FEBRUARY SERENDIPITY SURPRISES

Serendipity Surprises Series. The famous movie Forrest Gump tells us that “Life is a box of chocolate, we do not know what we will get” and that “miracles happen every day” in our lives. This February, LVF has unboxed serendipity surprises! They were an unexpected, delightful turnout of events at LVF Centers, significantly sustaining and impacting the youth and families LVF served.  A wellspring of grateful hearts to God and His mediation overflowed among the LVF Centers’ Educating Communities.
CUBAO, QC

• L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO FEATURES LVF AS A CENTER OF HOPE: FEB.8
• NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND AWARENESS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
• FACE-TO-FACE FOLLOW YOUR DREAM
• LVF WELCOMES THE CROSS-CATHOLIC OUTREACH PROJECT OFFICERS!
• DON BOSCO GERMANY TRANSFERRED THEIR ANNUAL FUND TO SUPPORT LVF-QC HOME
• LVF SAYS YES TO BECOME YEAST: THE PEC GRATITUDE CELEBRATION
• UST R.E.A.P PROGRAM 24^TH ANNIVERSARY
• MOA SIGNING BETWEEN LVF AND VETERANS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER!
• CHILDREN’S CONSULTATION ON THE IRR OF RA 11930
• WAY OF THE CROSS 2023

 PALAWAN

• GRATITUDE DAY: CANONICAL VISIT
• SHARING ON THE WORD OF GOD
•  TAIZE PRAYER
• VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION  

LVF MALIHAO

• GRATITUDE DAY 2023
• SR. TITA’S ENCOUNTER WITH THE STUDENTS
• GRATITUDE DAY: NOVENA OF THANKS
• SPORTS FEST (BOSCOLYMPICS)
• FMA TVI’S WORKSHOP “RELEARNING CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, PROCESS

AND EVALUATION.”
LVF REGULAR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

• LVF WEEKLY ONLINE CATECHESIS
• LVF-SOLIDARITY SERYE
• PASWI-COP WEDNESDAY HABIT

L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO FEATURES LVF AS A CENTER OF HOPE

The Laura Vicuna Foundation was featured in the L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO, the daily newspaper of the Holy See of Vatican City State, as a Center of Hope for Abused and Trafficked Victims (pg8). To read the full article, click the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nmc4nHwQXSFoWJy-podJnVJxkpr3zY6d/view?fbclid=IwAR0ERSM341cbS2pMhHboMAP7mcPyBrIzAx2PZkgM-jPf9aikV6GE-s6WfS8

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND AWARENESS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Feb. 05. Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA, and Edralyn, LVF child advocate, joined the National Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking Journeying in Dignity organized by the CBCP cluster against Human Trafficking conducted at EDSA Shrine. The program discussed how to be in a union to empower the organization against Trafficking. A Child advocate talked about her journey of survival from being trafficked at an early age.  She said she is very thankful to have this kind of organization that helped her survive, and now, she is an advocate against trafficking. Eds’ has this takeaway: “Today, we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Bakhita. She survived kidnapping and enslavement and became the patron saint of victims of human trafficking. We, as young people, can do something significant and impactful. We can be advocates to counter trafficking in persons!”

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM

Feb. 03. The Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. conducted the onsite Follow Your Dream (FYD) session for more than 700 Grades 4 to 12 Mary Help of Christians College, Salesian Sisters, Inc. students in Canlubang, Laguna. During the session, student participants shared their answers to the questions of who the person/s they admire the most; the five fingers of their life; their Dream Collage, and their life goals. With candor, one of them shared that she “wanted to become a teacher to help others achieve their dreams as well.”  This youth-led, peer-to-peer session allows young people to share and inspire each other in their language and level.  The LVF child advocates, Staff facilitated the session with Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA. 

CROSS-CATHOLIC OUTREACH PROJECT OFFICERS VISIT LVF QC

Feb. 01. The Cross Catholic Outreach (CCO), through its Project Officers, Mr. Claudio Merisio and Mr. Kevin Kho, with Ms. Lot Ortiz, conducted a site visit to the LVF Center in Cubao, QC! CCO is LVF’s funder for their Anti-Trafficking Project. An encounter with the Sisters, the staff, the girls, and parent leaders of LVF’s Child Protection Communities ensued. The parent-leaders shared how LVF raised their awareness and empowered them to uphold human rights and promote a culture of protection in their respective communities.

