LVF @ 30: THREE DECADES OF GIVING HOPE A HOME!
Aside from the famous, timeless love song “September Morn,” there was also an oil painting on canvas completed in 1911 by the French artist Paul Émile Chabas with the same title that depicted a young woman standing in the shallow water of a lake, prominently lit by the morning sun , saying clearly how hopeful life can be. Thirty years ago the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. was born. It was the fifth of April 1990 when the Salesian Sisters and Lay Professional who became the Trustees, gathered at the Salesian Sisters’ Provincial House to organize it. LVF was officially approved by the Philippine Security Exchange Commission on the 19th of September 1990. LVF continues to champion Child and Youth Protection and Empowerment.
On its three decades of reaching out to the youth, the Laura Vicuna Foundation (LVF), REJOICES and CELEBRATES as WE GIVE THANKS to GOD ALMIGHTY for reaching 30,000 children and youth in 2019 alone and a hundred of thousands in 30 years. LVF Cubao started the day with a THANKSGIVING MASS. We thanked God for all the children and youth served through the 30 years by the Salesian Sisters, Trustees, Staff, Volunteers, Grassroots Advocates, Donors Benefactors, Partner Networks, Schools, Communities in METRO MANILA (QUEZON CITY & STA. MESA, MANILA) VICTORIAS CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL & MACARASCAS, PALAWAN & CPC Communities in TAGUIG, MARIKINA, CULIAT, BACOOD, CAVITE, JUDGE JIMINEZ, HILLCREST & PINAGKAISAHAN.
In 2018, the LVF had served 28,839 young people and in 2019, we served 29,736 children & youth. LVF had organized four (4) National Conferences. Three of them were the Children of the Canes National Conferences to combat issues on child labor, exploitation and trafficking, and the latest which was held in July 30, 2019 was the National Conference on Child Protection & Youth Empowerment held at Novotel with 140 participants. It culminated with the launching of the LVF Book “Hope is my Home: Best Practices of the Laura Vicuna Foundation”.
GIVE HOPE A HOME: LVF SOLIDARITY INITIATIVES, TRANSFORMING LOVE INTO ACTION
The Laura Vicuna Foundation, in its 30th anniversary celebration, continued its commitment of transforming love into action! The LVC Sisters, girls and staff had prepared almost 700 food packs for our front liners at the National Children’s Hospital, Child Protection Clinic Communities (CPC) in Taguig, Cavite, Heneral Uno, Marikina, Judge Jimenez & Brgy. Pinagkaisahan! WE HEAL AS ONE.
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & LVF CPC TAGUIG
The LVC Community heartily prepared 200 hot snack foods of “pancit” with juices for our front liners at the National Children’s Hospital, and an additional two (2) kg of rice, pre-loved clothes, & ball pens for LVF-CPC Taguig families on September 13, 2020.
LVF-CPC HENERAL UNO, CAVITE
There is no greater way of expressing our concerns to our brethren who are in difficult circumstance than to unceasingly and untiringly cook and prepare something for them. LVF Sisters, girls and staff cooked and packed rice and adobo for a hundred and ten (110) persons for CPC Cavite. They also prepared for the children: school supplies, medicines, toiletries and pre-loved clothes. Our Cavite grassroots women advocates happily received all the goods at their chapel.
LVF-CPC BRGY. PINAGKAISAHAN
Our anniversary celebration continued with our solidarity initiative! Mr. Javier & Mrs. Catherine Concepcion-Puno had sponsored hot meals & juices for 500 persons! LVC Sisters, staff & girls first cooked 100 lunch meals with juices, puto & prepared school supplies for Brgy. Pinagkaisahan- LVF Child Protection Community. We heal as one.
LVF JOINS THE PPAEVAC CHILDREN’S CONSULTATION WORKSHOP
Kudos to our Laura Vicuna Child Advocates who have actively participated in the Children’s Consultation Workshop organized by the CWC via Zoom. Their contribution is essential in the Development of Philippine Plan of Action to End Violence against Children (PPAEVAC) by sharing and discussing their thoughts, suggestions and inputs on the document. Thanks to the Council for the Welfare of Children.
LVF-CHILD ADVOCATES ON THE PNCC 2020 CUM MAGNA CARTA for CHILDREN
The Laura Vicuna Foundation-Child Advocates, Hannah Yap & Agnis, represented LVF Cubao & LVF Palawan respectively, have actively participated on the Phil. Nat’l Children’s Conference(PNCC) 2020 cum Magna Carta for Children on Oct. 2 via Zoom.
