Jerome M. Dayao - Philippine Center for Investigative...
Transcript of Jerome M. Dayao - Philippine Center for Investigative...
Jerome M. Dayao
Outstanding Achievements
1. Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2. Best In Nursing Clinical Area
Nursing Aptitude Exam Score 96%
3. Ten Outstanding Student Journalists of Luzon
Editor – In – Chief, Genre, Official Central Student Publication of WUP
4. Ten Outstanding Students of The Philippines – Region III
5. Team Captain – Best Debating Team/ Champion Debate
31st YMCA National Congress of College Students
A.
Community service is a vital element of community development. A person does not need to be an extraordinary individual in order that he may contribute to the betterment of a community in terms of service to the society which is the ultimate destination of all efforts to improve the community.
I consider community service as an interpersonal task rather than on a personal basis or an affiliation. Community service is not merely leading people towards change, but having to influence people to seek, charter and pave new roads for change by themselves; community service is fostering independence of people—independence in terms that they may, by the use of their personal goals and thirst for change and development would initiate it for themselves.
Community service is not directing people but instead facilitating the ignition of an undying fire of fervor towards societal improvement by the people who they themselves are direct recipients of change.
B.
I do believe that it is imperative that all youth should answer back to the call of our fatherland towards nation building.
Quoting our National Hero Dr. J. Rizal “the youth is the hope of the fatherland”. Cognizant to his declaration, I deem that if the youth will remain apathetic and will not stand up to things that they hold as to be true, our country has signed a one way ticket to the underworld.
Responding to the call of our nation need not to be regaled in ways and means that would make it hard to believe and impossible to do. In the simple acts of social responsibility and being a conscientious student in one way or the other, affect and contribute something to national development. Our nation already is burdened with many problems and liabilities; many people in our society today are nothing but obstacles to national development, hence if we are to be mature enough to take care of ourselves and responsible enough to be “real” citizens of our country a resonant answer to our nation’s call will be heard—and the hope that Rizal talked about is never gone.
C.
To be able to influence other people by being exemplary is a huge contribution. By influence people can have awareness and awareness is the prime motivation for change. That I deem is the significance of being outstanding: being able to plant awareness that will fruit to change and development.
D.
Hackneyed as it may sound, but it was really time management that kept my collegiate life boat afloat.
During my fourth year I was bombarded with multiple tasks to be accomplished; the central paper which I was the EIC, the Nursing Students Organization where I was the chief executive and vying for Magna Cum Laude seemed to be insurmountable, but I was able to handle it with the help of many people who stood behind me who have supported me. In addition, proper balance between rest and work also kept me alive. I deem that it is very important that in order to succeed we must not just be mentally equipped but physically prepared as well for health is a multifactorial phenomenon.
E.
Basically my parents were my greatest influences. I grew up in a family where love and care were given unconditionally.
My parents have given me roots and wings; roots so that I may know how I should stand on matters of conflict regarding the atrocious high end life of today. My parents have given me wings so that in reason I may fly and soar the highest of the skies and follow my dreams. My parents are like sparkling waters flowing from the streams that constantly quench my thirst regarding life and decision making. My parents are my constant companion, a reliable map that shows me the direction that I should charter in life so that I may never be lost in the bewildering jungle of today’s complexities. Ultimately, I am who I am today because of my parents, I am here where I wanted to be a tree ready to bear fruits; a crop planted and grown by love, caring and understanding.
F.
My life or any life here on this planet would be empty if principles and values are lost in our individuality. Our values define our personality; they are key markers of telling what a person we are and will become. I personally consider my values as a compass that will make
it impossible for me to get strayed in this maze we are all trying to construe – life.
We might not be faced with the obstacles that men of courage and values like Dr. Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio have had to endure; but there would be times where the courageous path would be the best. There would be times where we should speak up when the faint hearted would not and others afraid of the consequences to themselves will not act at all. There would be times where we have to speak up and shout in order that the truth be unveiled. There would be times where our own personal values would be put into test; times where we have to choose between good and bad, and genuine and counterfeit. These things wouldn’t be hard if we are properly armed with profound values of self control. For the ultimate measure of dignity derived from deep sense of personal belief is that if we are able to prefer the good from the bad, and the genuine from the counterfeit. Our society needs people who cannot be bought, people who value personal dignity rather than comfort. For if these things are to be, our society, and ultimately our country will benefit from the traits inherently present to all us all – our personal values that we hold and believe in. Holding on to my values is like breathing air, the moment I stop breathing is the moment that I begin to die. Living without values is not living at all.
Fritzie Anne S. Jimenez
AWARDS:
Summa Cum Laude St. Louise de Marillac Awardee Outsatnding Student Leader of the Year (SY 20042005; SY 20052006) National Youth President Children of MaryVincentian Marian Youth (2004 to
present) President, Student Central Board (SY 20042005; SY 20052006)
Community Service is a Christian and a humanitarian way of touching the lives of the people that I had interacted, served and lived with. It means going out of my way to reach out to the poor by sharing my talents and skills in the actual situation to help them find ways and means to bring healing and integral development. It is a concrete call of serving Christ in the persons of the poor and a challenge to proclaim God’s kingdom through compassionate service and selfless act of charity. It is helping our countrymen in times of crisis or simply being with them and allowing them to ventilate their concerns in the situations they are facing. It is volunteering to participate in the different projects and activities for the betterment of the community. It is also living as a good citizen, to be a role model.
My response to the call and challenge of nation building is embedded in the following actions I have taken:
a. I have given my support and actively participated in the outreach programs of our school, parish and nearby barangays of our school through home visitations, visiting the elderly and the sick, giving catechisms to the children, sharing my talents, nursing the sick and by being generous to the poor as my way of showing compassionate service to the less privileged members of our nation.
b. I have tried living simply as my way of being in solidarity with the poor which at times would mean giving up the comforts of my home.
c. I have initiated leadership activities inside and outside the school and involved myself in formation programs for student leaders, for us to be empowered, credible and committed in service. To help develop excellent and outstanding leaders who can also help build the nation.
d. I have participated in the different fora, conventions and other activities that helped me become more aware and vigilant of the issues and problems affecting our country today; as well as informing my fellow students of the issues concerning our nation through responsible journalism in writing our school paper.
e. I served with compassion for the sick and elderly in the different barangay, communities and hospitals where I had been assigned.
f. I have committed myself to serve my country first long before my Graduation, by being a
volunteer nurse at Hospicio de San Jose, a social service institution that provided a home for the orphans, abandoned babies and children, elderly, handicapped and those with special needs.
