The Royal Eagles and the Guardian Brotherhood, Inc.
By Kathy M. Villalon
An eagle, as it takes flight, is determined on its goal. That's why among the birds, it's considered as the king of the sky. Just like the unwavering commitment of the Royal Eagles Rescue Volunteer Brigade, Inc. on their goal to serve the community through volunteerism.
The group was founded in 2003 by SPO4 Rovelson Bagares, who said that through this, they would be able to apply what they learned about rescue operations. He is an active officer of the Iloilo City Police Office.
Presently, there are 761 members in the city and province of Iloilo. They hold continuous training on rescue operations in firefighting, first aid, life saving, high rise angle activities, and vehicular extraction. They also help the local government in its programs on peace and order and disaster management. They also participate in the international coastal clean-up by ridding the Iloilo River of wastes every year. They also serve as lifeguards in beaches and render services to the members who have family members who died.
So, how does the group sustain its volunteer efforts if it's not a profit-oriented one?
"We charge a membership fee of P150. We have a monthly due of P30. We hold raffles, too," Bagares said.
Meanwhile, the Guardian Brotherhood, Inc. was founded on Dec. 10, 1984 and it has 1.2-million civilian and military members nationwide.
It is a brotherhood that renders service to the community, too.
Its services include repairs of public properties, feeding of children in day care centers, gift giving, putting up of street lights and giving money to those who want to buy medicines.
According to Pat Nalius, national president of GBI's Guardian Magic Group (GMG), the association is sustained by its monthly due of P20. Its projects are financed by some members from abroad as well as foundations.
Last Sept. 15, 2007, the Royal Eagles and the GBI, held a joint bloodletting activity at Robinsons Place Iloilo. Dubbed as "Dugo Ko, Alay Ko Para sa Yo," the activity has helped many Ilonggos, particularly now that dengue cases are rising. The groups have enough supply of blood in the blood banks of the Philippine National Red Cross and the Western Visayas Medical Center.
The Royal Eagles. The Guardian Brotherhood, Inc. The presence of volunteer groups like them that have unwavering love for the community, has indeed make life easier for many.