Right after the earthquake struck, our program think of ways to help our fellow Cebuanos who were affected by the disaster. We wanted to reach out to those who were struggling, especially those in remote areas who had not yet received enough assistance. One of the ideas our department came up with was to organize a fundraising activity to collect donations and provide relief goods for the affected psychology students and other victims, particularly the elderly who needed support the most. It was inspiring to see how everyone united for a single cause, showing that compassion and teamwork can truly make a difference.
From donating financial assistance to repacking goods and distributing them to those who truly needed help, the whole experience was deeply fulfilling. It felt rewarding to know that every small effort counted and that we were able to ease even a small part of someone’s burden. It warmed my heart to be surrounded by people in the same field who were compassionate, selfless, and always willing to extend a helping hand without hesitation. In that moment, I realized that kindness does not have to be grand; it only needs to be genuine.
Through this experience, I came to understand that humanity is a natural trait for some people. Being selfless does not mean being weak, it shows the strength of a person’s heart and the ability to connect with others through kindness and empathy. Seeing people smile and express genuine happiness, even with the simplest things we could offer, truly touched my heart. The essence of helping is truly not measured by how much we give, but by how much love and sincerity we put into it.
The spirit of bayanihan is also something that defines us Filipinos. It is a strong and beautiful trait that shows how united and compassionate we are as a community. No matter how tough times may get, we always find ways to help and support one another. This sense of unity is something that continues to inspire me to give back in any way I can.
Another meaningful thing our department did after the earthquake was to assist in a PFA session, which stands for Psychological First Aid, in partnership with Mercy Malaysia. It was an enjoyable and heartwarming experience, especially because we were able to spend time with the children and help them in their healing process. The activity not only allowed us to provide emotional support to the kids but also gave us a deeper sense of purpose as future psychology professionals.
Mercy Malaysia for me is an excellent training ground for psychology students like us. The experience taught us the importance of empathy, patience, and self-awareness. What stood out to me the most was the reminder that as facilitators, we also need to take care of ourselves first. Some of us had not even eaten breakfast that day, yet we continued to focus on helping others. The team from Mercy Malaysia was incredibly welcoming and kind, treating us not as guests from another country but as partners in a shared mission. Their sincerity and dedication to serving the children were truly admirable.
As for the kids, I realized that having nieces and cousins really helped me connect with them. I learned that patience and understanding are key when working with children, especially those who have gone through difficult experiences. Before asking them to draw or share their thoughts, I took time to build rapport with them, to make them feel comfortable and safe. It was heartwarming to see their smiles and hear their laughter despite the trauma they had endured. Even though our time together was short due to some unexpected circumstances, I felt grateful to have shared that meaningful moment with them.
What deeply moved me was realizing how much these children have suffered far more than we could ever imagine. The trauma they experienced because of the earthquake is something that truly touched me. They are still so young yet I know this experience will stay with them. They might have smiled and enjoyed our activities but I could sense that the memories of that terrifying night will continue to replay in their minds every time the aftershocks strike.
As much as I wanted to comfort them I had to show strength because in our field we are taught not to express too much empathy as it might make them feel our fear or weakness. Still it haunts me to know the weight of being in this profession where you must hide your emotions even when your heart aches for those you want to help.
Despite that challenge I have come to understand that sometimes showing strength in silence is also a form of care. Even if we cannot always express our emotions openly our presence alone can bring comfort and assurance to those who are hurting. Being in the field of psychology is not just about giving advice but also about creating a safe space where others can feel seen and understood. Though it can be emotionally heavy, it is also a privilege to be part of someone’s healing journey and to know that in small ways we help them find courage to move forward.
This entire experience taught me that volunteering is not just about giving time and effort, but also about growing as a person. It taught me the value of compassion, teamwork, and humility. Helping others allows us to understand life in a deeper way, to appreciate what we have, and to realize that our actions, no matter how small, can bring comfort and hope to others.
Even though the aftershocks of the earthquake are still ongoing, the strength and unity of the people continue to stand firm. Each tremor serves as a reminder of what we have endured, yet it also highlights how resilient we are as a community. Despite the fear and uncertainty, people still choose to care, to help, and to hope. The continuous aftershocks may shake the ground beneath us, but they cannot shake our spirit. Through every act of kindness, every shared meal, and every smile exchanged, we prove that compassion is stronger than any disaster, and that together, we can rise above anything that comes our way.