7th Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) FAMILY CONGRESS
Two hundred (200) persons coming from our grassroots communities in Taguig, Marikina, Quezon City, Manila, Cavite as well as the Salesian Oratory Centers in Canlubang and Pansol, Laguna attended the 7th LVF Family Congress with the theme: “Pakikipag-ugnay, Kalusugang Pangkaisipan at Pamilya” (Relationships, Mental Health and Family) at the Laura Vicuña Foundation Building, Quezon City on September 22, 2019. Sr. Marivic P. Sta. Ana, FMA the Managing Director of LVF and the community animator of LVC gave a very enlightening and appropriate welcome remarks making the latest document of the Synod on Youth, Christus Vivit known and somewhat explained some of its salient points which pertains to the topic at hand on Mental Health. She said that we should help young people to value their roots, to respect their elders and to discover the living richness of the past. Pope Francis stressed that the young should be convinced that :-
- God loves us
- God saves us
- God is alive and
- the Spirit gives life
Mr. Allen Jeffrey Saraza, the founder and lead learning partner of Aspiring Visions H.R.Training and Consultancy, a sought after motivational speaker and a friend and mission partner of the Salesian Sisters gave the talk from 10:00 to 12:00 noon. In the afternoon it spilled over to a very intimate and respectful one hour and a half public conversation which has immensely helped some participants ventilate problems which they have carried on for years and has now found light, hope and strength. Mr. Saraza was the guest speaker who turned counsellor-confidante to the participants. He talked about inspiring people to be their best so that they can bring out the best in others. According to him, good mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. It was a graced-filled event for all that were present because Mr. Saraza turned the 3 hours and a half input and dialogue into a soul-searching moment. And though tiresome, all felt empowered to face life’s reality anew!
The Congress culminated fittingly with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist which has been solemnly participated in. Rev. Fr. Gino Godinez, SDB who generously presided the Mass celebration encouraged all to carry on in their lives with much faith in God. The LVF Family Congress was really a family gather. Truly Christ is alive!
The Congress culminated fittingly with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist which has been solemnly participated in. Rev. Fr. Gino Godinez, SDB who generously presided the Mass celebration encouraged all to carry on in their lives with much faith in God. The LVF Family Congress was really a family gather. Truly Christ is alive!
Follow Your Dream (#FYD YEHEY CAMP) Roadtrip 7
“Don’t ever let others put you down, reach for the star and never turn back, You can reach out; and FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!” serves as the theme song of the #FYD Yehey Camp. A TEAM OF FOURTEEN (14) FACILITATORS composed of seven (7) Vicunians, three (3) Teachers, two (2) Social Workesr and two (2) FMA Sisters; enthusiastically braved the roads to PILA and STA. CRUZ, LAGUNA to kick-off this year’s #FYD Road trip #7 and so reaching out to young people and help them dream big! and ‘chart’ their life’s course A total of two thousand four hundred twenty-three (2,423) students from Grades 7 to 12 coming from various private schools in Pila and Sta. Cruz, Laguna namely: San Antonio de Padua College (878), Liceo de Pila (961), South Greenville School (184), Colegio Monterei de Pila Child Development Inc. (152), Southbay Montessori School and College Inc. (218) and Rainbow Institute of Learning Inc. (30) benefitted from the said youth centered Seminar-Workshop held last September 18-25, 2019. These formative activities highlight the students’ self-determination in setting their goals, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, empowering them through peer and group discussions and inspire them to live a purpose-driven life. Here are several testimonies from the young people;
- “Natutunan ko ang kahalagahan ng pangarap at kinabukasan.” (I learned the value of having a vision for my future)
- “Importante ang may pangarap sa buhay.”(It is important to have a vision in life)
- Salamat sa LVF dito sa #FYD na ito dahil napag usapan ang dapat pag-usapan tungkol sa buhay at pangarap naming.”(Thanks to LVF #FYD for giving space to us young people to talk about life and our dreams)
- “Nakilala ko ang totoong ako”( I have discovered the real ME!)