SEASON OF CREATION
The Season of Creation is a month long prayerful observance that calls the planet’s 2.2 billion Christians to pray and care for God’s creation. It’s a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment — not just “distant” nature, but, crucially, the place where we live — and the ways in which our lifestyles and decisions as a society can endanger both the natural world and those inhabiting it, both humans and other creatures. The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home. LINK
The Laura Vicuna Foundation has been very consistent in prioritizing and educating our young people to Laudato Si. Here at LVC, we continue to further our care of the earth by our steady progress in our urban gardening endeavor. Sr. Rose Panganiban together with our three girls from Palawan have re-launched the composting process in organic planting. We dream that one day our community, though big in number, may be sustained by the vegetables we grow. This is our concrete share in healing our Mother Earth and preserving our common home.We capped the month long celebration by inviting the Salesian Youth Movement-FIS (South Province) headed by Rev. Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SBD with Ms. Tachi and Mr. Eduardo Empis, Jr.
Don Bosco Green Alliance Network
(FROM THE SYM-FIS FB POST)
The FMA sisters organized a virtual culmination activity on Season of Creation for the learners of Laura Vicuña Center-Palawan and Laura Vicuña Foundation-Cubao to enable them to be more well-grounded and motivated about our common vocation to be stewards of the Earth. Thanks to the Salesian Youth Movement-FIS for making this possible. A special closing prayer service for the Season of Creation and celebration of talents also took place. The best part of the activity was to listen to the voices of these young people about their personal views on taking care of the environment and to feel their genuine love and appreciation for creation. #DonBoscoGreen#EAODBGA#SeasonofCreation2020
CWC WEBINAR
As a member of the National Steering Child Rights Advocacy, the Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) through its representative Ms. Mercedes A. Juncia was invited to attend the webinar of the Council for the Welfare of Children’s (CWC’s) National Network to End Violence Against Children (VAC) entitled “Big Little Steps: Actions Made to Conquer VAC During COVID-19” on September 16, 2020 through Zoom. Resource persons of the webinar included Dr. Bernadette Madrid of the Child Protection Network (CPN), Dr. Liane Alampay of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Atty. Gil Anthony Aquino of the Department of Education to name a few. Topics discussed were“Innovative positive parenting techniques, Life skills development and Service delivery” on online and offline VAC. The webinar was the first installment in the two-part webinar series, which aimed to highlight the accomplishments of both the government and civil society in the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children (PPAEVAC). The series of webinars would also capacitate the general public on how it could simulate these accomplishments in the local communities, especially during these unprecedented times.
SEMINAR ON MINIMALISM AND ORDERLINESS
Our dear Vicunians were given a two day seminar workshop on “Minimalism and Orderliness” by Sr. Rosalia Panganiban,FMA licensed social worker. “The word ‘minimalist’ prefers the minimal amount or degree of something. Becoming minimalist, is marked by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. It describes a way of thinking or lifestyle. Meanwhile, minimalism is a tool that can assist one in finding freedom. It is also the process of identifying as what is essential in one’s life or in other term getting rid of one’s life excess. A Minimalist is a person whose interest is to keep their things very simple.” (from Sr. Rose’s ppt) Being minimaIist is very much related to being orderly especially in things. These topics were very relevant to the girls as it touched good housekeeping, neigh, more orderliness and simplicity that is within and exudes spontaneously to lady-likeness and womanhood. It also builds within the girls a ‘culture of I have enough’ as it advocates simple lifestyle by avoiding clutters and acquiring to much for oneself. Thanks to Sr. Rose’s passion to educate and share her know-how to our girls; she did not only give an input but followed up with Sr. Ana the girls’ practical commitment in keeping their personal things trimmed and simple.
Sept 8th
Happy Birthday Mama Mary! This very important occasion did not pass without us celebrating it and expressing our love, devotion and dedication to our dearest Mother Mary. Yes, the Vicunians did it by animating a prayerful recitation of the Holy Rosary with heartwarming initiatives and by showcasing the different litany titles of our Blessed Virgin. As what Sr. Marivic in her good night talk has quoted Don Bosco’s“Mama Mary is here among us!”; we are never in want when it comes to Mama Mary’s active presence in our community and personal lives.
DO-IT-YOURSELF TIE-DYE SHIRTS
What a colorful fun! The LVF girls have learned new skill which exhibited their artistry. Thanks to the Alpha Delta Mu Sorority: Association of Dynamic Medics for teaching them the steps of the do-it-yourself (DIY) tie-dye-shirts. They also taught the girls the basics of Marketing 101 which includes the basic of social media marketing skills, making logos, infographics on marketing advertisements, and basic financial management in starting a small business. They also shared their personal challenges as young entrepreneurs to the LVF girls. It takes perseverance, sacrifice, difficulties to overcome especially in starting a business. Truly, women empowering women.
