Jaylord D. Abrigado (Jhae Abrigado)

Hey there,

You sent me a message and asked me today, "How are you?" in that quick, hallway kind of way. I gave you the usual reply "All good!". You ask me again, "No! Seriously how are you at work?". I replied, "I am okay". You respected my answer and diverted to other topics. But here’s the truth:

I’m not.

I’ve been coming in at work early, staying late, saying "yes" to every request because I thought that’s what is needed from me. I saw colleagues doing it too—those late-night emails, the weekends sacrificed—so I assumed this was the price of success.

But recently I noticed, my hands shake before I open my laptop. I forget things mid-sentence. I still hear the siren wailing from time to time. My passion for my work? Buried under a mountain of "urgent" tasks that never seem to end. Deep breathing ease me down, enough to get by.

I bet you felt something was off lately and as always, you knew when to make time and ask.

It is not my nature to complain but here's what I really wanted to tell you how things are going:

My "yes" isn’t endless. Every time they add "just one more thing," something inside me cracks. Not because I can’t handle it, but because no one ever asks what should come off my plate first;

Praise feels like a trap. When they say "You’re amazing for pulling this off!" part of me hears: "Do it again, but harder.";

I’m scared to admit I’m drowning. Because what if they think "less of me" means "not enough".

I wish they knew these. You know me too well. I thank God for that. How can you really help me?:

Tell me it’s okay to stop. Not as a perk, but as a priority;

Help me push back. When the demand is impossible, have my back. Urge me to say "no". Give me courage to do so;

Look after me. Ask about work often and per usual read between the lines.

I love what I do. But I need to survive it too.

Thank you for checking on me.

-Jhae -

P.S. You don’t have to be perfect. Just present. That’s all I need.

The siren’s wail still plays in my ears, a phantom echo. Today’s call wasn’t the worst I’ve seen — a car accident, broken glass glittering on asphalt, someone trembling in the backseat — but it hollowed me out anyway. I keep scrubbing my palms against my thighs, as if I could wipe away the residue of it: the way someone restlessly catches his breath.

But it’s not just today. It’s then.

2022. The numerous campaign rallies. I haven’t let myself dwell on it, not really. Those days were chaos — heat, bodies, the sticky humidity clinging to PPE. I remember the crush of the crowd, the way the air felt like a living thing pressing down. Someone fainted. Then another. And another. I moved on autopilot, hauling people onto stretchers, shouting over the noise, my gloves streaked with sweat and dirt. I didn’t feel anything then. Not until later, in the silence of the ambulance cab, when my hands started shaking so hard.

Now, two years later, it’s back. Not the shaking. Something worse — a restless, crashing thing in my chest.

Today I am drained, tired, and consumed.

I was once asked, what kind of leader would you be? The truth is, at that time, I don't know.

When I first stepped into the role as Officer in Charge in 2022, I knew the path ahead would demand more than technical expertise or authority. It would require a shift in perspective—one that should prioritized people over processes, connection over control, and growth over mere compliance. Over time, I’ve learned that the essence of leadership in safety services isn’t about standing above those you serve, but walking beside them. It begins with being a friend, long before being a manager.

Assuming this role meant embracing sacrifices that often go unseen. There were countless sleepless nights spent drafting guidelines and protocols, advocating for better resources, and worrying about the well-being of my team. Personal time became a rare commodity; holidays, weekends, and quiet evenings were frequently interrupted by emergencies or moments of reflection on how to better support our staff and volunteers. Yet, these sacrifices were never burdens—they were investments. Every hour poured into this role was driven by a singular purpose: to ensure that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others feel protected, valued, and empowered themselves.

From day one, I chose to lead not from a pedestal, but from within the ranks. Before enforcing deadlines or evaluating performance, I prioritized listening. I learned their stories, their fears, and their aspirations. I celebrated their victories and stood by them during setbacks. By being a friend first, I built a foundation of trust—a bond that allowed us to navigate high-pressure situations with unity rather than hierarchy. When people know you care about "who they are" as much as "what they do" , they rise to challenges with courage and authenticity.