The significance of excellence and being outstanding in today’s society is to help build and heal our nation. As a developing country, we need the expertise of excellent and outstanding human resources. It can inspire and empower people to commit for the best and to dedicate themselves to higher ideals and aspirations. It can lead to personal and social transformation, reforms and economic progress. These can help our society to respond to the demands of our generation and to be globally competitive.
I was able to lead a balanced life as a student by setting my priorities right and clear. Everyday, I pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and enlightenment. With proper motivation and good planning, I was able to manage and balance my time in academics, extra curricular and cocurricular activities. I made it sure that I also have time for my family, friends, for relaxation and prayer. With proper delegation of duties and responsibilities, team work and collaboration with my fellow student leaders the tasks assigned were accomplished more than what were expected. When I experienced stress and conflicts, I paused, breathed and rerouted my plans and actions. The trust and support of my parents gave me more freedom to explore my creativity and maximize my time to be at my best. Surrendering to God everything that I do and all my plans gave me peace and security in leading a balanced life.
My strong belief and conviction in God that He created me with a sense of purpose and mission motivated me to be where I am now. To fulfill God’s plan, is giving my best for His greater honor and glory. Another factor that motivated me is the unconditional love, support, encouragement and time of my parents and friends. They have inspired and challenged me to go an extra mile in order to reach my goals. My commitment to excellence, my passion to serve, to give hope and to make a difference in the lives of others and in the world are my dependable fuels to be able to maximize my potentials.
The people that played a major role in contributing to my values and principles are my parents, whose Vincentian values and visible acts of love nurtured me to become a good and loving person equipped with Vincentian values. My personal encounters also with the Daughters of Charity and the Vincentian Fathers, whose love and compassionate service to the poor molded me to respond to God’s love by serving our less fortunate sisters and brothers. My fellow Vincentian Student Leaders who collaborated with me as a team and showed me the value of persons, relationship and labor. My Mentors who taught me through their examples the value of Servant Leadership and who encouraged me to achieve academic excellence and harness my talents. The poor, the needy and the sick whom I served showed me the various ways to be a cup of grace to the many thirsts of humankind.
I continue to live and believe in my values because these values have led me to goodness and made me closer to God and the poor. I am convinced that these Christian values have led me to make good decisions and foster good intentions toward others. My values gave me all hope and reason to believe that man is basically good. These values helped me form a good conscience that served as my constant sentinel in life and my shield against the evil forces that hinder our progress.
These are very significant especially nowadays because our society needs to be healed. Different political issues, ideals and convictions threaten our society. Excellence alone cannot solve the problems of our society. My Vincentian values help me decide in accordance with my conscience to do what is right and good. My thoughts, words and deeds will always be in conformity with the norms and mores of the society because I fear and love God. As my contribution to society, I chose to work first in my country though there are job opportunities offered to me, I preferred to work as a nurse in Hospicio de San Jose and I can empower other people by radiating to them the values I live.
Micaella Ruth P. Kwan
Outstanding Achievements
(Outstanding or) Model Youth Leader (Pentecostal Church of God Asian Missions Incorporated)
A yala Young Leader (Ayala Foundation Incorporated)
S umma Cum Laude
C linical Excellence in Nursing
B est in Community Health Nursing
1. What to you is the meaning of community service?
I have long veered away from the traditional way of helping people by dole out. As I mature, I realized that COMMUNITY SERVICE is working with people and not for people. I firmly believe that via community service, we are able to empower and develop the full potentials of the people we work with.
Community Service for me is a form of work partnership with the people we long to serve, thereby teaching them how to “catch fish”, to put an end to the socalled dependency malady that may possibly grow into the dreaded disease and ill effects of parasitism. Teamwork is the very foundation of this principle. Our existence is largely dependent on one another. Life may at times be difficult if we do not learn to reach out to others.
Hence, community service is teamwork in principle and in action. If you give more, you get its equivalent. Your input becomes your output. We have to activate and support those young people who show potentials for leadership so that we will be able to leave a living legacy which could be handed down from generation to generation.
2. How have you responded to the call and challenges of nation building?
In behalf of my generation and those generations of Filipinos to follow, I say with all candor and humility that the time for selfexamination has long been overdue. There is an urgent need for a moral recovery program because our nation is sick and afflicted with interlocking diseases of poverty, passivity, divisiveness, political instability, lack of discipline, the desire for instant selfgratification among others.
We are to be blamed for the weaknesses of our national character. There is a strong need to reexamine how society shapes our character. How Filipino children are brought up and what distortions in the process have been introduced. We have to be united as a people. We have to look at the same goals for “the goal is more important than the role”. What matters is that we achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.
We do not achieve anything if we continue to fight against each other and keep on rebelling. We cannot be forever blaming others for our misfortune. I want to believe that as a people,
we are truly capable of moral regeneration. I for one, have a vision. I have exemplified how to submit to authorities. I have committed myself to submit to the people placed by God over me. I have tried my best to be a good steward of the things our Maker has so lovingly provided me by being an exemplary student.
I believe I can help in my own little way educate our people to the heart of education. For after all, the heart of education is the education of the heart. This is my sublime response to the call and challenges of nation building.
3. What is the significance of excellence and being outstanding in today’s society?
I want to pursue excellence of mind and spirit. I believe that moral excellence is attainable by all who have the will to strive for it. We are aware that there is an intellectual or physical superiority which is above the reach of our wishes, and is granted only to a few.
In this vein, I want to respond to the call of God to do everything for His greater glory. I did not join this search merely to be recognized. More importantly, I wanted to show that a normal ordinary student who gives a little extra effort towards her responsibilities would make a difference. I commissioned myself to help effect change in whatever I do and do it now while there is still time to do so. I do believe that in each segment and level of our life we can make an impact. I want to model how to be a true Christian.
When I finally go into the field of work and find my place in what God wants me to be. I want to blossom, flower and develop into fruition my Godgiven capabilities into a productive, happy and Godfearing individual. I want to epitomize excellence of mind, heart and spirit making it possible for me to help effect change to lead a more fulfilling life even within my circle.
