LVF GLOW UP IN MAY

Glow up is one of the positive words circulating in the social media platform now a days, in fact when one looks it up on Google, it is  in Pop Culture by Dictionary.com. 

Glow up is an informal term for a positive personal transformation, typically one involving significant changes in appearance and style and often also growth in confidence and maturity (and sometimes aspects of personal or professional life).Mar 24, 2022

Yes, LVF can rightfully claim that this month of MAY is a ‘glow up month’!  LVF with its sheer determination continued to move forward, has grown depth and expanded its network and linkages in its services for the children and youth.

LVF, let’s go GLOW UP

FEATURE STORIES OF THE MONTH

• CHILDREN’S CONSULTATION FOR THE VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEW ON THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – SDGS – LUZON CLUSTER
• LVF YOUTH ADVOCATES AT THE COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN PLANNINGAND BRAINSTORMING SESSION
• TESDA ACCREDITATION of the LAURA VICUNA FOUNDATION INC. TVET CENTER 
• I am BRAVE (BUDDIES REJECT ABUSE, VIOLENCE and EXPLOITATION)
• Seminar WorkshopLVC UST-ANGELICUM SCHOLARS LEVEL UP 
• MORNESE VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE(by the FMA Institute): WALKING WITH MAININ
• FOCUS: ST. DOMINIC SAVIO (A SALESIAN YOUTH SAINT) 
• LVF READ ALONG in honor of St. Mary Mazzarello – Si Main ang Batang In na In

CHILDREN’S CONSULTATION FOR THE VOLUNTARY NATIONAL REVIEW ON THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – SDGS – LUZON CLUSTER

May 16-18, 2022. LVF child representatives, Jerrill Nadora,14 from the Residential Home for Girls in Cubao and Aljohn Manuel,16 from LVF-Child Protection Clinic on Wheels (CPC) in Botocan Quezon City, participated in a 3-day session on Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the Sustainable Development Goàls (SDG) Consultation Meeting-Luzon Cluster at Novotel Manila, Araneta, Quezon City spearheaded by CWC, CRN, PLCPD and UNICEF. They were accompanied by Ms. Josielyn Hugo LVF Social Worker.  VNR is the annual country report on the progress of the Philippines’ performance in implementing the SDGs. The country report will be presented at the high-level political forum in June 2022.

Participatory sessions like these allowed the children’s voices not only to be listened to but hopefully to be considered in presenting the status of the country’s SDG performance. Moreover, the resulting recommendations are seen to have a future impact in their overall development, particularly in meeting their rights, since CRC and SDGs are inextricably linked. The small workshop groups, combined with other engaging activities elicited active participation from the children. Among the major inputs of the LVF children were: workshop style.  Our LVF representatives strongly affirmed that this seminar was indeed a growth experience for them.

LVF YOUTH ADVOCATES AT THE COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN PLANNING AND BRAINSTORMING SESSION!

LVF as a consistent member of the CWC has been a valuable contributor to its projects for children and youth.  LVF’s Child Advocates have been tapped by CWC for years now to participate in its Planning and Brainstorming Sessions.  Last May 14, 2022,  LVF’s Child Advocates Victoria Columna,15 and Shane Yap,14 attended the four-day Planning and Brainstorming Sessions in preparation for the National Children’s Month (NCM) 2022. The meeting served as a preparatory activity for the month-long NCM celebration.  The planning of major activities at the national and regional levels fostered substantive child participation and helped leaders speak on behalf of their agencies and other children. The activity was an engaging and empowering experience for the young.  We thank CWC for recognizing the capabilities and talents of our Child Advocates in this field and for giving them the encouragement to be leaders and contributors in the formation of their fellow children and young people.  YES, WE CAN DO IT.

TESDA ACCREDITATION of the LAURA VICUNA FOUNDATION INC. TVET CENTER QC

After years of rigorous work and offering effective technical-vocational education programs for the youth, the LVF TVET center located at 55 F. Manalo St. Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, Cubao, Quezon City received its program registration from the Technical Education Skills Development Authority on May 5, 2022, by virtue of a Certificate of TVET Program Registration given by TESDA Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr., CESO III. The LVF TVET Center in Cubao will henceforth continue to conduct a program in Bookkeeping NC III. 
 
The operation of the TVET Center, including the preparation of all necessary requirements to be granted a program registration was a collaborative endeavor spearheaded by its Coordinator, Sr. Analyn Guerrero, FMA who tirelessly worked with her companion teacher/staff Ms. Felina Narvaez in running the program.
 
Both acknowledge with gratefulness the motivation and support of  Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA, Managing Director of LVF for her leadership and guidance, as well as the  rest of the LVF family- the Sisters in the Community,  the LVF Staff, and Company Partners for their sustaining support. LVF commends and thanks especially the PUNO LAW Office for its competent legal expertise.  Thank you too to the President of the LVF, Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA and its Board of directors.  All for the care and the salvation of youth.

I am BRAVE (BUDDIES REJECT ABUSE, VIOLENCE and EXPLOITATION!) Seminar Workshop

The COVID-19 pandemic has become part of our lives and is challenging us to adjust to new ways of navigating our world. Technology has advanced, particularly in the era of internet connectivity. Internet use for the young has surfaced advantages and disadvantages, particularly on the safe and proper use of this communication technology. LVF is cognizant of the possible harm that improper internet exposure can bring particularly to the young who are, and will continue to be exposed to it. The phenomenon of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) has emerged strongly especially during the pandemic. Acknowledging that everyone can and should disrupt the harmful effects from unsafe use of the internet, particularly in abetting sexual violence, LVF conceptualized advocacy sessions focused on the theme: BUDDIESReject Abuse, Violence and Exploitation (BRAVE)! These sessions specifically aimed  to capacitate participants to be an active partner in empowering their friends and fellow young people to be collaborators in protecting each other from new forms of sexual violence.

