TESDA CERTIFIES LVF PALAWAN AS A FARM SCHOOL
TESDA has granted the Laura Vicuna Foundation Palawan to offer a program in ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION NC ll after passing the requirements set by the institution. Anyone interested in farming that wants to be qualified may now enroll in our farm school and after completing the required hours may take the assessment to qualify for the NC ll.
Tribute to Ms. Asuncion Cueto, LVF Consultant for 20 years
Receiving the news of Ms. Asuncion “Sonia” Cueto’s death brought me to tears. It was really so sudden. I even asked her niece twice when she relayed the news to me because I could not really believe it. But it is the reality I have to face. Looking back, Ms. Cueto has been the 2014 Outstanding Social Worker for her selfless dedication in developing training manuals and literature, her staunch advocacy for the protection of street children, her pioneering work in inter-country adoption, her significant technical assistance and supervision to LGUs and her consultancy to various NGOs in the country. For her qualities, her thoughtfulness is really to be admired. Every time she goes to the office after her dialysis session, she carried with her a pack of chicharon, a bottle of salted peanuts or a bottle of macapuno to everyone’s delight. The efforts we do for the foundation were very much appreciated by Ms. Cueto. But if we do not conform, she was the first one who reprimanded us. Her generosity is also exemplary. She was willing to give her time like giving advice every time we are faced with family problems and difficulties. She was also there to lend a helping hand with our LVF reports. As a consultant for 2 decades, she really loves the LVF girls. She took time to talk to the Sisters, Social Workers and children on what is the best intervention for the children. Ms. Cueto is now gone. She has not just left us with memories but a legacy of a great love for the children and professionalism and conscientiousness as a social worker. But we know you have spent your life for the promotion of the rights and development of children and youth. Ma’am together with the Sisters, staff and children,we, at LVF thank you for everything you did for LVF for the 20 years. We love and will truly miss you, Ma’am.
“An Oratory without music is like a body without a soul.” – DB
The LVF- Cubao girls finds it a real privilege to serve in the Eucharistic Celebrations as CHOIR at the AIM (Asian Institute of Management), The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Cubao and the San Lorenzo Chapel in Robinson’s Magnolia. It is a service rendered wholeheartedly and joyfully, animating the liturgy by singing. We are grateful for the trust and confidence that the Pastors and administrators are giving us by giving us the opportunity to serve the Church. We tried our very best to improve and better our singing with the conviction that we are leading our brethren to fervently pray and participate actively in the Holy Mass.
Celebrating our Salesian Saints
“Live the Spirit that makes us ever young, the Spirit that will surely make us saints…”
The Feast of Blessed Laura Vicuna is the feast of every girl at the LVF-Cubao. The house being dedicated to the blessed,soon to be saint; saved the very name of the Foundation led and inspired by this young courageous soul. The theme of the celebration was SI LAURA SA BUHAY KO! The girls reflected on the relevance of the life of Bl. Laura in their own lives, they made compositions and essays expressing how Laura’s life have inspired them to move forward in their journey to wholeness. A Solemn Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Pedro Sachitula,SDB set the tone of the day’s celebration, an intimate moment with the Lord that gave strength to our girls face what lies ahead. The ‘Buon’ Appetito’ (a short presentation during feasts) of the girls were not simply performances rendered but indeed presentations ‘with the heart’, Laura is not surreal for them she is REAL, a friend-companion, a model worthy of imitation. Bl. Laura Vicuna will always be our primary reference point in our daily living, decision making, future mapping and dream reaching. Our day’s celebration was a fitting thanksgiving to God for the gift of Laura in the Church and in our lives.
Solemn Feast of St. John Bosco
“Run, Jump and Play but Never Sin!” – db
The Feast of our Father and Founder Don Bosco will never pass without the young organizing ‘Salesian activities such as Theatre, Sports Fest, Concerts and a lot more. Here at LVF our young people together with their elders prepared activities which animates the head, heart and hands. Together, we refreshed ourselves with the self-giving of Don Bosco for the young via a prayer celebration and Word of God sharing. The young also performed a cheer-dance on Don Bosco and a short play on his encounter with young people during his time. We also had various games the whole day such us Badminton, Patintero, Kadang-Kadang and indoor games like Chess, Domino, Scribble. Indeed, we did it the Don Bosco way and with him we shall continue our journey towards holiness.