DON BOSCO MONDO GERMANY TRANSFER THEIR ANNUAL GRANT TO SUPPORT LVF QC HOME

Ms. Larissa Wulfert, Project Manager of Don Bosco Mondo, informed Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA, that the donor has approved their request and has transferred the annual Grant of Don Bosco Mondo, Germany, to the LVF Center of Protection, Healing, and Recovery of Girls in Quezon City.

LVF SAYS ‘YES TO BECOME YEAST’: THE PEC GRATITUDE CELEBRATION

Feb. 18. The LVF Sisters, Staff, and Girls joined the Provincial Educating Community (PEC) Gratitude celebration for Sr. Teresita (Sr. Tita) Padron, FMA, the Mother Provincial of Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, with the theme: “Say Yes, Become Yeast.” There was a thanksgiving mass and the giving of the community Manifesto.  Everyone was excited to celebrate one of the important Salesian Community celebrations in person! Face-to-face at last. Various games were prepared, and different communities were mixed to form a team. It is an opportunity to make friends. The crowd roared, and people cheering filled the air as they supported their respective teams during kickball, badminton, basketball, and volleyball competitions! The players played with enthusiasm and excitement. “It was another core memory for us all. Since the pandemic, it has been nice and fun to socialize with other people again. Seeing the smiles on others’ faces after receiving their certificates and medals is heartwarming. Most especially, we were challenged to become yeast to our peers. In what way can we be yeast to our brothers and sisters in God,” said Sab.

UST R.E.A.P PROGRAM 24^TH ANNIVERSARY 

Feb. 18. Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA, delivered her inspirational message and represented the Laura Vicuna Foundation, Inc. of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians as this year’s recipient of the Missio Awards in the 24th Anniversary of the R.E.A.P (Re-entry Education Agenda for the Poor) Program of the UST Angelicum College was celebrated through the 2023 Gabay Karunungan: The National Conference on Alternative and Transformative Education and the Missio Awards. LVF has been one of the partner communities of the UST Angelicum R.E.A.P. program.

MOA SIGNING BETWEEN LVF AND VETERANS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

Feb. 08. It’s official! The Laura Vicuna Foundation is now a partner of the Family Medicine Department of Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), QC, as each party signed the Memorandum of Agreement! LVF Managing Director, Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA, signed the Memorandum of Agreement with Dr. Kris Bello and Dra Dana Hidalgo. Present during the signing of the MOA are Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde and Sr. Erlinda Soriano, along with the LVF girl residents as witnesses.

CHILDREN’S CONSULTATION ON THE IRR OF RA 11930

Feb. 11-12. LVF joins the 2-Day Children’s Consultation on the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) & Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act. This new law protects children from sexual violence online. RA 11930 was enacted on July 30, 2022.  Shane, an LVF child advocate, led her group in presenting the result of their brainstorming through a role-play/short skit, which the organizers and participants lauded for being artistic and informative. We can only hope that with this law, online sexual exploitation and abuse among children will be minimized and ended. Child Advocates Shane & Jerill represents LVF with Ms. Rosea Marie Monsay, LVF social worker at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.

WAY OF THE CROSS 2023

As the season of Lent comes, we recollect and reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! The LVF Community joined the nation in praying the Way of the Cross, composed of fourteen stations from the Last Supper to the Death of Jesus. We pray for our brothers and sisters in pain and suffering, for the last, the least, and the lost in the community and the people in the peripheries. ‘For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.’

PALAWAN
GRATITUDE DAY: CANONICAL VISIT

On February 7, 2023, the Educating Community expressed gratitude to Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA, for her motherly presence, love, and understanding during her Canonical visit to LVF-Palawan. We are blessed and grateful for her presence and pray daily for her intentions and work for the province and the young people. As the fruits of the labor of Sr. Tita, we, the educating community, commit ourselves to work together in solidarity to strengthen our faith, love, compassion, and hope centered on the person of Jesus Christ, who has called each of us to love and serve His people. The learners, staff, and FMA sisters presented a cultural program, dances, and songs expressing gratitude and love to Sr. Tita. 

SHARING ON THE WORD OF GOD

The LVF-Palawan conducts a weekly sharing of the Word of God with the learners, volunteers, staff, and FMA Sisters. It is always a beautiful experience! This sharing has strengthened our relationship, leading to a meaningful and healing experience. God wants everyone to hear His word and be saved, and we have a part in spreading the Good News! This activity is one of the most awaited activities of the learners at the center because it has become their safe place.

