How would you feel if your HO described you as the answer to their prayers? RAYAD Melissa Bull of Intake 23 was caught completely surprised.

On October 19, 2009, the Municipality of San Juan unanimously passed SB Resolution No. 131,8.2009 adopting Melissa Bull, Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, as special daughter of the Municipality of San Juan, Province of Southern Leyte, Philippines.

The ordinance ultimately recognized Melissa's efforts in improving the policies, programs and activities of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and the over-all scheme of managing solid waste in the area.  The HO also described Melissa as "the answer to our prayers for a volunteer."

"I can't describe how honoured I am to receive this recognition from the town officials," Melissa said of the ordinance. She added, "I feel like I have received more feedback on my impact in the town since I have left San Juan and I really feel very proud that the town has embraced the issue of solid waste management and really moved forward on their own merits."

Melissa is now back in Australia, preparing for her post-graduate studies. She worked in the Philippines in October 2008 as San Juan's Waste Management Officer. Her assignment lasted for 9 months.