Rocel Gimenez, a first-year college student and resident of Cebu City, has dedicated herself to a life of service as a fire and medical volunteer. Despite her youth, she has learned to balance her studies with her calling to help others. For her, this is not just a job but a heartfelt vocation. But why did she choose this path?
From Boy Scout to Responder
It all began when she was a Boy Scout, where she discovered her passion for helping and serving people. Scouting became the foundation of her career as a responder, especially through training in first aid and disaster response strategies. Even with the responsibilities of being a student, she never neglected her desire to assist others. Wanting to expand her service to those in need, she joined a private organization focused on responding to various emergencies. One of her most significant operations was assisting in clearing operations and distributing aid after Typhoon Tino hit Cebu Province in November 2025.
A Memorable and Heartbreaking Incident
Among the many operations Gimenez has responded to, one event she will never forget is when she had to help her own mother. It happened while they were in an ambulance heading to the hospital. During the journey, she performed CPR on her mother, but despite her efforts to save her beloved mother, she passed away moments later. Gimenez recalls the painful irony of being able to save others' lives but not her own mother's.
Continuing the Mission
Despite this tragedy, she remains strong and continues her vocation of serving people during emergencies. She faces her daily life as a student and responder with sacrifice and dedication. For her, her mother has become a "guardian angel" in every operation she undertakes and in every decision she makes in life.
True passion for something cannot be stopped even by difficulties. This is the story of Rocel Gimenez, a young student who serves not only for her future but also for the lives of others.
