For his contribution to the community of Nova Scotia, Canada, Marist School alumnus Kevin Patrick Del Val is the sole Filipino who was awarded the Dr. Strang Community Hero Award earlier this month.

“Sana dahil dito sa award, mas lalong ma-uplift yung kapwa nating Pilipino na mag-share at mag-step up para sa komunidad,” Del Val shared to OMNI News Canada.

The award, named after Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer, was given to those who have shown excellence in their community work during the pandemic for their fellow citizens.

Del Val is currently based in the town of New Glasgow, where he works as a cook in a long-term health care home.

But in April 2020, Del Val has also filmed, edited, and broadcasted Sunday masses for seniors residing in his workplace who cannot attend church services. He has also covered masses for the Holy Week and Christmas of 2020.

“[Ginagawa ko ‘to] para kahit na medyo naka-isolate sila sa building nila, meron silang napapanod. In a way, merong konting hope at faith kahit mahirap yung sitwasyon ng pandemya,” he said.

This service he was able to do with the help of a priest, a Canadian lector, and a Filipino nurse.

The alumnus from Batch 2010 also shared that he was inspired by his grandmother, who was with him when he grew up in Marikina and who passed away during the pandemic last year.

The committee in charge with the said award received 179 nominations, which was cut to 20 winners. Del Val is the only Filipino to receive the award.

Del Val said that it was also his way of returning the favor to the Filipino and Canadian community in New Glasgow, who welcomed him after arriving in 2017.

“I’m looking a bright future ahead for this town. I hope to do more; I’m reaching out to everyone who can help,” he shared in another interview.