4. How were you able to lead a balanced life as a student?
First of all, I have set a high premium on myself. I wanted to be exceptional by God’s grace in the strength of my character. While there are a lot of men of reputation, there are only a few of character. It is my innermost desire to honor my heavenly Father and glorify Him in every endeavor I set my hands and feet into.
Basically, I was able to balance my life as a student simply because I set my priorities and I actualize time management for myself. I look at myself as a laser that it can break through glass by focusing light rays. I established a goal for myself, then focused on that goal that I may appreciate its lasting value. I am very careful with my activities because I know in the process, I influence others.
I make longterm goals as I am stuck to my priorities – to become a visionary leader for God. Even as a student, my priorities have always been: ministry to God and serving in the community church, my family, friends and school. As I am purposedriven, I truly live and not merely exist. I give myself a break for people in need. But most essential is the impact and influence I have on others. I am still short of God’s absolute standard, but I see to it there it is more of Him and less of me.
5. What motivated you to be where you are now? Who were the people and what were
their roles in contributing to the values and principles you live by today?
My dreams in life and the goal of fulfilling my purpose motivated me. I have this strong sense of conviction to keep me going despite hardships along the way. I have always trusted the Lord, who is my primary source of inspiration. I live to the hilt of every situation I believe is the will of God.
My family is my other source of inspiration. It’s so nice to go home to a home, where one’s mental, emotional and even physical needs are very well met. I always do my best because it makes my family happy.
My parents are the best I could ever have. They have sown edifying support, love, acceptance and security. Children learn what they live. My loving parents taught me how to love God and instilled in me the virtues and values I need to develop as I go through the complexities of life.
Who I am now is a product of my entire family’s love support and interaction. I also cannot disregard the kind and strict mentors I have had and of course, my friends and church people as I participate in society at large.
6. Why do you continue to live by the values you believe in? why are these very significant to your life visàvis your contribution to society?
The values I have been zeroing in are the values that more or less define me. For as long as these values stay with me, these will serve as the light in the midst of darkness, for these are the same values and virtues that will dictate and determine my future.
Physical attributes that would describe me are just fading adjectives. They come and go. I want to be described rather as truthful, honest and a woman of integrity. I believe I am a product of the twenty years of the values I have because I kept them in my life.
With the TOSP search, I could reach all my personal goals and become a raving success by the world’s standard, and yet remain deeply rooted by God’s standard and never miss His purposes for me.
Let me share a thought which I have lived by and which kept my focus on what I believed in: “Vision without action is just a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. But vision with action changes the world.”
I do not claim to be the perfect example to my peers, but I continually ask God to let His light shine through me. I hold on to this promise for what I cannot do, God can.
Prince Cassidy Real Villegas
BS Mathematical Sciences
Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP)
National Finalist
Outstanding Achievements
Magna Cum Laude Best in Mathematics, 2004 – 2006 (3 Consecutive Years) Best in Research Paper Leadership Award Academic Excellence, March 2006
A. What to you is the meaning of community service?
Making a difference in the lives of so many people and sharing your time and effort to effect change in the society is a great way to begin community service. Serving people is serving God. For me, community service is being able to serve your fellowmen selflessly and without expecting something in return. It is doing something that will be benefit many people. Community service is extending your wholehearted service to your community and the people in it. Moreover, it does not only end with that service which one has extended, it is most significantly leaving a lasting legacy to other people. As an old Chinese proverb goes “Give a man fish and he will live for a day; teach a man how to fish and he will live for a lifetime”. Community service is like this, the good deed you have done will remain in the hearts of those whom you have helped and by faith, it will inspire them to do the same for others. One good act will multiply and in due time, more people will reap the benefits of the seed of kindness which you have planted. Community service is a social capital. As what it quotes “ it is what a person does rather than what they get which makes them a citizen”.
B. How have you responded to the call and the challenges of nation building?
As a youth of our country today responding to the call and challenges of nation building is not easy for me. Nevertheless, I gave my best shot to it. Through my committed service and desire to help other people, I believe I have responded to the call and challenges of nation building in my own way.
As a citizen of this country, I am proud of my race and culture. And as a student leader, it is my responsibility to pursue and to engage in community services. Young leaders today are beginning to understand what is currently happening in our society today. As a leader, I see the need to go beyond what normally students do. I’ve been involved in many community services like the “No Child is Left Behind in Mathematics” which aims to help students from different barangays in Cagayan de Oro City to equip with mathematical skills and reduce their math anxiety. This is also done to assist and to help the government in its goal of providing quality education to poor but deserving students as part of its nationbuilding
program. Encouraged to pursue something different, I challenge myself and my team to get involved in volunteering services through the program “Education Behind Bars” at Tahanan Ng Kabataan and Boystown, both in Cagayan de Oro City. These programs help the less fortunate children who lack the love and care of their parents and who are under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD). We serve not for ourselves but for others. We do this because we believe that it is one way of building a new nation with courage, love and hope.
C. What is the significance of excellence and being outstanding in today’s society?
Today, we live in a very competitive world. All should be globally competitive. Competition which calls for excellence exists in our society today. Excellence and being outstanding in today’s society is a must and its significance lies in the reality that one must possess these qualities in order for him to survive. If an individual wants to have a real place in this world where he could be recognized and acknowledged, he should aim for excellence in all that he does and he not settle for mediocrity. Since the evolution of mankind, there has always been an environment of “survival of the fittest”. If you are weak you have slim chances of surviving in today’s society. Your work and endeavors would mean nothing if they are not good enough. To become a person of excellence and with outstanding achievements will take you a long way in a person’s career. And so with other aspects of one’s life as well.
D. How were you able to lead a balanced life as a student?
I have always believed that one of the keys to a balanced lifestyle is effective time management. As a student, I was able to lead a balanced life through effective time management and prayers. Balancing my life as a student was not an easy feat. Pressure from school works, the call to lead, the need to spend time with friends and family and for myself, and most importantly for God, have made them serve as my inspiration to fight harder, it gave me the courage to withstand all the rigors of my academic life as well as the other aspects of my life as a whole. More so, living up to the expectations of other people make it harder for me but in the end all my attempts to balance a seemingly cluttered schedule did not give me stress, instead gave me success.
All the things that I am doing are not for me, but I commit them all to God. I believe that without Him I am nothing. My determination and faith in Him have strengthened me to pursue excellence in my academics and scholarship, community services, and in all my ministries in life.
