In this time of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ),some of us might have already felt the urge to think of ways we can lend a helping hand. Whenthe opportunity to provide assistance have come knocking on the doors of some ordinary,everyday women like Marielle Solomon, Sarah Jane de la Rosa, Pia Alviola, Melissa Olit, andAngela Lapinosa, they embraced the chance to help and made things happen! They have beenvoluntarily and wholeheartedly taking on tasks of providing food, of sourcing for relief goods, ofcreating PPEs, and mobilizing resources for Filipinos in COVID-harm’s way. They didn’t thinktwice to go out of their comfort zones to share a part of themselves and be a light to others.

Marielle Solomon is a marketing professional who currently spends most of her time aroundvolunteers like herself in Siargao Community Kitchen to ease the plight of families in the islandwhose source of income have been affected by COVID-19.

At present, they have provided over4,000 food packs, staying true to the belief that community starts with sharing. Through herefforts, Marielle is just one of the women who bring the light to the island of Siargao.Student Sarah Jane de la Rosa’s light has truly radiated throughout the Metro. She has proventhat being a differently abled person is not and will never be a hindrance if you put your heart inthe service of a solid cause. A volunteer at the Barangay Holy Spirit Person with DisabilitiesAssociation, Sarah who is afflicted with cerebral palsy, ably leads her team as their President inproviding relief packages in the area.As of today, the association has provided much neededhelp to more than 1,000 PWD’s and their families.

Project Love PPE and Masks has produced and donated over 1,500 masks and 600 PPEs invarious hospitals. This initiative is the brainchild of Pia Alviola, a Fashion Designer based inMakati City, who has found a way to bring the light among our healthcare front liners the bestway she knows how, through her skills, and her desire to not only provide a source of incomefor her team of seamstresses and tailors, but also to be an instrument of providing protection inthese times.

In Puerto Princesa, Melissa Olit, the founder of Chef Aiza’s Community has seen to it that hercommunity in Palawan is given the proper nutrition and sustenance they need. From front linersto students, and even to hard working construction workers stranded on the island, Melissa hasmade sure the food she prepares, and delivers are sourced from local farmers to sustain theirlivelihood. Over the course of bringing light to front liners and local farmers, her group hasalready served more than 5,000 food packs.

Through a drive called RICEaboveCOVID, Angela Lapinosa, one of the lead organizers of theinitiative, has illuminated the city of Cebu with her generosity and service. At the Cebu Instituteof Technology, Angela is known as a student leader. But for the two hundred beneficiaries of the
cause she represents, Angela is one to remember only with the kindest of words. The youngones also acknowledge her as someone who has shed light into their lives and has given themhope for being the project manager of “Para Kay Baby”, a project under RICEaboveCOVID thathas allocated 100 relief goods to the families of infants and children in her town.

These five extraordinary women have truly become light bearers in their communities forserving as volunteers who through their service and heart, have greatly contributed to thecommon good. Like these women, SkinWhite has always believed that anyone can #BeTheLight especially in times of uncertainty. Every effort no matter how small, can have aconsiderable amount of good especially to those who are in need. Let us continue inspiring andencouraging these women by supporting their causes, as we too can be the light in our ownways.

Here are ways to reach Marielle, Sarah, Pia, Melissa and Angela as we make these challengingtimes lighter! Siargao Community Kitchen – +63 939 883 4033 | visit their Siargao Community Kitchen onInstagram and Facebook pageBarangay Holy Spirit Person with Disabilities Association – Sarah de la RosaProject Love PPE and Masks – Pia AlviolaChef Aiza’s Community – Melissa Olit, Community Kitchen’s page , or Chef Aiza’s Community on InstagramRICEaboveCOVID – Cebuano Youth Ambassadors, Inc. Lapinosa