My greatest mission has been to equip my team with the tools to thrive independently. Safety services demand agility, quick thinking, and precision. Through mentorship, hands-on training, and fostering a culture of accountability, I’ve strived to instill self-sufficiency in every member. Whether refining emergency response protocols or streamlining administrative tasks, the goal was always the same: to help them perform at their best, even when I’m not in the room. Efficiency and effectiveness aren’t just buzzwords here—they’re lifelines. And watching the team grow into confident, capable leaders in their own right has been my proudest achievement.

Lately, I’ve found myself at a crossroads. The weight of responsibility sometimes leaves me questioning whether I’ve done enough. But then I witness the unwavering dedication of our staff and volunteers—the late-night callouts they answer without hesitation, the compassion they show to strangers in crisis, the relentless drive to improve. In those moments, I’m reminded: they are the true pillars of safety services. Their resilience, skill, and humanity are what hold this department together. I am merely a vessel, channeling their collective strength into structure and support.

To lead in safety services is to oscillate between humility and hope. Yes, there are days when doubt creeps in, but they are eclipsed by the privilege of witnessing ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. This team has taught me that leadership isn’t about claiming credit—it’s about creating an environment where others can shine.

As I reflect on this journey, I realize my role was never to be their hero. It was to be their ally, their advocate, and above all, their friend. Together, we’ve built more than a team; we’ve built a family. And in that kinship lies the heart of safety service—a heart that beats not for glory, but for the shared mission of saving lives and serving others.

My team's goodness is my compass. Your hard work is my inspiration. And your success will always be my greatest reward.

This is exactly the leader I want to be. Not perfect but a friend more than a manager.

REFLECTION:

I was looking at my old photos, realizing how I wasted my younger years. As I sit here reflecting on my journey, I am struck by the winding path life has carved for me—a path that, no matter how far I strayed, always seemed to circle back to humanitarian work. From my early days as a Philippine Red Cross Safety Services Volunteer Instructor in 2007, to my roles in training, education, and even healthcare, I see now that every step was preparing me for something greater, even if I didn’t always realize it at the time.

In 2007, I began as a volunteer instructor, driven by a desire to serve and make a difference. That role taught me the value of resilience, empathy, and the power of knowledge-sharing. It was here that I first felt the spark of purpose—the sense that my work mattered beyond myself. Yet, as life unfolded, I found myself exploring other avenues. I became a Senior Instructor at the International Cabin Attendant Training School (ICATS), where I honed my skills in leadership and education. Later, as a Senior Training Consultant at Early Intervention Management Inc., I ventured into the private and corporate world, thinking perhaps I could find fulfillment there.

But life had other plans. In October of 2013, I took a leap and moved to Dubai to work as a Registered Nurse. It was a challenging yet enriching experience, one that deepened my understanding of care and compassion. Yet, even there, I felt a pull—a quiet whisper reminding me of my roots. Returning to the Philippines in May of 2016, I joined Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay as the Learning and Development Manager. It was a role I cherished, but again, I felt that familiar tug, as if something was missing.

In June of 2018, I returned to the Philippine Red Cross was hired as the National Field Representative for Learning, Research, and Development + Partnership of the Safety Services Department. It felt like coming home. The years that followed—I became the Emergency Medical Services Unit Head in January of 2020, yes, during the hype of pandemic, then things happened and I became the Officer-in-Charge of the Safety Services Department in in October of 2022, and finally the Manager of the same department—were a testament to my growth and the trust placed in me. Yet, despite these achievements, I find myself at a crossroads, feeling lost and uncertain about my next steps.

I can’t help but wonder: why does life keep bringing me back to humanitarian work, even when I try to pursue other paths? Perhaps it’s because this is where I am meant to be. Maybe the universe has been gently guiding me back to my purpose, even when I couldn’t see it clearly. Humanitarian work isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling. It’s where I feel most alive, most connected to the world and to the people I serve.