E. What motivated you to be where you are now? Who were the people and what were their roles in contributing to the values and principles you live in by today?
The will to fulfill my dreams and the strong achievement drive in me motivated me to be where I am now. It is not all the time that we are on top of everything and see our dreams fulfilled and all our ambitions realized. However, I believe that if one is just persistent and diligent enough, then the climb to the peak of accomplishment is not a tedious one. More than my inner motivations, I believe that my inspirations the people I love, my friends in PSALM, classmates and family, the people who believe in my capabilities and my God who give me all the wisdom, strengths and direction have helped me get where I am now. Finding your place in the world and fitting in that place is not easy, but I suppose from
where I am now, finding that niche for myself is not that hard anymore. There was a time in my life when I trusted my judgment that I was nobody and I won’t be able to get anywhere; but here I am now, just a few more steps and I’ll be able to realize yet another milestone.
F. Why do you continue to live by the values you believe in? Why are these very significant to your life visàvis your contribution to society?
In our lives we have values which we believe are good and are indispensable. I continue to live by the character of being optimistic, creative, determined, and peoplecentered, which have given me the gumption to withstand in all my endeavors in life. My commitment and faith to God has also strengthen me to continue to live a life of service to others. I believe that these values have contributed in molding me to become who and where I am right now. These values are significant part of my life because they serve as my guide in my day to day activities. I trust that these values that I have will take me far into my dreams and ambitions in life. Furthermore, these values are very important as I give myself wholeheartedly for service to my community and our society because it is through these that I am able to respond to the need that I personally witnessed and experienced.
Nanette Hope N. Sumaya
BS Agriculture – Major in Plant Pathology
University of Southern Mindanao
Kabacan, Cotabato
Honors/Awards Received:
2006 Most Outstanding Student of the University of Southern Mindanao
Magna Cum Laude
Manuel B. Villar Jr. Excellence Award
Bernardo M. Piñol Sr. Community Service Award
(Cotabato Province)
Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation Inc. (PARRFI) Scholarship Award
Question – a.) What to you is the meaning of community service?
Community service is a method of extending hands to the needy people to help them help themselves, link them to relevant agencies that could assist them. It entails sharing of resources – talents, skills, ideas, knowledge, time and energy to the community.
As an agriculturist, I perceive community service as an avenue wherein I and the collaborating persons & agencies could disseminate & promote new agricultural technologies, researches & innovations, to the clientele – the farmers. As they adopt the technology, they may as well propagate it among their fellow farmers so as to attain sustainable development on agriculture.
As a Filipino youth, I view community service as means of modeling servant leadership; a way of inspiring, motivating, influencing and challenging my fellow youth and countrymen to be agents of positive change, be shepherds of peace, and be advocates of progress.
Question – b.) How have you responded to the call and challenges of nation building?
The call for nation building is indeed urgent. And I responded to the challenge by organizing, conducting, and facilitating events that aimed to promote integration of Christians, Muslims and Lumads; endorse environmental protection; cultivate spirituality; resist drug addiction; and, disseminate agricultural technologies that will produce livelihood for the community. With those activities, I helped and inspired the community to forge a strong nation.
My pursuit to help build the nation goes on. I am involving myself with organizations that propagate nation building.
Question – c.) What is the significance of excellence and being outstanding in today’s society?
Being excellent and outstanding in today’s society is a great blessing from God. Comes along that blessing is a responsibility. I believe that we are blessed to become a blessing. God has allowed us to excel in our endeavors, not for us to become reservoir of blessings, but for us to be channel of blessings.
Excellence coupled with good character, sealed with firm commitment to lead & serve, propelled with a noble cause, and powered by a strong faith in God – will break the chain of illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, immorality, graft & corruption, violence and other forms of bondages that have been imprisoning our society in a chamber of depression.
Excellence armed with honorable qualities will serve as bondage breaker, which will set our society free and will serve as guide to the path of development.
Question – d.) How were you able to lead a balanced life as a student?
My life as a student was like walking on the balance beam. In order for me to successfully reach the other end, I had to use the power of focus. I identified the things that needed to be prioritized at the moment and focused my attention to it. I had to walk circumspectly, carefully considering each move I make. I had to make the most of every opportunity to learn, to lead and to serve whether I was in or out of the campus, whoever I was with, in any possible manner I could. I have to admit, however, that there were times I lose sense of balance causing my downfall. But thanks be to God! He stretched His loving hands, catched me, and brought me back to the right track. During these times, I had to trust God completely and obey wholeheartedly His directions.
Question – e.) What motivated you to be where you are now? Who were the people and what were their roles in contributing to the values and principles you live by today?
The author of “Purpose Driven Life” says something to this effect “purpose strongly motivates a person...” I reckon that statement is true to me. It has been my purposes in life that motivated me and gave my thoughts a coherent framework, keeping me pointed to the right direction. My purposes include loving and serving my fellow men, my country, and above all, my God.
It has been our magnificent God who endows me wisdom, values and convictions. He has been imputing deep within me faith, love, trust, patience, perseverance, and hope that serve as source of my principles in life.
My dear parents and family has been contributing to the process of shaping my self, my heart, my attitude, and my personality. Their love and support has been inspiring me to press on towards higher grounds. The constructive corrections they give have been polishing me into a better person.
My mentors who have been training and helping me enhance my Godgiven gifts. My friends who have been cheering me on, giving me warm company.
All these wonderful people meaningfully contributing to the values and principles I am living by today.
Question – f.) Why do you continue to live by the values you believe in? Why are these very significant to your life visàvis your contribution to society?
I continue to live by the values I believe in because I deem them right and essential for my growth as person of worth. Living by those values, I hope to become a good model to other people.
Christopher Joseph N. Abriam
OUTSTANDING ACIEVEMENTS
Magna Cum Laude, BS Political Science Saint Mary's University
Likha Awardee for Best Thesis, Saint Mary's University
First Runnerup Column Writing English Category, Fourth Luzonwide Tertiary Press Conference
Service Awardee as EditorinChief, Associate Editor & Features Editor of The Marian, the official student publication of Saint Mary's University
Huwaran ng Taon, School of Public Administration and Governance, Saint Mary's University
a.) Service to community is the reason for my being. It is something that I yearn for and pursue with creativity and passion.