- “Mahalaga ang manahimik at kausapin ang sarili at ang Diyos upang makilala ang tunay na pagkatao ko.”(It is important to be silent, to talk to oneself as well as with God to know my real depth of my being.)
- “May magandang pangarap sa akin ang Diyos.”(God has a beautiful plan for me!)
LVF at NEDA Consultation (National Economic Development Authority)
Another blessing for the Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. (LVF) for having been invited by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as one out of only three (3) NGO participants in the Multi-stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Chapter 11 (Reducing Vulnerability of Individuals and Families) last September 23, 2019 at Max’s Restaurant, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. In the invitation letter sent to the LVF’s Managing Director, Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana it says; “We are coordinating the updating of the Philippine Development Plan 2017 – 2022 (PDP) to cover the remaining period. Inter-agency meetings and regional consultation activities have been conducted to review the strategies, policies, targets, programs and projects identified in the PDP, Result Matrices, and Regional Development Plans; and to update the same to ensure that the goals of the PDP are achieved.” Ms. Joselyn Hugo, LVF Social Worker represented our Foundation. It was such a great privilege to have been singled out by NEDA for this consultation and at the same time an opportunity to put forward in government our cause on child protection. The LVF is ever enthusiastic to move forward and continue its advocacy for the development and growth especially of the least, last and lost young people of our society.
Capacity Building Activity
The Asean Social Work Consortium-Philippines through the Philippine Association of Social Workers Inc. (PASWI) has invited the Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) to attend the Capacity Building Activity on Social Work Case Management at Linden Suites, Pasig City on September 9-13, 2019. The LVF’s Social Worker, Ms. Josielyn Hugo, is the organization’s representative to this activity. Ms. Hugo said she has learned a lot from the seminar like updating Social Work theories and perspectives in Social Work Case Management. She was also energized with the valuable inputs of the speakers and moments of camaraderie and sharing of insights and experiences among her colleagues. LVF has been very consistent in partnering with such agencies/ organization for its continued updating and educative growth; all for the good of the young.
Congratulations to our new Board Passers in Social Work!
The Laura Vicuna Foundation(LVF) new staff members Mr. Ryan Azucena , an LVF Scholar, and Ms. Rosea Marie Monsay who took oath as Professional Social Workers on September 30, 2019 at Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila. They were warmly congratulated by the LVF Family with a simple yet meaningful celebration. The LVC Girls prepared a dance number, song presentation and gave them congratulatory card. In return, Mr. Azucena and Ms. Monsay expressed their gratitude for sharing the joy of their achievements. Both shared their experiences, hardships and struggles before they became Registered Social Workers to inspire all. The two Social Workers are among the fifteen (15) of 20 Examinees of Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias in Negros Occidental and the 2,723 board passers out of 5,880 examinees of the Social Worker Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines.
Effects of Social Media on Mental Health (LVF TVET – Sta. Mesa)
On September 4, Sr. Debbie Ponsoran, FMA – Youth Ministry Coordinator facilitated a lecture on the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health for the first year trainees of the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. TVET – Sta. Mesa. The lecture captured the interest of the youth, they were given the know-how on social media and its effect on their mental health. They were made aware of its effects on their relationships with others as well as in the society they lived in. The lecture empowered them to be more resilient and have great faith in God. After all, the best way to grow in relationships and to have a good mental health is still the ‘classic’ “face to face” method which is equal to meaningful relationships and meaningful sacrifices.
Climate Change
Trainees of the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. TVET-Sta. Mesa, together with the Salesians Sisters of Don Bosco participated in the opening of Global Climate Change Kick off on September 20 – 27, 2019 with a special Morning Prayer prepared at the Provincial House garden. The trainees wholeheartedly planted vegetables on the limited plots available around LVTC a few weeks before the said Kick Off to show their sincere desire to follow Pope Francis’ call in his encyclical letter Laudato Si. Surely, with the organized activities done by the Sta. Mesa TVET Center; its Educating Communities strong commitment to take care of God’s creation has been expressed appropriately.