TAIZE PRAYER

On valentines night, the whole community had a Taize Prayer – “Date with the Lord.” The Sisters, staff, and learners expressed their love for God and God’s love towards them when they shared their past experiences, how they overcame life trials, and how they managed to love God despite the challenges they encountered.  Valentine’s is a chance to reflect on how we live our life. Do we exhibit the genuine love expected of us by our Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ?

VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION

Valentine’s Day, also known as St. Valentine’s Day (February 14), is when people express their affection towards each other through greetings, gifts, and flowers. It is also a day of love and affection in many countries worldwide. On February 14, 2023, the community uniquely celebrated Valentine’s Day. The sisters and staff prepared a cooking contest for the learners. The learners were divided into three groups, and they were then told to make a dish from Pasta noodles and Water spinach (kangkong). The first group made a dish of pasta soup mixed with coconut milk and tortang kangkong. The second group prepared a dish of chaolong and kangkong sisig. The third group made a carbonara dish and spaghetti with a kangkong smoothie. The sisters and staff were amazed at how fast the learners prepared their meal and how delicious it was. Ultimately, group 3 (carbonara and kangkong smoothie) won.

LVF MALIHAO, VICTORIAS, NEGROS OCC.
GRATITUDE DAY 2023

Laura Vicuna Women Development Training Center celebrated Gratitude Day 2023 with the theme “Festival of Thanks” on February 25, 2023. The celebration was intended for Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, School Directress, to thank her for her motherly care and guidance to the community. The gym was very colorful. The day was full of fun. The event started at 9:30 in the morning with a mass presided over by Fr. Bong Borgueta, SDB, from Murcia, Negros Occidental. Kenneth John C. Cornelio, SYM Coordinator, and Ariane Caballero, a TVI student, were the masters of ceremonies. There was a short play facilitated by the theater and arts group, followed by the dance presentations of each Salesian Youth Group (SYG), Oratorians, and Salesian Cooperators. Each group brought the audience to the different festivals in Negros Occidental. First to present was the sports group in their Kadalag-an Dance of Victorias City. Next to perform was the Liturgy Community as they performed the Ati-Atihan Dance. The group of oratorians showed their talents when they danced the Pinta Flores of San Carlos City. The choir group performed the Tinabu-ay Dance of Murcia. The dance group impressed the audience by performing the Kansilayan Dance of Silay City. The young Salesian Cooperators also expressed gratitude to Sr. Guia as they presented the Sinulog de Kabankalan Dance of Kabankalan City. The last to perform was the Junior Missionary Club (JMC) group in their Masskara Dance of Bacolod City. After the performances, everybody, including the FMA Sisters, support personnel, faculty, and staff, joined in the community dance. All gifts, cards, and flowers were given to Sr. Guia. You can see the joy on her face after watching the performances. In her closing remarks, the program ended as Sr. Guia thanked everybody for their active collaboration, especially Sir Darrenz M. Caberoy, Co-curricular Coordinator. Lunch was then set on the table and shared by the FMA sisters, Salesian Cooperators, faculty, staff, and support personnel in the AVR while the students had their lunch per the Salesian Youth group at the school gym. Everyone was so grateful for the meaningful and joyful gratitude celebration.

SR. TITA’S ENCOUNTER WITH THE STUDENTS

The community welcomed Sr. Teresita “Tita” Padron, FMA, Provincial Superior. Around 3 in the afternoon, she stepped out of the car and immediately met the students who were zealously waiting at the gym. The choir group sang the Marian hymn “Salve Regina.” During the encounter, she mentioned how proud she was of them for their dedication in coming to school despite the adversities they faced every day. She also emphasized the importance of discernment in life as a student. Some voluntarily shared their life story and life realizations too. The students performed a community dance in gratitude for her thoughtfulness and motherly guidance. Before the program ended, chocolate bars were distributed to every student. A special thanks to Anjanette Sendico, LVWDTC student leader, for accepting the role to be the master of the ceremony.