Reared by parents who are both educators, early on in life, my siblings and I were made aware and responsive of other people’s needs. It was through this familyorientation that my calling to serve the community was formed and continuously evolved from. Even as a child I knew that the services I rendered, say as a choir member in church, a class officer or as a writer in school were worthy contributions, which help better the community.
It is when I attribute my acts towards a communal good that I feel a sense of purpose and reason for living.
b.) Corruption had been stagnating our country. It was in high school that I came to understand corruption as a multifaceted evil: that it should not only be attributed to the dismal activities of many public officials. I wanted to do something about it.
I started with my self. I acknowledged that I was sowing seeds of corruption whenever I cheated or allowed others to cheat from me. Then came the desire to influence others to do as I did. Together we held tutorials to help each other prepare for exams; eventually many of our classmates joined us. This I applied even in college and every time someone heeds my advice and willingly joins our tutorial sessions, I knew we were fighting corruption.
With my membership and leadership in various organizations I found myself empowered and empowering others, as well.
Writing is more than an enthusiasm; it too is an effective means of reinforcing social awareness and responsiveness. My having joined the student publication both in elementary and college wasn’t only an outlet for me to share and hone my craft but it was also an opportunity to invite others to understand the world in my perspective.
There is corruption when the youth isn’t provided with quality education, so that as Prime Minister of Cogito Politico of the Political Science Department and President of Pathways Project Namnama, the organization of the physically challenged students of Saint Mary’s, the first project we did was to putup a trust fund that could be of great help to members whenever they experienced financial constraints. As part of the Provincial People with Disabilities, I have been actively helping out in searching for and dealing with benefactors so as to help provide the needs of our group.
During times of calamities, I help various organizations provide the essentials needed by our less fortunate brothers and sisters. I too participate in outreach programs and seminars which are meant to enhance various skills and to disseminate information on certain issues concerning the government and society.
Advocacy has been a critical word for me. For with it, many good things have been achieved. I will not hesitate to go further as to help curb present wrongful activities in society. This will be my commitment towards nation building.
c.) What I am right now isn’t solely attributable to positive events that came my way; for I have undergone some tumultuous experiences that brought out the worst in me during those times. These challenges may have temporarily blackened my heart and wounded relationships but they too were learning and humbling experiences.
Often we hear about negativities which tend to imbue in us hopelessness and fear. What I want to bear witness in today’s society especially for the Filipino youth, is the hope that is present in every rightful decision we make in life. Despite our past mistakes, it is our present choices that define us; it is our consequent actions that shall refine us.
d.) Nothing beats good intentions if one were to grow in a holistic sense. More than the eagerness for formal learning, I conceived of the university as a venue for me to meet new friends and where I could hopefully find my spot in the outside world, so to speak. Thankfully I have accomplished these and more. For it was in university where I fell in love and in despair; where I first experienced staying up until dawn with friends, surrounded by bottles of beer and laughter and tears to share; where I mastered the courage to be a leader and a caring servant; where I sworn to do my best so that I may fulfill my Godsent purpose and live by Him for the rest of my life.
e.) Descartes’ Cogito Ergo Sum is the fundamental principle which I adhere to. I believe that it is through the continuity of learning that I can best understand my self and my purpose on earth. Interaction with the society deepens this understanding and compels me to act in accordance with what I know.
I have always looked up to my brother, Kuya Eric who, together with the rest of my family, has always been there for me. He was an outstanding student himself, but more than this, his selflessness and strong sense of faith are the qualities which I emulate from him.
The late Senator Raul Roco is an embodiment of a true statesman. He overcame life’s challenges and rose to the call of leadership and service. He believed much on the invaluable contribution of the Filipino youth and fought for quality education for us. I take pride knowing that he is part of the TOSP tradition. I pray that his legacy shall remain in us
and in the hearts of the next generations.
f.) I believe that true change starts from within. By adhering to values that are close to my heart I transcend my self and touch other people’s lives.
True change transforms actions and through our actions we rise above today’s challenges. By promoting quality education, honest leadership and sincere service, I know in my heart that I am helping transform society and enabling others to do the same.
Cindy Stepahnie Chua Toh
Outstanding Achievements
1) Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines, awarded by the Order of the Knights of Rizal, 2005
2) Summa Cum Laude, De La Salle University Manila, 2005
3)Brother Gabriel Connon Award, De La Salle University Manila, 2005
4)Procter & Gamble Student Excellence Awardee, 2003
5)Gawad Magaaral Para sa Pinakamahusay na Pangulo ng Organisasyong Pangmagaaral, De La Salle University Manila, 2003
Essay
a. What to you is the meaning of community service?
Community service is any selfless effort or activity that bridges the gap between people and unites society, the success of which is not measured by the amount of donations that one can raise, nor selffulfillment, nor recognition from one’s peers. I believe it is determined by the intention of the person, real community service coming from a person’s heart. It can be initiated or spontaneous – meaning, a person can be challenged to serve the community when he least expects it. What’s important is the choice the person makes or the choice to give unconditionally to serve others.
Community service is seen in many ways, big or small. For me, an honors student voluntarily tutoring his failing classmates during his free time so they can pass the course can be a form of community service, same as a lawyer doing probono work in a depressed area. All of these are venues where the person shares himself, inspires and gives hope, all of which in turn move others to do the same.
b. How have you responded to the call and the challenges of nation building?
As a student, I responded to this call by striving for excellence, not only by maintaining good grades, but by taking each position of responsibility seriously. I’ve trained fellow students to become leaders in their own fields by teaching them to lead by example. I have joined and initiated several sociocivic endeavors to bring people together, and hopefully take the first steps to alleviating poverty and oppression.
Although I have graduated from college, I still try my best to respond to these challenges. With the Lasallian Youth Commission, we hope to unify the youth and provide venues for them to increase their social awareness and allow them to interact more with the community. We hope to make a difference in the areas of children’s rights and proactive governance.
I also believe that my relationships with family, friends, and coworkers also answer this call. We help each other face life’s daily challenges, which in effect helps keep us together. We try our best to ensure that we keep doing what’s right and not fall pray to the growing tension around us.
c. What is the significance of excellence and being outstanding in today’s society?
