A single mom's journey from struggle to volunteer service

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

MANILA--At 35, Jecka Ramos wears many hats: she's a business insights analyst by profession, a solo parent raising three children, and, perhaps most remarkably, a passionate volunteer with a heart for service.

Her story is one of quiet resilience, shaped by struggle, grounded in empathy, and driven by a deep desire to give back.

"I've been in their shoes," she told the Philippine News Agency in a recent interview, reflecting on the people she now helps through her volunteer work.

"Life has gotten better for me, and I felt a strong desire to do something meaningful--something that reminds people that kindness still exists," she said.

Ramos' journey into volunteerism began when a friend invited her to join an outreach activity with Karinderia ni Mang Urot (Mr. Urot's Eatery) and He Cares Mission. That day, she helped feed the homeless and support underprivileged children.

"When I got home, I just sat quietly for hours," she recalled. "My eyes filled with tears. After everything I'd been through, I realized how good life had been to me--and how important it is to give back."

Without a singular role model to inspire her, Ramos drew from her own life experience to shape her commitment to helping others. Having endured tough times, she understands what it feels like to be overlooked or in need.

"It came from the heart," she said. "From a place of wanting to make even a small difference in someone else's life."

Her volunteer work spans a wide range of causesfrom hunger and education to street children and rescued animals. She has delivered supplies to far-flung communities, cooked for workers and vendors, assisted in youth shelters, and cared for animals in need.

But her most personal and ongoing initiative is simple and heartfelt: cooking and serving food to the people around hertricycle drivers, riders, vendors, and even strangers going through difficult days.

With the help of friends, family, and people like Nanay (Mother) Nini from Climb Against Cancer, Ramos sustains this grassroots mission that brings comfort through warm meals and warm smiles.

"Even small acts can create real human connection," she said.

Though her schedule is fullworking two jobs to support her familyRamos dedicates time to volunteer at least once a week. Her efforts range from planned events to spontaneous acts of service, and she volunteers solo, with friends, or through organizations.

"For me, it's less about the structure and more about the impact," she explained

Among the many memorable moments in her volunteer journey, one stands out -- a photoshoot outreach in San Narciso, Zambales, organized by Imbak and Friends.

"It was supposed to be a simple shoot, but it became a celebration of love and community," she said.

Kids received shoes, food, vitamins, and school supplies. A magician performed, and artists volunteered their time.

"Seeing the joy in everyone's eyes ... it reminded me that even a small idea, when done with heart, can grow into something extraordinary," she added.

Jecka admitted there are challengesespecially balancing time and financesbut believed persistence and intention can overcome anything.

"You don't have to be the richest, strongest, or smartest to make a difference. You just have to show up with heart," she said.

Volunteering, she disclosed, has shaped her personally and professionally. It improved her time management skills, strengthened family bonds, and connected her with people who share her passion.

"Some of the best friendships I have now started from volunteer work," she said with a smile.

Asked how she measures her impact, Ramos humbly replied that she doesn't keep score.
"Sometimes, the impact is in a smile, a thank-you, or a quiet moment of connection," she said.

Ramos hopes to continue cooking for the community and dreams of organizing a larger outreach in the future. For those hesitant to start volunteering, her advice is gentle but firm: "You don't have to be perfect. Just show up with kindness. Your time is one of the most precious gifts you can give."

In a world often burdened by hardship, Ramos' story is a powerful reminder that compassion can be transformative. Through every meal she serves, every outreach she joins, and every child she comforts, she proves that one persondriven by empathy and lovecan indeed make a difference.

She is among Filipinos who actively engage in volunteerism. According to the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), volunteerism refers to a broad range of activities carried out in pursuit of the public good, motivated primarily by social, developmental, or civic goals rather than financial gain.

It involves willingly offering one's time, skills, and resourceseither full-time or part-timefor a meaningful and necessary social development cause. Moreover, it is driven by a commitment to the public good and not by monetary rewards.

While there is no data showing the exact number of Filipino volunteers nationwide, the PNVSCA considers the country's commitment to volunteerism as strong as seen in the active volunteer sector and the presence of international volunteers in development projects across the nation.

Citing data from the International Volunteer Service (IVS), the PNVSCA said there are 292 foreign volunteers deployed in the Philippines from January to June 2025.

On the other hand, there are 81 Filipino volunteers overseas. About six are in Africa (three in Sierra Leone, one in Rwanda, one in Madagascar, and two in Sudan), 35 are in Asia (one in Vietnam and 34 in Japan), 38 are in Europe (23 in Germany and 15 in France), and one is in Oceania (Micronesia)

The PNVSCA is the government agency mandated to promote and coordinate volunteer programs and services in the Philippines.

On July 9, it launched for Outstanding Filipino Volunteers to recognize their efforts to help and improve the condition of their fellowmen. (PNA)

(2025/07/30-11:51)

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