28/05/2023
Kuya Keannu Pagatpatan Macawile! ๐๐๐๐
The world may have selfish people but still, there are individuals who give strong example of selflessness and compassion, just like 22-year-old Keannu Macawile, who lives in Brgy. Surok, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. As a graduating student at Leyte Normal University, Keannu has dedicated himself to making a difference in his community through his unwavering commitment to volunteerism and his involvement with the Surok Youth Catechist Organization (SYCO).
Keannu's journey with SYCO began in 2014, when he became a member of the organization. Motivated by his curiosity and captivated by the happenings in his community, whether at school, church, or the barangay, he eagerly joined events, immersing himself in social activities. Growing up, Keannu was exposed to a culturally and socially vibrant environment, living near the school, church, and plaza. This reasons, together with the influence of his siblings and cousins, whom he looked up to, drew him towards SYCO.
Recalling his early experiences as a participant in Flores de Mayo, an annual event celebrating the Virgin Mary in the Philippines, Keannu witnessed the close-knit bonds formed among the youths of Surok, locally known as Katikesta, during this month-long celebration. Amazed by their unity, he eagerly awaited his turn to join the organization, which he considered a dream come true. Once he completed his journey as a Flores de Mayo participant, he embraced SYCO wholeheartedly, recognizing it as an opportunity to develop stronger connections within his community.
SYCO, a church-based group, primarily focuses on teaching children the fundamentals of the church during Flores de Mayo while nurturing their spiritual growth throughout the year. With the responsibility of ensuring the success of the month-long celebration, SYCO members tirelessly engage in various fundraising activities, such as discos, selling goods, and participating in contests. The funds raised not only sustain the activities of Flores de Mayo but also contribute to the church's needs and establish a preparatory fund for the following year.
As time progressed, SYCO's mission expanded beyond its original scope. The organization recognized the presence of underprivileged children within the community and began incorporating initiatives such as gift-giving during the Christmas season and weekend tutorials. However, when the pandemic hit, Keannu and his fellow SYCO members faced new challenges. Yet, they seized the opportunity to adapt and launched the "At the Heart of Learning" tutorial program, which Keannu co-authored. Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic, they managed to provide academic support to children in their community. The Positive Youth Development Network acknowledged their efforts by granting funding to their program, recognizing SYCO as one of the top 20 online project expo qualifiers among youth projects nationwide in the search for Outstanding Young House Heroes.
Looking ahead, Keannu envisions a future where the missions they have initiated within SYCO continue to thrive. Their unwavering commitment to caring for the children of Surok remains a guiding principle. Throughout the generations, the organization embodies the sentiment shared by the popular Filipino TV show Eat Bulaga, which states that as long as there are children, the spirit of SYCO and volunteerism will endure.
To Keannu, being a volunteer means wholeheartedly participating in the welfare of others, particularly those who are less fortunate, without dwelling on personal hardships. He believes that shifting focus to oneself and harboring self-pity erodes the essence of volunteerism. True volunteerism requires giving everything wholeheartedly, regardless of the time one has available. It entails working for the betterment of the community rather than seeking personal gain.
Keannu's passion for volunteerism is rooted in the joy he experiences when witnessing the growth and learning of children. Growing up in a family of educators, he developed a natural inclination for imparting knowledge and finds great satisfaction in assisting those in need. He firmly believes that true happiness lies in selflessly helping others and that God always rewards those who give with a cheerful heart.
As Keannu's journey of volunteerism continues to unfold, his impact on the community serves as a reminder of the profound difference one individual can make. Through his tireless dedication to SYCO and his unwavering commitment to serving others, Keannu showed the transformative power of volunteerism and inspires us all to find fulfillment in giving back to our communities.
