Cart Climbing mountains to help people in need
04/13
TI employee Marlie De Guzman helped the TIPI Mountaineering Society incorporate community outreach projects into its charter. He recently led a team on an outreach climb, where members donated clothing, food and medicine to 200 area residents.
After joining the TIPI Mountaineering Society more than five years ago, TI employee Marlie De Guzman decided to help the group incorporate community outreach projects into its charter.
Now, as they trek across mountain peaks, the group brings donated books, clothing and canned foods to people in nearby communities.
"While climbing, I saw that there were people in small communities who were in need and unable to obtain these critical items," said Marlie, an equipment engineer working at TI's facility in Baguio City, Philippines.
"The members of the group were in favor of this idea and we have now incorporated outreach climbs into our schedule and make sure we are equipped with the items that these people need."
Last year, Marlie led a team to Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan and Pengbesan, Itogon Benguet for an outreach climb, where members brought donated clothing, food and medicine to 200 area residents.
"Through volunteering, I have learned more about the culture of the people living in remote areas. I am humbled by their simplicity and contentment in life, the way they live and appreciate things, and their unity as a group. My leadership in the mountaineering society has helped me realize that leading is serving."
— Marlie De Guzman
"We brought items that were donated by TIPI and TI employees, and we coordinated the effort with local officials," Marlie said.
"The residents were so happy to receive these supplies, and it was such a great feeling to help them."
Inspiring others
Over the years, Marlie has inspired other TI employees to join the TIPI Mountaineering Society. The group started with about eight members in 2002 and now has more than 100 members, with 30 active rotating members to date.
Two years ago, the governor of Benguet province recognized Marlie and the group for their volunteer efforts during the province's annual Foundation Day celebration. The governor presented them with a Plaque of Appreciation for their outstanding volunteer work.