LAKBAY ARAL
Lakbay Aral is one good practice for those with agricultural program as it enable us to see, observe and learn from other organizations with their good practices of farming and gardening. Last September 2, 2019, Sr. Aleth Evangelista, Matet Padul and Rubielyn Abello as LVC Palawan EC representatives, went to UP Organic Farm and Ilog ni Maria Bee Farm and learned many good farming practices that can be applied in our own farm in Palawan. Learning is not only in books and in school but also from people with passion for the environment who willingly share their skills and knowledge. Thanks to Professor Ms. Claudette Oraye and Ms. Maria Cielo Paola Rodriguez who took time to give us farming tips and even gave free seedlings.
PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOR SESSION AT MOHTIW PAMPANGA
Abuse is rampant and victims are increasing in numbers. This is one sad reality in the Philippines that needs attention and concrete steps to combat and prevent it. Last September 3, 2019, Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA, facilitated the Protective Behaviour Session among 142 students and faculty staff of Mary Help of Christians Technical Institute for Women (MOHTIW), Pampanga. Many of the senior high students have very relevant questions after the session. One asked on how a biological father can in his conscience abuse his own daughter even in the presence of the wife? How can one get totally healed from sexual abuse and the trauma experience in the past? Can a person reach for her dreams in spite her past experience of abuse? With all these questions and struggles of children and young people, as advocates and guides of the young, we are all the more challenged to build a culture of protection.
PASTORAL VISIT OF BISHOP SOCRATES MESIONA
Last September 13-15, our beloved Bishop Socrates Mesiona, MSP, D.D., bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa, had his pastoral visit in our parish, San Ezekiel Moreno Parish. He concluded his first day of visit coming to our center, spent time listening to the vision mission, programs and services of the center. A shared supper delighted everyone and Bishop Soc as he is fondly called enjoyed the presentation of the children which highlighted Hope as their Home.
WELCOME TO OUR THREE SOCIAL WORK INTERNS
Last September 10, 2019, three social work interns from Western Philippines University were welcomed by the learners. They were accompanied by their school supervisor Mr. Rodgen Limpiado. Ms. Phea Ga, Ms. Delia Valledor and Mr. Selmo Adion are 4th year Social Work students and they will stay in our center until December for the Groupwork fieldwork.
FIRST QUARTER FAMILY FORMATION
During the birthday of our Blessed Lady, September 8, 2019, the educating community of the Laura Vicuna Center Palawan gathered for its first quarter Family Formation. Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA, gave an input on Teenage Pregnancy which is an alarming reality in Palawan having the highest cases in the MIMAROPA region. At the last part of the session, the parents were asked to talk to their sons and daughters about what they heard and express their thoughts and feelings about it. A new set of parent leaders were also selected in their respective areas. The day ended with a shared sumptuous lunch and ice cream to celebrate the birthday of Mama Mary.
LVC PALAWAN CONDUCTS PUBLIC SCHOOL CATECHESIS
September is declared as the month dedicated for catechesis. Heeding to the call and challenge of the present time and that of the Church to go to the peripheries, the community of LVC Palawan responded by sending the sisters as catechists to the public school. Sr. Zenaida Zamora, FMA serves as a catechist at Baruang Elementary School and Sr. Erlinda Soriano, FMA and Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA at Bahile National High School. The young people are eager and athirst to learn about God and the faith. It is also a good venue for their human and spiritual formation.
SPECIAL TRIP TO ONE OF THE WONDERS OF NATURE, THE UNDERGROUND RIVER
Every September, residents of Puerto Princesa City can avail of the free ride and free tour to the Underground River sponsored by the Municipality of Puerto Princesa. Last September 29, 2019, 44 residents, staff, volunteers and Sisters of the Laura Vicuna Center – Palawan enjoyed a day tour at the magnificent one of the wonders of nature, the Underground River. The children together with Sr. Janis Aguirre, FMA who were first timers to see the Underground river were amazed at God’s wonder in nature. As a community, we are all the more challenged to care for our common home. We are one with the people of Palawan who wish to preserve this beautiful island which is also considered the last frontier and a home of flora and fauna. Palawan is one of the most biodiverse areas in South East Asia, both in terms of the variety of marine life thriving underwater and also above sea level, with its spectacular vistas.
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