Sen. Aquino calls for Filipino spirit of volunteerism during papal visit

Sen. Benigno “Bam” Aquino. Photo from Aquino’s official Facebook page.

MANILA – Sen. Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV urged the Filipinos on Sunday to showcase the spirit of volunteerism to ensure the success of the four-day visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19.

“With all eyes on the Philippines during this special occasion, let us showcase the spirit of volunteerism while we celebrate the presence of the Holy Father and fulfill our devotion to the Catholic faith,” said Aquino in a press statement.

The senator said the Filipinos can help in many ways by volunteering in different activities during the Papal visit, especially in health services, cleanliness and maintenance of peace and order.

“With some Manila policemen and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel still tired from the feast of the Black Nazarene, the public can help them by being extra vigilant against any danger that may arise,” he said.

“Citizens can also volunteer in their small little way by bringing extra food and water for policemen and other volunteers during the Pope’s visit,” Aquino added.

He also urged the Catholic faithful to exercise utmost discipline during public events that will be attended by Pope Francis.

Pope Francis will attend several public activities in different parts of the country, such as the Meeting with the Families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Jan. 16.

The next day, the Pope will travel to Leyte where he will have lunch with some of the survivors of typhoon “Yolanda” at Archbishop’s Residence in Palo and attend the blessing of the Pope Francis Center for the Poor.

On Jan. 18, the Pope will meet with different religious leaders and the youth at the University of Santo Tomas and celebrate Holy Mass at Rizal Park.

“Let us do our share in keeping peace and order by exercising utmost discipline during these events and fully cooperating with the security measures laid down by authorities,” the senator said

He also echoed the earlier call by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to devotees to wear proper clothes during the Pope’s public events.