MANDALUYONG CITY -- A petite lady with a massive capacity for public service and a gigantic heart for helping others has quietly passed away after more than half a century of devotion and steadfastness to public service.

The Cotabato-based authority on volunteerism and regional leadership, Bai Fatima Sinsuat, died yesterday at the age of 82. Forty seven years of loyal service to the Red Cross and her devotion to duty was widely recognized as was her leadership in social welfare that extended to thousands who benefited from more than 5 decades of community service.

Serving on the Board of Governors for the Red Cross won her recognition and awards as her commitment and support to the Blood Programs was exceptional and appreciated. Her innumerable awards and certificates of recognition (65 and counting with 12 from the Red Cross) span four decades and came from top government officials, private and civic organizations, the Armed Forces, MISG, educational institutions, and both Muslim and Christian leaders.

Bai Fatima’s sincere efforts and volunteer work in areas of armed conflict were phenomenal and bound her life story to channel the credo of the Red Cross – to alleviate suffering, to assist and uplift while preserving individual personal dignity.

She will be sadly missed. (Philippine Red Cross)