LAURA VICUNA FOUNDATION-NEGROS OCCIDENTAL NEWS … ADOPT A FAMILY
The Educating Community of Laura Vicuña Women Development Training Center had the chance to share its blessings to one of the poorest families in Victorias City as the Community joined the 28th National Family Week spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office last end of September, which the very objective of this “Adopt-A-Family” Program is to help selected families alleviate their mental, psychological and economic stress.The collaborative efforts of the Sisters, teachers, staff and support personnel made the early “Gift-Giving” materialized where the recipients Lola Tereseta D. Basco together and her grandson Christian received rice, home apparels, goods, foods and cash. This 74 year–old hardworking Lola used to gather seashells at “Baybay” and sell it to sustain their everyday living as she also takes care her grandson. She is a widower and lives in a small simple house at Purok 8, Brgy. 9, Daan Banwa, Victorias City. Very much surprised with such great blessings, Lola Tereseta could not but repeatedly uttered her word of “thanks” as she said “Thank you Sisters and SCWD for these wonderful gifts that you gave us. It is a big help especially for my grandson. May the Lord keep you healthy, safe and blesses you the more” October 5, 2020, Laura Vicuña Women Development Training Center Community distributed lunch included fried chicken, pancit with rice and cheese burger for snacks to all the dedicated frontliners (Barangay Police and Tanods, BFAT, Guards, Traffic enforcers, Gasoline pump boys and Victorias City Domestic Repatriation Information Center Personnel) of Victorias City. Everyone was surprised and thankful to be one of the recipients of the Don Bosco Mondo Project.
PACKED LUNCH DISTRIBUTION
Last September 6, 2020, the FMA and some teachers of LVWDTC Malihao, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, through the aid receive from the Don Bosco Mondo Project had its first batch of distribution of meals for the health workers of Brgy.XX, Victorias City. The meal included rice, fried chicken and chopsuey for lunch, siopao and bottled water for snacks. The barangay captain Hugo Tirambulo, assisted in facilitating the event and in a speech he expressed his gratitude. Ma’am Fely Cebas one of the barangay health workers also spoke to express her thanks. Last September 14, 2020, the FMAs delivered the 2nd batch of Don Bosco Mondo’s meal recipients to the doctors and nurses of Victorias City Health Center headed by Dr. Richard P. Garlitos, M.D. and Ma’am Melba Defino, head nurse. The meal included rice with fried chicken and chopsuey for lunch and hotdog sandwich for snacks. September 21, 2020. LVWDTC Community on its third batch of distribution prepared and gave meals to the doctors, nurses, and medical assistants of Victorias City Health. The lunch packs included chicken adobo, rice, water and for snacks burger sandwich. For the 2nd time around Victorias City Health gave thanks to Don Bosco Mondo Project. Sept 28, 2020. LVWDTC Community once again delivered and distributed the 4th batch of meals to Victorias City Health Frontliners (doctors, nurses, medical assistants). The lunch consisted of fried chicken, chopsuey, water and cheese burger for snacks. One of the medical assistant Ms. Melba Defino was surprised and glad to receive again free meals from Don Bosco Mondo Project.
LAURA VICUNA FOUNDATION – PALAWAN
September is declared as the Season of Creation. Prior to this pandemic time, every September every person living in Puerto Princesa City can avail a free tour to the famous Underground River. Even if tourism stopped, we take a look at the brighter side of life. Our Mother earth is able to rest and replenish. Palawan is a world famous and best island and now during the pandemic, the local people are suffering yet still happy because God provides what is needed, fish in the sea, vegetables in the farm and enough light and rain. Despite the daily struggles, we are thankful for the gift of creation around us that gives us hope and courage to face every day.
STATISTICAL DATA
As to date, there are 61 resident learners, 21 boys and 40 girls.
As of September 2020, no one absconded and no one was re-integrated.
SOCIAL SERVICE .. 10 NEW RESIDENT LEARNERS
10 new resident learners were welcomed to the center for this new school year. After the process of selection through the intake, personal interview of parents and the child, submission of pertinent documents, the contract for admission was explained to both parents and learner. A child protection policy was also read to the parents and made signed by them. Two girls came from Barangay Marufinas, a separate island near the famous Underground River. Three from Barangay Cabayugan, one from Buenavista, one from Barangay Sta. Cruz, two from Barangay Macarascas, one from Aborlan. All these children came from poor families and their houses are quite far from the national high school. It is clear to them that in the center, they are protected, and all we want is to give them hope and a brighter future through their integral formation.
