Service To Humanity, Best Work of Life *

* Acceptance speech of Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, chairman, Philippine Red Cross, Aklan chapter delivered after his induction held on Saturday morning, Oct. 27, 2012 at Mix ‘n Match, Kalibo, Aklan.

I accept the mandate to lead the Philippine Red Cross–Aklan Chapter.

In accepting the mandate, I am ever guided by the principle that service to humanity is the best work of life. Moreover, the leader should and must be a servant leader. 

I always remember the words of St. Luke, 12:48 when he said, “For whom must is given, must is required. And for whom, much is required, much is demanded”. 

It is a continuing importance for all of us to focus our vision on the challenges ahead of us with particular emphasis in the field of disaster preparedness and relief, blood program, health and safety, inclusive of the promotion of humanitarian values.

The Aklan Red Cross chapter shall firmly be filled with commitment, undaunted courage and hope. Let us have hope that we are able to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.

I am confident that our chapter – from its chapter officials to its thousands of volunteers throughout Aklan should adhere to the collective belief that too formidable challenge can be overcome and no task ever too hard that we cannot accomplish if we all put our efforts together.

We should have that thinking of things that never were and ask why not, rather than think of things that where and asked why.

And so, I would like to end with that stanza of Robert Frost’s: “Stopping by the woods on a snowy evening”, thus: 

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep.

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.” /MP