A BITTERSWEET OCTOBER

October leaves us with bittersweet memories brought about by the seasons of life. It is a striving of… a moving on… to a better state, to a brighter place. . . coupled with hard work; with mixed emotions of exhaustion and celebration, sadness and deep joy which burst forth into AHA monents.

• LVF underwent the Department of Social Welfare Development validation process and it was granted a renewal of its license to operate; 
• BRAVE (Buddies Reject Abuse, Violence and Exploitation) Program in far-flung Negros Occidental reached 2,000 participants in schools and communities; 
• LVF staff of 25 years, Ms. Virginia Jison, retired and migrated to her family in Canada; 
• LVF-TVET Technical Directress and Sister Assistant to the Vicunians, Sr. Ana Guerrero, FMA, who had a great knack for youth pastoral and for making people special and loved, was suddenly called Home to the loving embrace of our Father in Heaven . 

At LVF, we do not shrink challenges, hardships, sufferings and death for they all give birth to life

EXPECTATION vs.REALITY:  AN ECOLOGICAL DIALOGUE

October 2, 2022.  The Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc. gathered more than 1,000 CPC (Child Protection Clinic) members in an online ECOLOGICAL DIALOGUE entitled EXPECTATION VS. REALITY – Listen to the Voice of Creation on the occasion of the Laudato Si month-long celebration.  The LVF stays committed to advocating the Catholic Church’s urgent and pressing call for ‘care for our common home and to take swift and unified global action. Thus, LVF earnestly involves the grassroots communities in this tedious yet noble task of saving our mother earth.  Sr. Runita Borja, FMA General Councilor for Youth Pastoral, and Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA FIL_PNG Provincial Superior, graced the event, which was youth-led.

This Ecological Dialogue is LVF’s response to Pope Francis’s appeal to “every person living on this planet for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet.” (https://www.usccb.org/offices/general-secretariat/laudato-si-care-our-common-home)

In her message, Sr. Runita Borja, FMA, highlighted our “sense of interrelatedness not only to each other but most especially to creation, that the commitments made in this Ecological Dialogue should be turned into concrete action that could form a chain of small and beautiful ways of caring for our common home, the earth.”  Above all, she pointed out the “supremacy of love, of doing everything in love and with love, as Jesus became one of us in His incarnation.”

LVF gathers its members and tries to listen to the voice of creations’ real status in each of our respective CPC communities, face it squarely, call it by its real name, and start through the making of individual commitments to saving our common home.

The day’s activity is a fruit of our ‘coming together, discernment, and sharing of resources.  The two youth leaders of Laura Vicuna Center Cubao Hannah Babes Yap and Jazlyn Narvadez through the guidance of Sr. Analyn Guerrero, FMA, prepared the event by gathering the LVF-CPC Youth Leaders for a series of meetings for brainstorming, sharing, and identifying different CPC community environmental realities, formulating strategies on how to effectively help our LVF members actively and concretely contribute to the realization of our care for the earth. 

It was an interactive dialogue between LVF and CPC Communities as each participant shared their learnings and realizations upon listening to the discussion, which was centered on “Listening to the Voice of Creation” towards zeroing in on the meaning and implication of Man’s CARBON IMPRINT. This awakened consciousness was deepened by an Ecological Footprint test aimed at making the participants aware of their contribution to global warming. Cognizant of their harmful actions, the participants commit to making tangible steps in reducing carbon imprint starting in their homes. The children, youth, and parents committed themselves to observe proper waste disposal and saving water and electric consumption, to name a few. 

With the experts who presuppose earth’s end in 30 years, it is high time for us all to “renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together.” God’s creation moans ever louder and suffers more every day amidst the ongoing climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. 

The Ecological Dialogue proved that solutions to climate change are in each individual’s hands; as Pope Francis said, “No one is so poor they cannot give what they have…” (twitter-pontiflex, June 14, 2018).  Yes, we might feel that in our simplicity and ordinariness, our contribution is insignificant, but with the earth’s emergency now, “our gathering together and diligent practice of reducing our carbon imprint impacts transformation for our common home,” says Sr. Maria Victoria Sta. Ana, FMA, in one of her interventions during the dialogue.  Indeed, TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

NEGROS IS B.R.A.V.E!