DAILY PLAY
Play is the most awaited part of the day for the resident learners. They look forward to their time for play. The boys love to play basketball while the girls badminton or volleyball. Some also try soccer and other prefer to get a musical instrument and play the guitar. They are given an hour in the afternoon to recreate themselves and enjoy the time in the company of their friends, most of the time chatting and laughing with their stories. Play is very important. The children are able to use their energies through their play and develop in them their sense of oneness, teamwork, unity and cooperation.
LVF@30 – Sept 19
Last September 19, we celebrated LVF@30! Thirty years of giving hope to young people and families through its various programs and services. We praise God for the three decades of bringing children and young people towards their dreams.
HOMESTUDY PROGRAM
VOLUNTEERS ON THE MOVE
Volunteers stayed and helped out in the studies of the resident learners and tutored them in the subjects they have. We are grateful for their generosity and availability.
ONGOING ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION TRAINING
The OAP training continued and ended last September 12, 2020. Before the course ended, the trainees were also asked to draft their farm or garden plans so they can apply what they learned in their respective lands.
GRADUATION DAY – September 16, 2020
19 trainees on Organic Agriculture Production NC ll graduated last September 16, 2020 at the Laura Vicuna Center Palawan in the presence of TESDA representatives Ms. Jovelyn Alcazar and Mr. Jeriel Lagac, on behalf of Tesda Palawan Provincial Director Richard Amparo. Secretary Isidro Lapena, TESDA Director general greeted the trainees and congratulated them through his video message. The graduation started with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Fr. Rex Bangcaya, OAR, parish priest of San Rafael Parish, Aborlan. It was also graced by the presence of Kagawad Jojo Oliveros of Barangay Macarascas and Mr. Raul Matillano, City Agri Technician. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Sr. Mabel Pilar and Sr. Ma. Victoria Sta Ana also sent their congratulatory messages and were read at the assembly.
After completing 232 hours with core competencies on Organic Chicken, Vegetables, Fertilizers, Concoctions and Extracts as well as basic and common competencies on workplace communication, health and safety measures and elective competencies on raising organic hogs and small ruminants, they are now certified farmers and ready to work in the field. The training started last July 27, 2020 and ended last September 12, 2020. The trainees were also fortunate to be scholars of TESDA under TWSP or Training for Work Scholarship Program where they were given training support allowances and fund for their PPEs. The best learning of the trainees aside from the farming skills is the love for our common home. Laudato Si sessions were also integrated, ending the course with a recollection on care for our Mother Earth. Batch 1 agreed to have their batch name as SOIL which means SAMAHAN NG MGA ORGANIKONG INIIBIG ANG LUPA. This one dream come true for the center is our concrete contribution during this Season of Creation.
OUTREACH .. YES AHA
PROJECT YES AHA (Youth Empowerment through Sustainable Agriculture and Health Advocacy. YES AHA is LVF’s project started by three youth leaders Jopet, Jemboy and Rubelyn. They are the youth helpers among their fellow youth in their journey of making a difference in the community and in society. Through this project, they will encourage the young to participate in LVF’s youth formations and activities. The three youth advocates have learned organic agriculture through the OAP training and now they will engage the youth to learn the importance and beauty of organic agriculture through inputs and actual gardening / farming. Their concrete step is their project “Hardin Laban sa COVID 10.” Health Advocacy will be a venue to listen and be a friend to their fellow youth. They will discuss issues concerning their health – physical, emotional and mental well-being. They will also share their experiences of the pandemic and other related issues experienced by many young people. The social media can also be their platform for their health advocacies.
SOIL – SAMAHAN NG MGA ORGANIKONG INIIBIG ANG LUPA
Batch 1 trainees of Organic Agriculture Production NC ll who graduated this month named themselves SOIL (Samahan ng mga Organikong Iniibig ang Lupa) They desire to continue even beyond the graduation by forming themselves into an organization where they will be united in their goal to produce chemical free compost and other naturally made farm products. In this way aside from producing the natural way, they will increase their economic living through their equal share of their profit. It is uplifting and helping each other than thinking only personal gain.
CONCLUSION
Life is never the same without the noise of the children. It is music to our ears when they chat, laugh, sing and make noise. We are thankful that amidst pandemic, we are able to continue with our mission of giving hope a home. The 30 years of the Foundation is a great blessing for each member of the educating community – sisters, staff, volunteers, lay mission partners, benefactors, parents and young people. May our home continue to welcome people from all walks of life especially the poor, the least, lost and last.
Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. 