Volunteerism runs in his blood

Fueled by his earnest desire to serve the people and save lives, this passionate man Charlie Malibiran Gatbunton Jr., the Chapter Administrator of Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Bataan Chapter, spends most of his time thinking of ways to improve their programs to serve the people better.

Sir Charlie, as what his volunteers call him, sat with us in 1Bataan.com for a one-on- one interview, allowing us to know some important details about his life and his advocacies hoping these can inspire a lot of people.

He was born in Dec. 5, 1971, he resides in Pto. Rivas, Ibaba, City of Balanga together with his wife Rosalie and their kids Charles Miguel, Abbygail and Renzo.

True to his words that education is very important, he finished grade school in Balanga Elementary School in 1984 and high school in Tomas Del Rosario Academy in 1989. In 1994, he obtained his BS in Medical Technology degree from the Manila Central University and had an internship at the Children Medical Technology Center in Banaue, Quezon City and at the Manila Central University Hospital in Caloocan.

 Yielding to the yearning of his heart to practice his profession, he first became a Medical Technologist in 1996 here at Provincial Capitol Laboratory. After three years in the field, he took a break and tried a new venture and engaged in the construction business. But, his heart longs for his true passion hence, in 2004 he joined the Philippine Red Cross Olongapo Chapter.

Due to hard work, passion to serve and strong will, he became the Quality Assurance Officer and OIC Administrator of the said chapter. After a year in said post, he was transferred to the Philippine Red Cross Bataan Chapter.

In line with the goal of the Red Cross, that is to be the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, he untiringly works hand-in- hand with his volunteers to extend their service to more and more Bataeños. Day to day, he monitors the services of the PRC Bataan Chapter specially the blood service which he is very proud of.

He shared that before, they only have limited stocks of blood units ranging from 30-50 units that last for only a month. However, in 2015 they were able to raise a total of 10,000 blood units for the whole year. This is because of their purchase of two large refrigerators.

Sir Charlie expressed his concern regarding the meager budget of the Bataan Chapter which only amounts to 6 million pesos for the whole year. That’s why, he spearheads numerous fund raising campaigns to raise funds for their projects. Successfully, Bataan

Chapter was able to raise 17 million, more than double of their previous budget. “This is my passion. Kapag nakikita ko yung mga tao na natutulungan, naliligtas yung buhay nila, yun yung inspirasyon ko. Wala akong hinihintay na kapalit.” said Mr. Gatbunton. Truly he embodies the fundamental principles of Philippine Red Cross. He works with a purpose and a clear vision. His deeds are absolutely the epitome of volunteerism. Mr. Charlie Gatbunton Jr., your hardworking chapter administrator and a proud blood hero.