Mothering the Community through Volunteerism Maria Solita— Mother of Four, Mother to All

By Felmerie J. Sabino

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In Maria Solita’s case, she raises a village.

To most, Maria Solita, or Em-Em, is more than just a name; she represents hope and the epitome of steady dedication to one’s community. Throughout the past 12 years, she has exemplified “Mothering the Community through Volunteerism,” a testament to the power of nurturing and caring for others.

She started with a simple desire: to set a good example for her children. She began small acts of service alongside her husband, Matt, which blossomed into the “Movement of Gratitude.” Fueled by a deep-seated belief in the power of gratitude, the Movement has become a lifeline for countless individuals in her community, igniting the pay-it-forward attitude.

For Maria Solita, volunteerism is about letting your light shine, not to outshine others but to give light and inspire others to do the same. She believes it is not about big gestures but about consistent acts of the heart. It is offering your time and energy, making personal sacrifices for others, and doing little things that bring joy and relief.

Her journey speaks for the spirit of being a “mother of four, mother to all.” A mother to her children is not only the case for her but all the people, as if she were their mother and tended to them. She even wrote children’s books highlighting volunteerism and community involvement which she uses for storytelling to promote reading appreciation and literacy. Seeing examples before them, her children have become enthusiastic partakers in the Movement, representing intergenerational service and passing on one’s light for others to follow.

The Movement has become a very effective tool for the community in sustaining trailblazer projects such as the “Adopt A Day Care Project,” “Christmas Shoe Box With Love Project,” “Project Tatap,” “Malikhaing Gawa Project,” “Community Storytelling Project,” and “Marschialle Mobile Library.” These have become important support projects, educational opportunities, literacy promotions, and creative outlets for many individuals.

Her efforts have attracted corporate sponsorships such as Vallacar Transit Incorporated, McDonald’s, and XFM Philippines; partners such as Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Junior Chamber International, Department of Health, Civil Service Commission, and Philippine Play Coalition; and government agencies, local government units, and schools aside from individuals who acknowledge the value of the work that she does for the community.

Maria Solita wishes to create a volunteerism hub and a municipal volunteerism council where people can meet and share ideas, all set up to make a positive difference. This has been proposed as the “KALIBOluntirs” Ordinance in the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo and is urged to become operative this year. She hopes the community will be characterized by gratitude and service, which will move more people to join and contribute to a brighter future.

Her message to those who want to volunteer is simple yet profound: “Remember that we are all born to each other. We are sentient beings given a transient life in this world, and to make the most of it, we should live with a purpose. Whenever there is a chance, we must give and learn from each other. That with what we are given, we must freely share to those who lack. In our incapacity, God provides for us so that we can be of service to those in need.”

Maria Solita’s extraordinary journey reminds us that even small acts can make tremendous differences. From her unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of giving, to her inspirational message of unity and compassion, she represents a true “Mother to her community,” a wellspring of hope and inspiration.