Rose Orbita, 37, of Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines, volunteers for an anti-smoking committee that targets youth leaders, and encourages them to set a good example for their peers.

What kind of philanthropic or volunteer work did/do you do?

Rose: As chairperson of a smoke-free committee, we are implementing a smoking prevention program targeting youth leaders from high schools, colleges and universities, socio-civic youth leaders and churches. These youth leaders serve as focal persons in the program where we conduct trainings and seminars how to help them make good, happy choices in life. An anti-smoking ordinance which will prohibit the youth from being initiated to cigarette smoking is being pushed by our organization.

What is the name and location of the organization?

Rose: Smoke-Free Committee of Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines, and the Legazpi Adventist Community Services, Inc.

Tell us about the project, especially who benefited from this work.

Rose: Youth Smoking Prevention and Education Program. Children and youth are benefited from this work.

What inspired you to get involved?

Rose: My family, my church family, and my conviction that through God's help, we can make good, healthy, happy choices in life.

How did you first get involved? Give us some details.

Rose: A call for advocacy in mass media alerted me to get involved.

What is/was the best thing about your experience?

Rose: I learned that so many people don't want to get sick, but they don't know where to find help.

What is/was the hardest part?

Rose: Politics on the passage of an anti-smoking ordinance.

What was the biggest surprise?

Rose: Support from people.

What new things have you learned as a result of your experience and how have you changed as a result?

Rose: That we can accomplish a gigantic task if we all unite for good.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of getting involved in philanthropy or volunteering?

Rose: Keep on, God is there to help.

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