Yet, here I am, feeling adrift. I don’t know what to do next. Should I continue on this path, or is there something else waiting for me? The truth is, I don’t have all the answers. But what I do know is that my journey has been one of growth, learning, and service. Each role, each experience, has shaped me into the person I am today—a person who cares deeply about making a difference, even in the smallest ways.

For now, I will sit with this uncertainty. I will allow myself to feel lost, knowing that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Perhaps this is just another chapter in my journey, one that will eventually lead me to where I need to be. Whatever comes next, I trust that life will guide me, just as it always has.

My only prayer is, that the universe put me to a place where I deserve and a place where I am celebrated.

Sometimes, the path isn’t clear, and that’s okay. Trust in the journey, even when it feels uncertain. And remember, no matter how far you stray, your purpose has a way of finding you.

Enhancing Emergency Medical Services in the Philippines: The Vital Role of Philippine Red Cross

One of the aspects the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is deeply committed to is improving its emergency medical services (EMS) across our nation. Every day, PRC plays a pivotal role in saving lives and providing critical care during emergencies.

The EMS landscape in the Philippines faces several challenges. While major urban centers often have established EMS systems with ambulances and trained personnel, rural and remote areas struggle with limited access to emergency medical care. According to recent reports, only about 20% of the country's population has access to basic EMS services, highlighting significant disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural regions.

One of the cornerstone efforts lies in the fleet of ambulances stationed strategically nationwide. With a robust fleet of 178 ambulances, PRC ensure rapid response to medical emergencies ranging from accidents to natural disasters. These ambulances are staffed with trained personnel who are ready to provide immediate medical assistance and transport patients to healthcare facilities.

During disasters, whether natural or man-made, the PRC springs into action. Recent statistics highlight that in 2023 alone, the emergency medical teams responded to over 5,000 emergency responses nationwide, providing vital medical care and relief to affected individuals and communities. PRC catered to 11% of the record road crashes nationwide in 2023 alone. From floods to earthquakes, PRC's presence ensures that the injured receive urgent medical attention when they need it most.

However, despite the best efforts, challenges persist. Geographic barriers and resource limitations can hinder our ability to reach remote areas promptly. In some regions, inadequate infrastructure poses a significant obstacle to delivering timely care. These challenges underscore the need for continued investment in EMS infrastructure, including the expansion and proper allocations of the ambulance fleet and the enhancement of communication systems.

To better serve the communities, several strategies can be employed. Firstly, it is a must to prioritize infrastructure development. This includes expanding our fleet of ambulances and ensuring they are well-maintained and equipped with the latest medical technologies. Improved communication systems will facilitate better coordination among emergency responders, ensuring a seamless flow of information and resources during crises.

Education is another crucial aspect. By expanding our training programs in first aid and CPR, we empower more individuals to become first responders in their own communities. Recent data shows that over 900,000 individuals received training in basic life support and first aid from PRC volunteers in the past years from 2017 to first quarter of 2024. This grassroots approach not only saves lives but also fosters a culture of preparedness and resilience.

Collaboration is key. By forging partnerships with government agencies, private healthcare providers, and local communities, we can create a network of support that enhances our collective ability to respond to emergencies effectively. Together, we can leverage each other's strengths and resources to ensure comprehensive coverage and rapid response times across the nation.

The Philippine Red Cross is dedicated to enhancing emergency medical services throughout the Philippines. Through our fleet of 178 ambulances, training programs, and disaster response efforts, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. While challenges exist, our commitment to innovation, education, and collaboration will continue to drive us forward. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient EMS system that ensures timely and effective care for all Filipinos. These ambulances represent a critical resource that supports emergency response efforts, improves healthcare access, and saves lives across the diverse landscapes of the Philippines.

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