Society faces bigger challenges each day in different forms – indifference, apathy, complacency. Some have closed their eyes and ears, finding joy and comfort only in the sheltered world that they live in. Others have decided to accept “fate”. Through excellence and being outstanding, youth leaders can serve as examples to the rest of the community that life is what we make of it. Through the pursuit of excellence, we have scientists, lawyers, doctors, businessmen, and yes, even laborers who constantly seeks ways to improve the quality of life. This extends not only to the rich or the educated, but even to the poor. For example, students who are excellent serve as inspiration to other students to strive for excellence as well. Laborers who work hard and are recognized by the company for their efforts inspire others to also be productive in their work and attain the same success. We all need to work together and transform this excellence to a productivity that can help society raise itself from growing disillusionment.
d. How were you able to lead a balanced life as a student?
Prioritization has always been my key to leading a balanced life. As a student, I made sure that I was fully aware of my responsibilities, whether academic, personal or social. Time spent in the classroom was devoted to the lesson. Once out of the room, I fulfilled my other obligations in my organizations – attending meetings, managing projects and the like. Saturdays were usually spent for community service, while Sundays were offlimits, meaning, I devoted myself entirely to my family and friends. In order to develop myself not only intellectually or in terms of skills, I also immersed myself in small pockets of “personal time”. These are moments that allow me to take a breather from the world and to prepare myself for the next task. I spend it quietly or with the company of friends. It is also important to love what you do – this allows aspects of your life to blend together, always giving you more motivation to face life’s challenges.
e. What motivated you to be where you are now? Who were the people and what were their roles in contributing to the values and principles you live by today?
“To whom much is given, much is also expected.” I live each day with passion and dedication, because time is fleeting – and with it passes moments and opportunities to make a difference.
There are several people that have made a significant contribution to who I am today.
a. My parents taught me to be selfreliant and Godfearing. More importantly, they taught me the value of humility. I am not a perfect person; I can make mistakes. I need to accept those mistakes as a part of life.
b. The people I have dealt with in organizations have shown me that I am not alone; they also have the same ideals for our society’s future. Each experience I have shared with them has strengthened my faith and commitment. These are
organization presidents, officers, members, youth leaders who have shown willingness to share their talents and capabilities.
c. Ms. Ma. Paquita Bonnet and Mr. Jose Miguel Lisbona, who have taught me the value of integrity, sensitivity and passion for service. In the many instances that I have asked for their advice, I have been reminded that the true power of a leader lies in his people. If I am not sensitive to their needs, then I will never be effective.
f. Why do you continue to live by the values you believe in? Why are these very significant to your life visàvis your contribution to society?
A person’s character is determined by his values. I continue toroco live by the values of faith, integrity, passion for service, honesty and fairness, simply because they are the core of my being. Having just joined the corporate world, it enables me to reach business goals while not losing track of social responsibility.
It is our values that make us human. These are significant to my life because they keep me on the right path. These values help me when I need to make a decision that directly or indirectly affects several people. These values help me stay selfless, and they help me keep in mind what’s really important – people over money or power, helping others over recognition. By standing firmly behind these values, I can serve as an example for others to do the same.
Phonexiematte T. Kierulf
Outstanding Achievements
Summa Cum Laude, University of Baguio, Batch 2006 Most Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines Philippine Ambassador of the Youth Philippine Delegate, First AsiaPacific Regional Rotaract Conference 2004 First Place Ten Outstanding Youth of Baguio
Every eight seconds, a child dies of hunger. While the rest of the population is complaining about its own mundane problems, other humans are in need of serious help.
That’s where we come in. The Filipino youth of today has, by far, gone miles to reach out. Daring to lend a hand, we are in the threshold of achieving a primary goal; that is, to lead and to serve.
Community service is giving of oneself without expecting anything and transforming those whom you servemind, body and soul. It is going beyond the comfort zone and being bold to create change for the better. More importantly, it is Service above Self.
When we start thinking about the positive changes we can make in other people’s lives, we are giving hope to the less fortunate. In essence, we are creating an awareness of the social responsibility of every individual and empowering them to take action to address basic needs, knowing that a simple sacrifice could have a tremendous effect on people. When we share our time, talent and expertise to cultivate projects that build stronger communities, we transform the lives of millions of people, both locally and internationally. When we devote our time to volunteer in the spirit of reaching out, we make this Earth a better place to live in, particularly when we support programs that educate, comfort, feed, heal, relieve thirst, shelter, and advance world understanding and peace.
Community service is building a Tower of Life. Every stone is vital. Every soul is fundamental.
Responding to the call of nation building
I believe I have responded and will continue to respond to the call of nation building by being a leader in my own way.
The positions I held in various organizations were ways in which I was able to initiate and spearhead projects focusing on outofschool youth, environment, health and social welfare.
Thinking globally and acting locally, these projects have, in one way or another, touched and empowered lives.
Significance of Excellence and being outstanding in today’s society
Excellence is giving our best in everything we do and not worrying about the outcome. By cultivating excellence, it is inevitable to always stand out. What is more important than standing out is one's attitude towards people and service; for in giving service, we are giving love, and in giving love, we are giving hopehope for a brighter future for those who have less in life, because the greatest achievement that one can have in life is a life devoted to the service of man.
In today’s society, we need to care more than what others think is wise, risk more than what others think is safe, dream more than what others think is practical, and expect more than what others think is possible.
It is by achieving excellence that commitment to high quality performance produces outstanding results of lasting value and inspires others to do the same.
A balanced life
As a student, I’ve always believed in having priorities. I had to know the essence of education to actually have a grasp of what it can do to me as a person.
It became clear to me then, that trying to achieve high grades is not the ultimate objective. That’s not what real education is. Real education happens when you’re outside the four walls of the classroom. It’s when you see, and really see, the reality in the world. What’s more important is what you do with your life and how you live it. Every single moment you spend counts, so you try to enjoy, and then, you start learning.
It’s all a matter of time management. I gave more quality time to managing the most important things in my life. As much as possible, I saw to it that I allocated more time towards the development of my entire personality time for God, family, friends, school, extra curricular activities and the community.
Motivators in life and the people behind the values and principles I live by
Many factors have motivated me to be where I am now. At a very young age, I was able to discern the significance of hard work, discipline, tolerance, and perseverance. Being born to a family who is not financially stable, I had to apply for scholarships to sustain my studies. Industry, patience, integrity and determination were paramount in my journey towards achieving my dreams.
