Not all our unsung heroes in this battle against the COVID-19 pandemic are medical practitioners, some are amongst us who see volunteer service as a way of life, and that's how we describe CKS high school batch 1984 alumnus Nelson Guevarra (施超權).

Known as "the action man of the Chinese-Filipino community", Nelson is the epitome of a servant to his country and his fellowmen. He has organized and conducted many projects for the community and of course, for his beloved alma mater, CKS College. Giving credit where it is due, he was instrumental in requesting the city government of Manila under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso to open the NAWASA passage from Alvarado to Sanchez Streets, one way for vehicles, thus easing the heavy traffic experienced by CKSians and nearby residents especially during school hours.

Prior to the implementation of the community quarantine, Nelson spearheaded a week-long flushing operation using high pressure water from fire trucks, infused with chlorine solutions, in different Chinese-Filipino schools, religious temples, and other frequently visited locations within Metro Manila, with CKS College being the first beneficiary of the project. This activity was made possible through coordination with various fire volunteer groups, among them Brixton Hills Fire Prevention Association under another alumnus, Enrico Bien Ah, Tutuban Prime and Tutuban Fire Volunteer Associations under the Association of Philippine Volunteer Brigades, Incorporated with its past president, Vincent Chan, and Lance See, also an alumnus.

And when the enhanced community quarantine was enforced by the national government, Nelson could have just stayed at the comforts of his home like most of us but instead, he led a massive packing operation of 250,000 sets of rice and food packs donated by various individuals, groups, and business entities under the umbrella of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated, where he is the External Affairs Committee Chairman. To fast-track the packing operation, he mobilized the officers and members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary where he holds the rank of Commodore. With his swift action, the packs were made immediately available for distribution to frontliners in hospitals, police precincts, military outposts, barangays, and other strategic areas nationwide.

Thank you, Mr. PGFlex Umbra. Your CKS College family is proud of your selfless undertakings!

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