Margie Pinton’s days begin and end by making sure that individuals in need of assistance get the timely care and support they need in these critical times.

Margie, better known through her camp name “Earth”, is a social worker who works tirelessly in providing social welfare programs and services to indigent, marginalized, and disadvantaged individuals. As the COVID-19 pandemic affects communities and individuals, Earth and her team provide psychological first aid, distribute relief goods, and facilitate other aids to individuals in need of medical, food, burial, and transportation assistance during these times.

Despite the dangers of the pandemic, Earth and her team report to work daily and travel across Cebu to deliver social services to individuals and families in crisis. As part of their duties with the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, Earth and her team are on-call 24/7 and respond to the needs of others without fail.

“We are not just here because we are called to serve but we’re here and we sustain because we commit for the betterment of everyone. We are here to serve and be of service,” shares Earth.

Because of their high exposure risks out on the field, Earth and her team are drawn away from their families most of the time. “Having this kind of new normal, we had to make much of adjustment because of the kind of work we’re doing even, to the extent of not seeing our love ones for their safety and security considering that we are mostly exposed to the public and probably with the virus,” said Earth.

The days are long and taxing for Earth and her team yet she remains committed to serving individuals in need of their service. Her family provides her all the inspiration she needs to fuel her through the trials and dangers of work. “I am most thankful for my husband and family for the joy they bring amidst the work challenges,” shared Earth.

She also draws strength and inspiration from the team Earth works with. The pandemic has drastically changed the way their agency can deliver social services and support to its beneficiaries. With the transitions, Earth and her team are quick on their feet in delivering social services in the most strategic and safe way possible.

“There were times when I felt physically and emotionally tired but the agency’s vision of helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged is what will keep me going because I want to be part of it. I still believe that in my own little I can contribute and I am contributing,” sheared Earth.

An alumna from the RAFI Center for Leaders, known as Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) during the program’s early years, Earth shares that her KAC experience from 20 years ago has helped her through the new and challenging circumstances she is facing.

“The pamper pole has always taught me to find my inner strength and be confident in conquering my own fears while always recognizing and appreciating the efforts of the supporters or those people on the ground who are there willing to tighten or loosen their support whenever I need it,” shared Earth, an alumna of Camp 19 from the Cebu City Don Carlos A. Gothong Memorial National High School in 1999.

As the pandemic continues to affect the lives of many, Earth remains ready to serve. “Truly, Kool Adventure Camp’s experiences allowed me to be adventurous and to enjoy the challenges in front of me. Poles won’t be too high to climb if we will try to embrace it, go along to with the direction where it shakes, and step on it as if we are totally not worried of balancing it. There is no wall that cannot be conquered if the team works together as one no matter how high or difficult it would be. Finally, the high wire was a symbolic reminder that in one’s successes, there will also be significant other or others who will always be the person’s strong supporter,” said Earth.

At the RAFI Center for Leaders, we continue to celebrate frontliners across the Philippines, and the globe, who continue to share so much of themselves in the service of others. For the month of August, the RAFI Center for Leaders will feature frontline heroes who work tirelessly at the frontlines in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Text by Elisabeth Baumgart; Graphics Edits by Marlon Perilla, RAFI Center for Leaders

The RAFI Center for Leaders provides learning and development programs that equip leaders and enable communities through world-class, safe, powerful learning experiences. The RAFI CFL headquarters are located in the scenic mountains of Balamban, Cebu at the Kool Adventure Camp, the country’s first and fully-dedicated adventure education facility.