GRATITUDE DAY: NOVENA OF THANKS

The Novena of Thanksgiving is an annual tradition at Laura Vicuna Women Development Training Center (LVWDTC). Each takes time to express deepest gratitude and appreciation to the people who have been part of the Institution, for without them, the institution would not exist. The Novena of Thanksgiving started on the 16^th of February and ended on the 24^th. The school thanked the following people for sharing their valuable time, physical effort, and continuous support to the institution: school benefactors, company partners, past pupils, Salesian cooperators, young and parent oratorians, parents of the students, students of S.Y. 2022-2023, Salesians of Don Bosco, Salesian Educators and the FMA’s. The LVWDTC Educating Community felt incomparable joy for having those people in their lives. As a sign of gratitude, the school offered a special prayer for them, a video presentation, and an electronic card posted on the school’s official Facebook page.

SPORTS FEST (BOSCOLYMPICS)

In celebration of the Feast of Don Bosco, Laura Vicuna Women Development Training Center had its 4-days sports fest known as Boscolympics with a theme, “Run, Jump and Play but Never Sin,” held on February 1-4, 2023. The celebration started with a flag ceremony, a parade, and torch lighting, symbolizing the light of spirit, knowledge, and life. In her welcome address, Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, reminded everybody of the importance of sportsmanship and not sinning. On the first day, Basketball (boys), Volleyball (girls), Chess, Dama, Table Tennis (solo and doubles), Sungka, and Scrabble were played. The next day, Basketball (girls), Volleyball (boys), 100-meter dash, Baton Relay, Sack Race, and Amazing Race. On the third day, some past pupils also participated in the event. They were given the time to showcase their talents and skills as they joined the Exhibition Games. The last and most awaited game was the Obstacle Course, played in the afternoon. On the last day of the Boscolympics, champions of each game were awarded certificates and food packs by Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, School Directress, and Sr. Sheila Marie A. Ducot, FMA, Technical Directress, assisted by Mr. Rino N. Barrido, Sports Group Animator. God is so good that the sports fest ended successfully.

FMA TVI’S WORKSHOP “RELEARNING CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, PROCESS AND EVALUATION”

Mr. Rino N. Barrido, Academic Coordinator, and Ms. Ma. Socorro C. Bayles, DTS Coordinator, together with Sr. Sheila Marie A. Ducot, FMA, Technical Directress, participated in the FMA TVI’S Workshop with the theme “Relearning Curriculum Development, Process, and Evaluation” last February 6-8, 2023, in Mornese Center of Spirituality Pansol, Calamba, Laguna. The 3-day seminar was attended by the representatives of the 5 TVET schools: Pampanga, Malihao, Cebu, Palawan, and Mindoro. The main agenda of the seminar is to discuss the unification of the curriculum of all FMA TVET schools. During the seminar, participants reviewed each school’s syllabus and course outline. Also, they were able to revise the school’s vision, mission, and core values. Lastly, altogether they made the criteria for the school’s ideal graduates. God is good, for without His helping hands, the 3-days seminar would not be possible.

LVF REGULAR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
WEEKLY ONLINE CATECHESIS for LVF MANILA & CPC COMMUNITIES

The weekly catechesis, which the Sisters facilitated, is now facilitated by the LVF Lay through Mrs. Mercedes Juncia. She is finishing her Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry this year at St. Vincent School of Theology. The CPC Communities’ commitment to learning and being close to God is seen in their constant participation every Sunday. Every Week, the catechesis reaches up to 200 individuals from various CPC Communities. LVF aspires for Christ-centered and God-fearing communities with political leaders in every political unit to actualize our vision of fostering child-friendly communities that are safe for all. That each person is upholding the rights of one another, becoming a safe place.  

LVF-SOLIDARITY SERYE 

The LVF’s SolidaritySerye endeavors carry on as weekly support to CPC communities from various companies and individuals. The girls bake bread, brownies, and puto, distributed to the communities by Sr. Erlinda Soriano, FMA, with Mr. Ryan Azucena.

PASWI-COP WEDNESDAY HABIT

Every Wednesday, from 8:00-9:15 pm, the Philippine Association of Social Workers’ Inc (PASWI) holds the Circle of Prayer (COP) hosted by Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA, and PASWI Exec Director Eva Ponce de Leon, co-hosted by a PASWI local chapter.  On Feb. 17, it celebrated its second anniversary of coming and praying together for peace, healing, and sharing of the Word of God or Lectio Divina.  It is the night for Social Workers to STOPOVER WITH THE LORD.