A Mission of Hope: Oplan Pagbulig for the Victims of Calvary Hill Fire

On February 17, 2025, the quiet Monday morning was shattered by the devastating news of a fire that struck Calvary Hill, a community where most of the houses were made from light materials. The fire spread quickly, leaving destruction in its wake. As I watched the heartbreaking videos and read the reports flooding social media, my heart broke—not for the material possessions that were lost, but for the immense pain and suffering our brothers and sisters in Calvary Hill were enduring. In the blink of an eye, they lost everything they had worked so hard for, left with nothing but the uncertainty of how to rebuild their lives.

In that moment of despair, the first thought that came to my mind was simple: we have to help. But I knew that this was not something I could do alone. That’s when I turned to VSS, the company I am proud to be part of—one that is grounded in the mission to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. I shared my thoughts with our Mission Leader, Sir Al Francis Santiago, and proposed a simple idea: to help the fire victims by providing them with basic necessities like food and clothing. I had full faith that this proposal would take shape, because I know the heart of VSS—a company driven by compassion and a deep desire to give back to those in need.

When the proposal was approved by the Chairman, Sir Brian Hiener, a sense of relief and gratitude washed over me. What began as a small initiative quickly evolved into something far greater than I had ever imagined. Immediately, I spread the word across our HMY and HQ sites to begin a donation drive for preloved clothes and anything we could share with the victims. The response was overwhelming. I watched in awe as employees demonstrated an incredible spirit of generosity. Each day, bags of preloved clothes poured into the office. It wasn't just about the donations—it was about people coming together, volunteering their time beyond working hours to sort, repack, and prepare these goods for distribution. The outpouring of support was truly inspiring. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of community—of how, in times of crisis, humanity shines brightest.

By February 28, 2025, we had prepared 130 bags of relief goods and 10 sacks of clothing for the victims in Calvary Hill. That day, we set out on our mission—OPLAN PAGBULIG—with more than just bags of supplies. We carried with us hope, prayers, and the message that our brothers and sisters in Calvary Hill were not alone. It was a reminder that in the darkest times, there are always people willing to step up and make a difference. Every piece of clothing, every bag of food, wasn’t just a donation—it was a symbol of love, compassion, and the belief that brighter days lie ahead.

When we arrived at Calvary Hill, we were greeted with tears, smiles, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The people who had lost everything were now receiving more than just material aid. They were receiving hope—a belief that even in the face of tragedy, they were not forgotten. The simple act of showing up with the support of the VSS community lifted their spirits and reminded them that they had not been abandoned. With our Mission Leaders’ encouraging message to them saying. “What the Lord did in Calvary, as this place is also called Calvary hill here in Tacloban City, did not just end in pain, it gave us salvation that’s why we enjoy freedom and victory. Let us thank God for He is going to restore this place and lift you up in due time.”

This initiative, OPLAN PAGBULIG, was more than just a relief effort—it was a mission of hope. It demonstrated the strength and generosity of the VSS community, united by a shared desire to help those in need. I am profoundly grateful to Boss BH for his unwavering support and belief in the power of kindness. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our agents, management, our Mission Leader, and every volunteer who made this mission possible. Together, we created a ripple of hope that will be felt for years to come.

As we move forward, let us always remember that the support we offer goes beyond physical help. The emotional and spiritual support we provide is just as important, if not more so. It is in the moments of hardship that our compassion and kindness can shine the brightest. May we continue to spread hope, love, and kindness in our community, always reminding those around us that no one is ever truly alone. We are all in this together, and together, we can rebuild brighter futures.

OPLAN PAGBULIG wasn’t just a relief operation—it was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of compassion. It was a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, hope can prevail. And with that hope, we can all build a better tomorrow.

2 Corinthians 1-3-7

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."

Check out this video for a closer look at all the highlights from the event!