over their children. Some even will just leave their young children without adult supervision because they needed to work in their farms. It is very sad to see children who supposedly are playing or studying in school instead of taking the responsibility of taking good care of their younger siblings. Nevertheless, she may not be able to help everyone but she knew that she can be of service in doing their job properly.
Moreover, she also believe in equipping herself with skills and knowledge despite not having a degree. Thus, she joined free seminars offered by the municipality, province and region. She grabbed every opportunity and helped in Barangay activities to serve their fellow kabarangays. She gained confidence in communicating and reaching out to different organizations and NGOs in organizing fund raising activities or any activity that can augment the nutrition programs of the malnourished children in their community.
Eleven years ago, Divina was a hesitant volunteer Barangay Nutrition Scholar. Eleven years ago, she found her purpose of living. She may not be paid with high salary but the smiles of every child and assuring the good health of every child could tantamount to innumerable treasures here on earth.
Her eleven years of being a volunteer Barangay Nutrition Scholar was indeed a bittersweet journey but it was also an experience that shaped her to become a better mother, community member, and a service-oriented creation of God. She may not be a hero and does not posses any super powers but has the big heart of serving the community to the best of her abilities. She is Divina Guilanda, a proud Barangay Nutrition Scholar of Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet.
(A Sucess Story of BNS Divina Guilanda of Barangay Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet)