A total of one thousand nine hundred fifty –three (1,953) were given advocacy sessions on I am BRAVE (Buddies Reject Abuse, Violence and Exploitation) by Ms. Carla A. Juncia on October 4, 2022. The following were given the sessions: Victorias National High School (1,083), Dr. Vicente Gustilo Memorial National High School (584), 4Ps Victorias (171), Cadiz Day Care Workers (88) and Jerusalem National High School (27). There were some questions raised by the students about some topics like sexting and on different touches to show their interest and concern on them which made the sessions lively and very interactive. At the end the students committed to be observant of their surroundings and be brave enough to stand firm especially in reporting cases of abuse, violence and exploitation.

LVF-TVET QC TEACHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

The LVF-TVET QC Trainees celebrated the National Children’s Month on Oct. 12! On Teacher’s Day, we celebrate the critical role of teachers in transforming learners’ potential by ensuring they have the tools they need to take responsibility for themselves, for others and for the planet. To express their gratitude, the trainees rendered a song, and brought cake to be shared with the group.

NCCT @25!

The Laura Vicuna Foundation (LVF) with its Youth Representatives, Hannah Babes Yap and Remilyn Olediana, accompanied by Ms. Joy Hugo joined the 25^th anniversary celebration of the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), with the theme “Child Friendlier Media Content” at Novotel Hotel, Quezon City on Oct. 28, 2022.  LVF led the celebration through a prayer. Hannah and Remilyn were invited to give a special message on NCCT’s impact in them as a child and as a viewer. During her interview, Hannah said that “Napakahalaga ng NCCT sapagkat nandiyan sila, sila na nagiging magulang namin sa telebisyon. Sila ang gabay namin,  at ang ipinapakita po nila sa amin ay kabutihan…na habang lumalaki kami natututo kami kung ano iyong tama at mali.” (The presence of the NCCT is very important for they become our parents/guardians in the television. They guide us and shows us what is good…that while we are growing, we are also learning on what is right and wrong). She also urged her fellow young people not to forget their learnings.  This significant celebration was joined by the NCCT Executive Director Ms. Daisy Atienza, NCCT Chairman Atty. Luis Gatmaitan. The DepEd Undersecretary Sara Duterte graced the event with her message virtually.  Ms. Daisy acknowledged the key contributions of each staff in the organization. LVF Managing Director, Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA is one of the five Council Members of the National Council on Children’s Television under the Department of Education.  

LVF JOINS THE ARANETA CITY’S GIANT CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY: A “CHRISTMAS LIKE NO OTHER”

The J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Inc. has chosen LVF as one of its beneficiary for the Fiesta Carnival this coming Christmas! Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA, LVF Child representatives, Jerill Nadora and Shane Yap joined the lighting ceremony of the giant Christmas tree at the Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City on Nov. 11.

LVF-FAMILY FEUD

On October 09, the Lobangco Family joined the Family Feud Philippines-a television game show based on the American series of the same name aired on GMA. With God’s grace, the family won the said game show and had LVF to be its chosen charity whom they would share their winnings! Dr. Kris Bello is very instrumental in introducing LVF to the Lobangco Family. LVF is truly grateful for this blessing.

LVF WEEKLY SOLIDARITYSERYE

The LVF SolidaritySerye calls forth each of us to take on the challenge of sharing, giving, and take part in the efforts to connect, help our fellow proving that we are in this together!  Sr. Erlinda Soriano, FMA & Ms. Josielyn Hugo distributed bread to the National Children’s Hospital (NCH) and to LVF CPC Communities! LVF is very much thankful to our donors for always remembering us! May the good Lord bless you, your families and the work that you do.

LVF WEEKLY CATECHESIS

In celebration of the World Mission Sunday, Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA facilitates an Online Catechesis to the parents, children and youth of LVF-Child Protection Communities of: Taguig, Marikina and vicunians of Provincial House in Sta.mesa. God is alive through the Holy Spirit that helps and guides us in our daily life. 

FROM LVF-FIL TO CANADA

for Ms. Virgie Jison for her retirement. Ate Gie, whom she is fondly called, has been of service to the Laura Vicuna Foundation for twenty-six (26) years. The girls rendered words of appreciation and heartwarming songs for her.  LVF is grateful for Ate Gie’s contribution, hardwork, dedication, fidelity to the vision, and zeal to the mission and goals of the Foundation. In her retirement, we pray for her good health, happy life and new adventures with her family in Canada.

