Ian Mark F. Arevalo is not only a Junior High School and MYP teacher, he is also an elected Kagawad of Barangay 349 in Manila. But beyond just taking care of his constituents' needs, Sir Ian got himself involved in undertakings outside of his Barangay.

He donated food and masks for medical frontliners of three government hospitals in Manila. He also distributed cloth masks for senior citizens in Sta. Cruz area, and conducted a mobile feeding program for street dwellers in Avenida and Taft Avenue. He did all these not because he had much resources, but because he knew how it was to have nothing.

He recalled the time when his father was confined to the hospital, he had the chance to mingle with medical frontliners, and that's when he realized how challenging their jobs are. And since they were once a blessing to our family, he felt it was time to repay their kindness through his own simple means.

With the help of his family, friends, and some former students, he was able to reach out to 29 medical frontliners in the Philippine General Hospital, 49 dialysis nurses and 126 patients in Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital, 100 doctors in Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital, 100 medical frontliners in San Lazaro Hospital, and 100 street dwellers along Rizal and Taft Avenues.

Sir Ian reminded his students to be helpful in these times: "Our little efforts can make a big change. Never stop being dedicated to our school's mission-vision, which is "committed to nation-building and international concern." Let us show to the world and our community that CKSCares."

Stephanie Mae O Ang, MD, FPCR, FUSP, FCTMRISP (洪菀喻) of CKS high school batch 1999 is a radiologist. She is currently affiliated with three hospitals, namely: The Medical City, De Los Santos Medical Center, and San Juan de Dios Hospital. Doc Steff is currently involved in the diagnosis and monitoring of COVID patients, particularly in the interpretation of chest xrays and CT scans which are commonly requested for such patients.

During her off-duty days, Doc Steff also helps in coordinating donations of protective equipment to various hospitals in Metro Manila, which are in dire need for such.

Even if she is worried about getting infected herself and bringing home the virus to her family members, she puts patients' needs, first and foremost, as her most important responsibility. So, she strictly follows hand hygiene and disinfection protocols in and out of the hospital, and for the meanwhile, distance herself from family members while at home.

Doc Steff echoes a similar message to her fellow CKSians. She said: "In this fight against COVID, we will only be victorious if everyone does their part to help. Please stay at home and don't go out unless absolutely necessary, do proper hand hygiene, practice social distancing, and spread only verified and reliable information to avoid panic and confusion."

We will remember your reminders, Doc Stephanie Mae Ang. Thank you for your service to your country and the Filipino people!

Jennifer Lea Tan Uy (陳真妮) initially wanted to source Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for her CKS high school class of 1995 batchmates working in the frontline, but supplies were scarce.

As alternative, Daisy Yu Velasco, the batch treasurer, recommended to offer hot meals for medical frontliners using the commissary of her restaurant, Scorched Smokehouse, which was still open for take-out and delivery.

The batch agreed to the proposal, and utilized the services of Grab drivers to pick-up and deliver to the hospitals.

An initial delivery of 300 meals was distributed to Manila Medical Center, Chinese General Hospital, and UST Hospital, where batchmates were working.

Another set of 300 meals were later delivered to other hospitals, imcluding Philippine Orthopedic Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Metropolitan Medical Center, St. Jude Hospital, and Sta. Teresita Hospital.

The batch also turned over 100 pieces of N95 masks to their frontliners batchmates.

This is the Bayanihan spirit of CKS high school batch '95, made possible with the support of its officers Brian Francis Uy, Robert Pangilinan, Bernette Romualdez, Daisy Yu Velasco, Richard So, Lizbeth Chan, and other batchmates.

Joshua S. Ramirez (米樹牙) of CKS high school batch 2017 may just be a sophomore university student, but this was not a deterrent for him to contribute in our common battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Joshua used up the accumulated monthly allowances received as a basketball player of the De La Salle University Green Archers to buy food items, which he distributed to his town folks in San Isidro, Tarlac. He thought of doing this initiative because with his own eyes, he saw how daily subsistence was already a problem for his neighbors even before the community quarantine, more so now that the said measure is enforced.

He recalled that when he was still a young boy, his parents would go around the neighborhood to borrow money just to be able to buy rice and feed them children. So now that the family is better off, he wants to share his blessings. With his parents agreeing to his plans, more than 150 families in his locality were given food bags containing rice, canned goods, and noodles.

