Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, a secondary school teacher continues to make a difference in her community.

Aside from medical professionals, hospital personnel, supermarket employees, and PNP personnel acting as front liners, reserve army officers also extend a helping hand to the city.

 Such is the case of Grace R. Soliven, a La Union National High School Grade 11 English Teacher to GAS and HUMSS students. Due to the month-long class suspension caused by the enhanced community quarantine, she has devoted her time as an army reserve officer in the city.

Under the 103 Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion led by Company Commander 1Lt Ramon G. Balcita, she is also a member of the ROTC Instructors La Union Chapter.

During Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she checks citizens’ quarantine passes and identification cards at the city wet market and makes sure that physical distancing is observed. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, she helps at the provincial capitol to pack relief goods to be delivered to its recipients.

When asked why she continues to serve as front liner with all the risks involved, she answered, “As a member of the 103 Ready Reserve Infantry Batallion, there is no question why I need to extend assistance voluntarily to stop the epidemic where our citizens are all in danger of.” 

Her motivation comes from this quotation, “I fight not because I hate the one before me, I fight because I love the ones behind me.”

According to her, she has served as a reserve officer since 2002 and will continue to do so until her strength enables her.

Her message to her students is, “Reflect on what President John F. Kennedy said. Do not ask what the government can give you but rather ask what you can give to your government.”

By Sheila Marie N. Bugayong