JEN Nierva was among Visayan pro athletes whose home provinces were hit by recent calamities. As such, she took it upon herself to organize fundraisers for public aid.
The Ilongga libero put some of her game-worn jerseys from Chery Tiggo EV, National U, and Alas Pilipinas up for auction, with proceeds to be used for relief packages.
READ: Iloilo native Jen Nierva starts fundraiser for typhoon victims
Her initiative also accepted direct monetary donations.
In a chat with SPIN.ph, the 26-year-old explained that her humanitarian effort was an act of using her platform and privilege for the greater good.
It wasn’t just because her home province was affected by natural disasters. For Nierva, it was a matter of civic duty and compassion.
“I was really sad every time I opened my social media. Siyempre, pag in-open ko, I'm comfortable, may bahay ako, ‘di ba? And I'm privileged, so parang naramdaman ko talaga na kailangan kong tumulong and gusto kong tumulong,” she said.
“I think ganun dapat talaga na we have to give back, we have to share our blessings, especially sa mga kababayan natin na naapektuhan ng bagyo, sa mga hindi okay, sa mga nasalanta.
“’Yun ‘yung one way ko of giving back also to the community. I'm grateful and I'm blessed with the life that I have.”
As of writing, jersey bids and donations have been pouring in, leaving Nierva overwhelmed by the support from peers and even total strangers who simply wanted to help.
“Nagulat ako kasi there are people who are willing to donate, who are willing to buy yung jersey to help other people,” she shared.
“May paraan, laging may paraan sa lahat ng problema, so I'm just happy na everyone was helping. ‘Yung may kayang tumulong, tumutulong sila sa akin. Even my friends, they're spreading my post and all.”
With her relief distribution set later this week, Nierva shared a message for her fellow Ilonggos.
“Sa mga kapwa ko Ilonggo, mag halong kamong pirmi (mag-ingat kayong lahat),” she said.
“Keep your faith in God, and I hope na maging better lahat.”
Jersey bids and financial contributions can be coursed through Nierva’s donation portal:
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