Stress Debriefing for Taal Victim Survivors in Taysan Batangas
The Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) composed of the LVF Social Workers, girls and trained Sisters conducted a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD)on January 26, 2020 at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Taysan, Batangas. The CISD is one of the activities during the Taal Volcano Relief Operations under the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians with the Provincial Educating Community. This psychosocial intervention is designed to help the victim-survivors of traumatic critical eventsto understand and take action towards adjustment and rebuilding rehabilitation. Itis also a process to lessen the impact of a critical incident and prevent further psychosocial problems. The LVF Social Workers led by Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, Ms. Mercedes Juncia, Ms. Josielyn Hugo, Ms.Rosea Monsay and Mr. Ryan Azucena handled the sessions for the adults and youth which made them share their experiences and stress reactions surrounding the event. The facilitators assisted them to deal positively with the emotional effects of their current situation and identify those who might benefit from additional services and further psychosocial interventions. As for the kids, the play therapy was conducted by Sr. Ana Guerrero assisted by Ms. Virgie Jison, Ms. Verna Soberano and the LVF girls. They were asked to draw anything that would illustrate their feelings towards the incident and to explain their drawings afterwards. At the end, the participants were able to verbalize that they were relieved by the CISD because there were people who were able to listen to them.
Philippine Conference on New Evangelization
Seventy LVF parents, friends and 6 staff coming from the Laura Vicuña Foundation attended the seventh Philippine Conference on New Evangelization on January 28 and 29, 2020 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City with the theme: “Sino Ang AkingKapwa?” or “Who Is My Neighbor?”. This year’s conference’s focus is on the Year of Ecumenism, Inter-Religious Dialogue and Indigenous Peoples. The conference kicked off with the celebration of the Misa ng Sambayanang Pilipino presided by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle followed by a talk of Bishop Virgilio Pablo and Ms. Rachel Joyce Sanchez wherein they expanded the theme of “Who is my neighbor?”. The start of the dialogue should be respect for others and no labeling according to Bishop Pablo. Ms. Sanchez on the other hand mentioned that we should listen to women’s wisdom. It was Cardinal Taglewho hosted the segment on Heart to Heart with guests like Secretary Leonor Briones, Ms. Bernadette Sembrano, and couple Robin and Mariel Padilla. The guests emphasized that Christian faith is not a hindrance to dialogue. There should be open-mindedness and not being judgmental. Prejudices and biases may hinder our capacity to dialogue. The Cardinal also said that all of us are God’s gifts. To grow, we need to share in God’s mission. In sharing, we need to ask this question: “Have we consulted God regarding our mission?” It ended with the commitment of the participants in sending SMS messages to their mission partners: “Kapatidkita. Kapwakita. Mahal kita. MagkasamatayosamisyonniHesus.”
SC-SACSEC MEETING
The Sub-Committee on Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (SC-SACSEC) has called on a special meeting with its partner agencies in fighting the abuse and violence against children last January 31, 2020 held at CWC Building. The meeting highlighted the Sub-Committee’s plan in the observance of the Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week with this year’s theme “WE ARE THE SOLUTION”. The meeting attendees included the PIA, Stairway Foundation, PNP, ECPAT, Kindernothilfe, CPTCSA and Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. represented by Ms. Rosea Marie Monsay. Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. calendared activities include Awareness Session and child protection seminar to students of Marcelo H. Del Pilar Elementary School to be conducted on Feb. 12,2020; Parents and children in Taguig on Feb. 15 and the Brgy. Captain, BCPC officers and staff of Brgy. Pinagkaisahan and the CPC community of LVF on Feb. 16, 2020 at the LVF Building.
3 in 1 – TEAMBUILDING, BEACH OUTING, COASTAL CLEAN UP
Last January 11, 2019, the learners together with the staff and Sisters headed to Kahamut-an Buenavista beach for a day of teambuilding, outing and coastal clean-up drive. This is to start the year 2020 with joy, renewed spirits and enthusiasm. The simple get together was full of fun and good memories for every learner and a deep appreciation for God’s marvelous creation around us. A good start for the year 2020!
TESDA INSPECTION OF LVF PALAWAN FARM
Last January 8, 2020, TESDA inspectors came to visit the farm in view of its certification as a farm school. After moving around the farm and a short interview from our farmers and administrator, the inspectors assured us that we have complied with the requirements in setting up a farm school. We were asked to wait for the formal turn-over of the certification before we can offer Organic Agriculture NC ll.
Seminar on forming good values
Last January 24, 2020, Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA, was invited by the faculty of Macarascas National High School to give a talk on Forming Good Values among their Grade 9 students. Sr. Aleth focused on Discipline and Love for God as vital elements in forming one’s character that need to be reinforced in every young person. Guidance and patience are to be practiced for every adult guardian of the young. The spirituality of St John Bosco is very much relevant in today’s situation of the young. Loving kindness, enduring patience and accompaniment will lead the young towards God’s beautiful plan for them.
LVF Palawan celebrates Salesian Feasts.
January is a Salesian month as we celebrate the feast day of St John Bosco, Blessed Laura Vicuna and St. Francis of Sales. This year the community celebrated it with intensity filled with joy, fun, laughter and greater commitment to Jesus and Mary.
Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. 