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Oct. 25, 2022. Our dear Sr. Analyn “ANA” Guerrero, FMA returned to the Father’s loving embrace. Sr. Ana has lived her life to the fullest and touched the lives of so many young people in the different schools of the Salesian Sisters in the Philippines! She lived the last 4 years of the 27^th year of her FMA Religious Life as an assistant to the Vicunians and Technical Directress of the Laura Vicuna Foundation, Inc., TVET, Quezon City.  She will forever be missed! We continue to pray for the repose of her soul.

Hannah, 18 years old Vicunian, one of the thousand girls whose life was touched by Sr. Ana, shared her profound gratitude and experiences of being accompanied by Sr. Ana:

Sr. Ana and I had been together since she was assigned at the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. for 4 years. We, Vicunians, have named Sr Ana as our, ‘UNIQUE SISTER’! She stood out for she went beyond her duty when it came to disciplining and forming us. She closely walked with us in our Journey of Hope. Her accompaniment greatly endeared and influenced us!

Sr. Ann knew each one of us very well. At times, more than we know ourselves. She felt our sadness, anger, anxiety, fears, and secrets.  She knew what we really liked and what we needed. She never lost her childlike attitude: she was spirited, joyful, bright, and youthful. She is a bundle of joy to us.

She always encouraged us to think outside the box! Sr. Ana is our today’s living monument of St. John Bosco for she does not want us idling by or lazy. She always reminded us, “Study hard and dream big since you are brilliant”.

She is very creative and constantly makes activities so that we are occupied and spared from any temptation. She encourages us to do and lead the youth sessions. Always motivates us to be not afraid, for she is just right behind us. “I got your back,” she would say.

Significantly, Sr. Ana strongly inculcates in us the value of HONESTY. DO NOT TELL LIES. We should always tell the truth, or else, it’s World War III!

The young people were the center of Sr. Ana’s life. She cared deeply about each of us. She wants us to live up to the Salesian Youth spirit-joyful, active, prayerful, and HOLY. You cannot get away from her during prayer times. If someone had not spent personal time in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament, she would chide, “Those of you who have not prayed yet, go and thank God for all the blessings you have received.”

Sr Ann, we have witnessed your selflessness by always putting our needs before your own and forgetting about your own needs. Thank you so much, Sr. Ana, for everything. For sharing your life with us. For journeying and accompanying us to the path that leads to Mary and God.

Sr. Ana, we love you so much!

Nakasama ko si Sr. Ana sa apat na taon na naassign sya sa LVF Community. Si Sr. Ana ay tinatawag naming na UNIQUE SISTER. Unique kasi sya lang ang bukod tanging nagsikap at nagtyaga na baguhin kami. Si Sr. Ana yung tipong kilalang-kilala ang bawat isa sa amin. Alam kung ano ang gusto ng Vicunians at bilang kabataan, mahilig kami sa trending pero sa totoo lang, lagi kaming huli sa trending kasi lagi nya kami nauunahan…Ayaw n’yang ganda lang ang meron at wala naming laman ang utak. Lagi nya sinasabi, “Mag-aral kayo ng mabuti. Taasan ninyo ang inyong mga pangarap sa buhay kasi matatalino kayo.” Si Sr. Ana po ang living St. John Bosco namin, kasi ayaw nya ng idle mind. Ayaw nya nakatunganga lang kami. Gusto nya lagi may ginagawa para hindi kami lapitan ng demonyo.

Kahit anong session, kami ang gumagawa, tapos lagi nyang sinasabi na “dito lng ako sa likod ninyo.”

Walang araw, buwan, lingo na hindi kami busy. At pinakanatutunan po namin ky Sr. Ana ay ‘wag magsinungaling. Dyan po sya nagagalit at talagang strikto sa amin. Dapat lagi kaming nagsasabi ng totoo kung ayaw mo ng World War III. Si Sr. Ana grabe ka dedicated sa mga kabataang  tulad namin. Grabe sya magmahal sa bawat isa. Ayaw nya kaming lalanta lanta, loading at luting. Gusto nya Salesian Youth kami-masayahin, laging busy, banal at malapit sa Diyos…Sa pagdadasal hindi ka makakatakas sa kanya kasi sasabihin nya “Iyong hindi pa nagdadasal baka naman, magpasalamat sa Diyos sa lahat ng biyayaing natanggap.”

Sr. Ana, maraming salamat sa lahat ng itinuro mo sa amin, sa lahat ng tulong na ibinigay mo sa amin na kadalasan nakakalimutan mon a rin yung mga personal na pangangailangan mo kasi inuuna mo kami lagi.

Sr. Ana, mahal na mahal ka po namin!