His volunteer journey began years ago when he helped build a house as a volunteer for Gawad Kalinga in partnership with Smart. Since then, he has been involved in numerous activities, from tree planting to rescue missions during typhoons. Each experience has left an indelible mark on his heart.

“Volunteering is not just something you do to get out of work. It’s a way to connect with your colleagues, and most importantly, to help people. That’s my main purpose,” Godinez shared.

Recently, together with over 20 colleagues, Neil joined PLDT and Smart’s volunteering activity in partnership with Philippines Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for the Ready for School 2024 initiative in preparing Zapatera Elementary School (ZES) in Cebu City for the new academic year.

“It was my first time covering books, and I had no experience,” Godinez candidly shared. “But thanks to this activity, I already learned how, and it was actually fun!”

This initiative is aligned with the Department of Education’s annual Brigada Eskwela program, which the PLDT Group has long supported, solidifying its mission to ensure no learner is left behind.

ZES principal Ma. Elgie Rama Englis expressed her gratitude, “We’re thankful for the support from PBSP and companies like PLDT and Smart. Their kindness is helping us create meaningful experiences for our students.”

For Godinez, this recent activity is another chapter in his lifelong commitment to service. “At the end of every volunteer activity, I can say that at least I did something. It gives me a sense of fulfilment that’s hard to describe.”

As the new academic year opens, Neil and the other volunteer-employees' helping hands serve as a tangible reminder of the impact of malasakit. It is a testament to PLDT Group’s ongoing efforts to support quality education and help the Philippines achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal #4.