Mrs. Mercedes Juncia, LVF Social Worker tapped the community leaders of different barangays and evangelical churches as partners in this endeavor. The month-long initiative reached   a total of three hundred nine (309) participants coming from seven (7) areas:  KJV Bible Christian Church, Escalante City (50) on May 11; Brgy. Purisima, Central Manapla (30) and Brgy. 7, Victorias City (11) on May 15; Potter’s House Christian Fellowship Church (25) on May 20; United Pentecostal Church-Vineyard (80) and Brgy. 20 Binanlutan (61) on May 22 Brgy. Consing (52) on May 28. After the sessions, the participants were able to learn about early warning signs of OSAEC, determining whether the place is safe or not; the different touches-the safe, unsafe and confusing touches and who to network with or report to concerning any form of abuse, violence and exploitation. The referral pathway to access support and service in addressing all forms of abuse and exploitation was reviewed by the participants. One youth participant shared that they should be very careful in posting in their social media accounts.  They should not post their personal information or their pictures.  A mother said that she always tells her children not to let anybody touch the sensitive part of their body and another one said that as a barangay health worker in their barangay, she always tells the youth that she is available to whoever needs her help.

“Looking back to these sessions, I still have a long way to go.  It is quite difficult for me to have a paradigm shift, and to reach more people, our ka-BUDDIES, in fighting abuses and exploitation in the midst of the pandemic. I am happy to be back and be able to continue with God’s mission in my life.” – Mrs. Juncia said.

LVC UST- ANGELICUM SCHOLARS LEVEL UP

Another school year has just commenced and our LVC Girls under the UST-ANGELICUM REAP PROGRAM  advanced to another grade level, indicating a successful, albeit challenging school year amidst the pandemic.

• Vicky – YS 9 to YS 10
• Shane – YS 9 to YS 10
• Remi – YS 8 to YS 9
• Crizalyn –  YS 8 to YS 9
• Jerill – YS 8 – YS 9
• Lenelyn – YS 9 – YS10
• Josephine – YS 9 – YS 10
• Desiree – YS 11 awaiting Graduation 

This time around they did it all via UST-Angelicum Portal Online.    We are grateful to UST-Angelicum for the continued upgrading and levelling up of their REAP Program – Sa UST-Angelicum walang napag-iiwanan!  With hard work, discipline, belief in oneself and faith in God achieving one’s dream can never be a far-fetched reality.  The choice will always be in the person’s hands!  Vicunians, let’s LIVE THE DREAM.

MORNESE VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE (by the FMA Institute): WALKING WITH MAIN

LVF Staff, Ms. Mercedes Juncia, Ms. Felina Narvaez, Ms. Josielyn Hugo, Ms. Analiza Corro, Ms. Virgie Jison Ms. Rosea Monsay, Ms. Rose Jean Gonzales joined the Virtual pilgrimage “Walking with you, Main”. This is in preparation for the 150th founding anniversary of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians which is held virtually every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from February to May 24 via Zoom from 3:00-4:00 PM organized by the Salesian Family Sector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. “Who is Main? I do not know who Main was. But the virtual pilgrimage allowed me to get a glimpse of her life as I journeyed with my fellow lay in walking with Main. She was a woman of power-a power that influences others, a compelling power that touches other people’s hearts; and constantly renews them in the presence of God. Her accompaniment towards young people drew them closer to Him. And I pray, as a lay mission partner, that I may awaken Main’s spirit in me- one that inspires, gives hope,  loves and accepts.. and most especially, one that enkindles my strong faith in God!” –Ms. Sai

IN FOCUS:  ST. DOMINIC SAVIO  … (A SALESIAN YOUTH SAINT)

On May 6, the feast day of St. Dominic Savio,  the LVC girls thought it best to share their Salesian Youth Spirituality treasured model of the Youth St. Dominic Savio to our LVF TVET Center QC Trainees. This activity was spearheaded by our two LVF Child Advocates, Remilyn Olediana and Desiree Ligutan. How empowering and consoling it was to see that our former recipients of Salesian formation are now sharing their knowledge and love of Salesian role models/Saints with their fellow youth. The youth are widening their circle of influence as far as their Salesian identity is concerned.  A two thumbs up and a job well done to both of you.

LVF READ ALONG in honor of St. Mary Mazzarello –  “Si Main ang Batang In na In”

To give honor to our Patron St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello the FMA Institute co-foundress, the Laura Vicuna Foundation has organized a READ – ALONG of her life story entitled “Si Main ang Batang In na In” ( Talambuhay ni St. Mary Mazzarello) shown in two parts,  Part  I – May 8 and Part II – May 12, 2022.  The online activity was held via Google meet and was live streamed at facebook.  It was prepared and executed by the LVC girls Sab, Shane,Eds  and Em with the guidance of Sr. Ana, FMA.  A mini quiz bee followed the Read Along and prizes were given  to the participants.  From heaven we are sure that our dear Mother Mazzarello looks upon us with a big smile because we have made her known to many.  VIVA Mother Mazzarello.