Joshua decided to share his story with the hope of inspiring his fellow CKSians to do the same. He believes that the importance lies not on how big or small one shares to the needy, but more on the willingness to do so.

He added: "Sa mga ganitong panahon, kailangan talagang magkapit-bisig para sabay sabay tayong makaahon sa krisis na ating kinahaharap. Matuto rin po sana tayong ibahagi sa ating kapwa ang mga biyayang ating natatanggap at huwag maging makasarili."

Well said, Joshua. Keep up the good work and we look forward to seeing you again on the UAAP hardcourt soon!

Ria Joy J. Nabalan (王麗安) of CKS high school batch 2013 is known as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines' only 80-0 athlete, meaning she has never tasted defeat and owns an 80-game winning streak as a basketball player in the UAAP.

She enlisted in the Philippine Navy after graduating from the National University and now she is in the frontline of yet another battle, that of maintaining peace and order for the community during this time of enhanced community quarantine.

Everyday, Ria Joy reports to duty as an enlisted military personnel and follows the directives from her superiors.

A prolific member of the CKS girls basketball team during her high school days, Ria Joy credits her grit, courage, and confidence to face all forms of adversity from CKS College, since the Chinese culture and learning environment of the school was much different from her provincial origin.

With the Philippines currently in a standstill, basketball takes a backstep from the mind of Ria. At the moment, she is hard at work in serving Filipinos by standing in the frontline of the fight vs COVID-19.

While the apprentice seaman is not at liberty to discuss details of her duties and assignments, she said she is nothing but proud to be among the best and bravest, giving their all for the Philippines.

And from then to now, she said she would want nothing more than fighting with and for her kababayans. "Ang pagiging parte ng Gilas Pilipinas women's national basketball team at Philippine Navy ay malaking responsibilidad. Nakaka-proud na pinagsisilbihan mo na dati yung bayan mo sa pamamagitan ng sports tapos ngayon, pinagsisilbihan mo na ito pati sa military service," she said.

Keep up the good work, ASN Ria Joy Nabalan 952410 Philippine Navy. The country needs you more than ever!

Our salute goes to two CKSian frontliners who have faithfully performed their sworn duties as medical personnel during these difficult times. As a result, both of them are currently undergoing quarantine as Persons Under Monitoring (PUM), having been exposed to patients who showed symptoms and were classified as Persons Under Investigation (PUI).

Dr. Rica C. Ching (莊少婷) of CKS high school batch 1996 is an OB-GYNE Medical Specialist II at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital since 2008. While it is still the national maternity hospital, Fabella Hospital is being converted into a COVID-19 healthcare facility. Despite being in hospital quarantine now, Dr. Ching still laments the reality that limited PPE and N95 masks are available to protect her fellow medical frontliners. She is also worried about the limited bed capacity of Fabella Memorial Hospital to isolate COVID patients, while still taking care of pregnant mothers and newborn babies. Doc Rica is required to be in quarantine until April 14 before she returns to active duty.

Another medical frontliner, Anthony James S. Cu, RN, BSN (洪汶澤) of high school batch 2010 is a critical care nurse at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, where he has worked since 2016.

Despite strictly following protocols such as strict hand washing and wearing appropriate personal protective equipments, and being supplied with ascorbic acid and meals during duty hours at St. Luke's, Anthony still got in contact with PUIs, resulting in being quarantined as a PUM until April 12. Notwithstanding, he isn't looking at the negative side of the situation. "I learned the value of resilience from my alma mater, CKS College. During these trying times, what we do today is what matters most. I am staying optimistic in life and definitely look forward to that moment when this disease is eradicated.", Anthony said.

We asked our two unsung heroes for any message they want to convey to their fellow CKSians.

Nurse Anthony quoted Daisaku Ikeda: “No matter how long the cold, bleak days of winter may continue, winter always turns to spring. This is the law of the universe and the law of life. As long as we hold on to hope, spring is sure to come.”

On the other hand, Doc Rica expressed her appreciation to her schoolmates for their moral and material support. "Thank you to my fellow CKSians. It overwhelms us to know that you, our friends, have not abandoned us, especially in this time of need. Please be safe, because if you are, then we are. Let us fight this together!"

Thank you for your acts of heroism and patriotism, Rica and Anthony! Your CKS College family is truly proud of you and we hope for your continued safety and good health.