My father contributed a lot to my growth as an individual: intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. He taught me to have a positive outlook in life. Through preaching by example, he taught me the meaning of genuine compassion, unconditional love and excellence.
Throughout my life, my mother remained by my side, never ceasing to give understanding, empathy, counsel, kindness and unending support.
My teachers and friends have emboldened me to have confidence and selfreliance in the same way that the people I meet everyday gives me the drive for that zest in life.
Why I continue to believe in the values and principles I live by and its significance in my life visàvis my contribution to society
I remain grounded with values and principles because I believe in its power. I continue to live by these principles having seen its effect upon me and my family. I have learned that by following these, I am assured of doing the right thing all the time. I am confident that I shall not go astray as I tread the path towards my future.
The values and principles by which I live by represent the universal rules that guide, regulate, and secure the progress of my life as a Christian. It has become the compass by which I am able to find my true north in my relationship with people. These have significantly influenced my decision to do community service service to man being my ultimate contribution to society.
With the values and principles that I have, I believe I can do something for God’s glory and the greatness of humanity.
Karina Kellda Centeno
ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
Top 5 Achievements:
Magna Cum Laude, BS ManagementHonors Program Batch 2006, Ateneo de Manila University
President, Ateneo Debate Society 20052006 and Editor In Chief of the Ateneo Student Business Review
Various local and international debate awards including being Champion of the Singapore Management University Hammers Intervarsity Debating Championship May 2005
Unilever Business Week 2005 delegate and Finalist of the P&G Student Excellence Awards 2005
Organizer of various debate initiatives including the Inquirer InterSchool Debating Championship (national high school tournament) and the recently held Asian Universities Debating Championship in Ateneo
A. What to you is the meaning of community service?
In general, I believe that community service consists of actions, efforts or programs formally or informally done by individuals or organizations to help the community gain its stated or implied goals based on values and norms of what is good for that community. In form, community service must be concrete and not intangibles (values or ideas are foundations for community service and its focus, but they can never be equated to community service). In instance, community service consists of discrete actions that make up a multifaceted, multidisciplinary body of efforts. For results, these discrete actions must be aligned with community goals to make up a targeted body of efforts. With regards to goals, there is much debate about what is “good” for the community, and often, there isn’t always a clear cut answer to what must be done. As such, I believe that the culture of debate, of discourse, discernment and social awareness are essential in the development of community service initiatives. Educating people how to discern for themselves is a community service that seeks to forward greater service.
In conclusion, I believe community service is really all about helping ourselves become the best that we can be. If we don’t help ourselves, who will? Community service is about taking responsibility for our community and equipping ourselves with the ability not just to survive but also to live good lives.
B. How have you responded to the call and challenges of nation building?
Nationbuilding entails many challenges including the formation of democratic and responsible Filipinos. As a member of the youth, I believe that education is essential to this challenge. While education is said to be for the future, the process must be undertaken today for the youth to begin contributing to society today.
I have used my own education for nationbuilding through debate education and the
development of a debate culture. I see debating as an important means to educate myself and my peers. Debate provides us with an opportunity and an imperative to learn more and remain open to social, political and economic realities and problems, and the various models that can be employed to solve them. Debate hones discernment, critical thinking and interpersonal skills. The culture of debating will form leaders who are better equipped to make policies and decisions in their own spheres of influence. To help create this culture of debating, I have contributed to and spearheaded various debate initiatives including (but not limited to) the Inquirer InterSchool Debating Championships (the national high school tournament bringing debate and current issues to high school students all over the country) and the Konrad Adenauer FoundationAteneo Debate Education Program (I produced instructional materials that have been used for the past three years teaching debate to high school and college students all over the Philippines). Under my leadership, the Ateneo Debate Society has taken a step further by forging civil society partnerships to provide discourse on current advocacies such as federalism (with the Kongrad Adenauer Foundation, Institute For Autonomy and Governance, Inc. and the Citizen’s Movement for a Federal Philippines) and anticorruption (with the Office of the Ombudsman and the European Commission). This year we relaunched the Abstain Campaign, which became the most successful electoral responsibility campaign during the Ateneo Sanggunian elections. Under my leadership, the ADS held the largest Asian debate tournament to date just last May 1826 to facilitate greater Filipino pride, and interaction and exchange between Filipinos and Asian counterparts.
C. What is the significance of excellence and being outstanding in today’s society?
People, institutions and countries want to be successful. Success may be defined in many ways (such as getting a good job, helping others, stabilizing the economy, etc.). However, competition is a dynamic that is constant in attaining success. With scarce economic resources, a volatile political situation and socioeconomic stratification, our country is constantly competing within itself: Filipinos and Filipino organizations compete for jobs, market share, power, etc. Our country is also competing with other countries and international institutions for jobs, favorable international policies, etc. Competition is difficult and often painted as inhuman by some political leanings; however, if we are to face reality, even charities and NGOs compete for funding and patronage. There are many factors affecting competition such as accidents of birth, politics and corruption. Faced with this reality, we know that most of these factors are out of our control. The only factor within our control is our personal and institutional excellence and outstanding character—being good at what we do especially when what we do is good. Moreover, excellence and outstanding character allow us to define challenges, find solutions and roll with the punches that come along. In competition, it is excellence that can set people and institutions apart. It is excellence that helps us rise above, and eventually diminish, all those negative externalities.
D. How were you able to lead a balanced life as a student?
I was able to do so through proper prioritization. Rather than doing many unrelated, untargeted activities and being overly diversified, I chose to focus on the essentials that would help me attain my personal goals. I learned that I didn’t have to do everything. I just had to do what was important in attaining my goals (1) to be challenged in a course that
would require consistent excellent performance and would equip me with skills to establish a Filipino business, (2) to broaden my worldview through experiences outside the classroom, (3) to contribute to society using my personal talents and skills, and (4) to create and maintain good relationships. I chose a single major to achieve my first goal. I chose an organization (Ateneo Debate Society) that helped me to learn more about the world, meet people, travel and improve my critical thinking skills. This is the same organization that helped me find a way to contribute to society through debate education initiatives. I didn’t go to every party, but I went to the ones that I was sure would be fun. I didn’t spend as much time with my family and friends, but I did make sure that I was around when they needed me. If there was enough time and energy left, more time could be allocated to other things.
E. What motivated you to be where you are now? Who were the people and what were their roles in contributing to the values and principles you live by today?
It never occurred to me to not be goaloriented, to not be motivated to keep on achieving something. Perhaps I’m just wired that way. Perhaps having drikeirven parents made me one of those children who were driven since age 5. I’ve always just had an innate desire to achieve things and do things that mattered. I find fulfillment in moving towards goals and seeing results.
My parents instilled in me a strong humanist perspective of the world. They are my primary influences. My father came from a very poor family. To be able to go to school he would sell newspapers on the streets. He worked his way through school and eventually got a scholarship at Ateneo. My father taught me that excellence and success can be gained through hard work and a good education. More importantly, he taught me that a person’s status in life does not measure his dignity and what he can achieve when equipped with the necessary skills to be excellent at what he does. My mother had parents who, like many during those times, thought that women had to stay at home. To have her own career, she had to be independent and find her own way. My mother taught me the value of personal responsibility. As such, I grew up making my own goals and choices. Mediocrity had no place in our household: since things were gained through hard work, we had to make sure we got the most out of it. Lastly, I want to credit my basic education to that taught me the value of social responsibility. I was taught in Assumption that to whom much is given, much is expected. I have never had to go without a meal or two. Yet, just a generation ago, my father had to. I am reaping the rewards of the aid that people extended to him. I have to pay it back.
F. Why do you continue to live by the values you believe in? Why are these very significant to your life visàvis your contribution to society?
The values that I have are very humanist. I believe that, despite and alongside negative externalities, man can strongly direct his life and the lives of those around him. Jean Paul Sartre said: “Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.” I continue to live by them because I have learned that many people and many organizations have succeeded with such a perspective. To believe otherwise is defeatist. To say “I can never” will never attain the results that saying “I can” or “I can learn” could probably attain.
I have lived these humanist values, and I am proud to say that I think I have personally done these values justice. These humanist values have also made up the cornerstone, the
philosophy behind why I believe that education is essential to making a better future. As mentioned previously, my contributions have been strongly influenced by education through debating: forming the future shapers of our society by providing them with skills that are necessary to become responsible citizens. It is equipping people to shape their own futures and, consequently, shape the future of others.
Michael Vincent Uy
Outstanding Achievements
• Benavidez Outstanding Achievement Award 2006 – in recognition of his exemplary performance by placing 1st in a national competition, conference or congress, thereby contributing to the Thomasian presence with distinction and honor in the national or international community.
• President, Student Organizations Coordinating Council ( SOCC) A.Y. 20052006 The umbrella organization of all recognized student organizations in the university.
• President, Rotaract Club – University of Santo Tomas A. Y. 20052006 Awarded Most Outstanding Rotaract Club in R.I. District 3810
• Rotary Youth Leadership Awardee 2004, Rotary International District 3810
• Scholar , Avon Presidents Club, University of Santo Tomas Santo Tomas Scholarship and Philippine Tong Ho Institute Alumni Association.
Meaning of Community Service
The two words at times seem hackneyed, overworked, selfserving. But considered in the light of actual deeds, these are not mere works of benign philanthropy, instead these are strategic investments in the future of our society. It is sharing with others a part of us, devoting and sacrificing part of our time, talents, skills to serve our worth in the community. Community service is void of its truest essence if it does not serve above self interest. Projects that are developmental that helps others help themselves bring a quiet revolution of hope for our people.
Responding to the Call and the Challenges of Nation Building
Architecture gives symbolism to any nation. As a Filipino architect I designed buildings that can promote Filipino pride, may it be international or local, may it be any genre, the heart of the design is still Filipino and will always be. The challenge of nation building is instilling national pride among its people. The pride of culture, heritage, belongingness and territory are part of the much sought aspect of a country. I believed that my profession in its most simplistic form gives man’s basic necessity, shelter, and in its most noble form brings inspiration, hope and love for a nation.
I have nurtured my leadership in my field to be effective and forward looking. I actually envisioned the society I want to build, and as early as now I have form bonds with the people who at the same time in the near future will take significant roles in nation building and remain to that vision.
Significance of Excellence and Being Outstanding in Today’s Society.
In today’s highly competitive society, excelling and being outstanding are the key factors to have as much opportunities to achieve our goal. There is no room for mediocrity in a dogeatdog world. It is a driving force for a society to progress as well as be competitive in the global scene. It also promotes meritocracy rather than the culturebased nepotism and “padrino” system. It is significantly a preserving tool to the idealism of the next to strive for excellence as well as a guiding inspiration.
Leading a Balanced Life as a Student
I prio I prioritize the things that are important to me. I give due time to them. God gave us enough 24hours to lead a balanced life, to be of better influence, to lead by example, excel in our endeavor, nurture relationships with our neighbors, serve our community, to be a social being, enjoy life,and yet some still fall to stagnation. Proper time management has always been my principle to live the life that I want to be. Time is not against us, time is actually a friend.
My Motivations and the People and Their Roles In Contributing to the Values and Principles I Live by Today.
God gave me intelligence,talents and various opportunities that honed me to be personally motivated and there is no greater manner to show my gratitude to Him by using these gifts to excel,lead and serve the people.
My parents, provided the acknowledgment of my intelligence and talents. They gave me confidence and trust in my decisions. Amidst adversities and trials, they taught me how to deal and rise from it through their own living examples. Their unconditional love and teachings eventually motivated me to have a personal vision of my life: To treat people with dignity and integrity;Respect toward all religions;Be an encouragement to people to live up to their own ideals without being adversely critical of others;Honesty;Benevolence; be intuitively of service;Faith in God. To quote some of Mahatma Gandhi's, “I will not have pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, wealth without work”.
I.M.Pei,architect of the Louvre Glass Pyramid, inspired me with his boldness in modern architecture and at the same time he valued the environment its built. He contributed to the formation of my values. To be attentive to new ideas, to advancing means, to dawning needs, to impetuses of change so that we may achieve, beyond architectural originality, a harmony of spirit in the service of man.
Reasons Why I Continue to Live by the Values I believe in and Its Significance to My Life Visàvis its contribution to society.
Inherently these are truenorth principles that I believe I should anchor my life to. These serve as my moral compass. This is how I envisioned my life. The only way I can respect myself. Sometimes even if its difficult, I have to abide to my personal pack whether I get rewarded or not. This is my contribution to society, to be a role model, to be a catalyst of change, a vehicle to which progress can be sustained, where service can be found.