MARCH !!! to EQUALITY and INCLUSION

LVF MARCH TO THE RHYTHM OF ITS HEART’S PASSION: Equality and Inclusion. March leaves us in awe when life sprouts as flowers bloom, bringing life and color to the environment. It is a time when daylight is extended. Ah! What a beautiful world! How great and marvelous are the hands of God! The month celebrates women, nature, and girl-child milestones, acknowledging their equal rights and complementarity with men, contributions, and achievements in various fields. LVF also dedicates March to pursuing its advocacy mission to intensify its efforts to prevent abuse, violence, and exploitation by empowering persons and communities through education and partnerships to achieve equality and inclusion.
LVF CUBAO-QC
•    B.R.AVE SESSIONS 
•    LVF WOMEN’S MONTH #WEcanbeEquall 
•    GIRL-CHILD WEEK CELEBRATIONS
•  LVF JOINS THE BRAINSTORMING SESSION FOR THE NATIONAL CHILDREN’S MONTH CELEBRATION
•    WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY CELEBRATION
•    RIGHTS OF NATURE!
•    DRAFT IRR OF RA 11930 NATIONAL CONSULTATION
•    LVF’s KWENTO NG PAG-ASA: THE POWER OF CIVIL SOCIETY BY CODE NGO
•    PROVINCIAL VISIT 2023
•    FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH
•    ONLINE TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) FORUM 
•    BEC AND MISSION PARTNER MEETING

LVF-PALAWAN
•    ENTRE FARM
•    COMMUNITY OUTING AT PONCE DE LEON RESORT & GARDEN
•    PARENTS’ FORMATION
•    PRESENTATION OF THE 5-YEAR PLAN 
•    EVERYONE HAS FEELINGS 

LVF MALIHAO, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

•    SCHOOLS’ DIVISION OF VICTORIAS CITY VISITATION
•    TVI HRS AND GRADE 12 HRS ENCOUNTER WITH SR. LIDO
•    NATIONAL CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT IN HOUSEKEEPING NC II
•    SCHOOL PROMOTION
•    GRADE 11 AND TVI LENTEN RECOLLECTION
•    “KUMPISALAN NG BAYAN”
•    LENTEN RECOLLECTION
•    CONFESSION

LVF WEEKLY REGULAR ACTIVITIES
•    CATECHESIS
•    SOLIDARITYSERYE
•    PASWI-COP

LVF CUBAO-QC

Brave Sessions

A total of two thousand forty-six (2,046) students were given the Laura Vicuna Foundation’s (LVF’s) I am BRAVE (Buddies Reject Abuse, Violence, and Exploitation) advocacy sessions by Ms. Mercedes A. Juncia on the following dates:  March 7, 2023 (Caneland Oasis Private Academy, Canetown Subd., Victorias City -33); March 8-15 (Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias 289); March 22, 2023 (Caduha-an National High School-Luna Ext. -736, Cadiz City); March 28, 2023 (Escalante National High School, Escalante City-390); March 29, 2023 (Floro T. Bongco National High School, Escalante City-327) and on March 30, 2023 (Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School, Cadiz City-271).  The students committed to doing the following:  Gender Equality, Speak up and Report Cases of Abuse, Violence, Exploitation, and Respect One Another. LVF was still able to continue with their advocacy sessions despite DepEd’s strict compliance with their no disruption of classes policy. The people in charge truly believed in LVF’s program for safeguarding oneself against abuses, violence, and exploitation. Most of the sessions were in partnership with DepEd Cadiz City and DepEd Escalante City.

LVF WOMEN’S MONTH #WEcanbeEquall

March 27. LVF conducted a seminar on Gender Equality and the Magna Carta for Women for the Officials of Brgy. Pinagkaisahan facilitated by Ms. Joy Hugo. In the Philippines, March is widely recognized as Women’s Month, a time to honor and appreciate the significant contributions made by women to society. This month-long celebration aims to raise awareness about women’s struggles for gender equality and their rights. This year, the women’s month celebration has a theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” with #WEcanbeEquall. The observance of Women’s Month in the Philippines began in 1988 with Proclamation No. 224, proclaiming the first week of March as Women’s Week. This was later expanded to the entire month to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality (https://mirror.pia.gov.ph/features/2023/03/01/womens-month-highlights-gender-equality-in-an-inclusive-society). 

GIRL-CHILD WEEK CELEBRATIONS

LVF has joined the nation in celebrating the GIRL-CHILD WEEK (March 25-31, 2023) with 50 Child Protection Clinic Communities’ children and young people on March 27, held at LVF Ground Hall and 300 Senior High School students of Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias on March 31 via Google Meet on its advocacy session on Online Safety and Responsible Digital Citizenship dubbed as “Click to Cliques: What Comes After Every Click.” The Girl-Child Week is spearheaded by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) under Presidential Proclamation No. 759 series of 1996, declaring every fourth week of March as the “Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week,” which is in line with Women’s Month, the Girl-Child week’s theme is “Strong Girls, Strong World: Protecting Girls’ Rights and Well-being in the Face of Adversity.” Ms. Rosea Monsay conducted this session.

LVF JOINS THE BRAINSTORMING SESSION FOR THE NATIONAL CHILDREN’S MONTH CELEBRATION 

March 18. The Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. joined the National Children’s Month-Children Brainstorming Session (NCM-CBS) for the 2023 NCM Celebration. LVF Child representative Shane Yap shared her opinions and ideas on the numerous events that will be carried out. The 2023 NCM will center on children’s nutrition, emphasizing the country’s malnourished children, anchored to the presented data of underweight Filipino children. This was held via Zoom.

WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY CELEBRATION

March 21. Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA, led the celebration of World Social Work Day 2023 through prayer. This year’s theme was “Respecting Diversity through Joint Social Action.” The Philippine Association of Social Workers Inc. (PASWI) commemorated, complimented, and acknowledged the contributions of all social workers in the Philippines. At LVF, girls also prepared a brief presentation for the social workers who work at the center. The girls expressed gratitude and appreciation towards the social workers through a song presentation.

RIGHTS OF NATURE!

March 21. Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA, joined the three-day 2023 General Assembly on the Rights of Nature PH with the theme: Cultivating the path towards the recognition of the rights of nature in the Philippines at Manresa Retreat House, Banawe Quezon City. Laudato Si, the encyclical of Pope Francis’ exhorts all people to protect our shared environment. This is a challenge to us all! What action should we take to uphold nature’s rights?

DRAFT IRR OF RA 11930 NATIONAL CONSULTATION

March 21. The Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc. participated in the National Consultation of Drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of RA 11930 at the New Coast Hotel, Malate Manila. The RA 11930, known as the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.” is a newly enacted law passed on July 30, 2022. LVF strongly advocates protecting and empowering children, young people, and families. This law seeks to end the horrifying reality in our country, where children are becoming commodities facilitated by their own families.

LVF’s KWENTO NG PAG-ASA: THE POWER OF CIVIL SOCIETY BY CODE NGO 

March 30. LVF joined and shared its Kwento ng Pag-Asa (Story of Hope) during the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) virtual launching of the “The Power of Civil Society: Mga Kwento ng Katatagan, Bayanihan, at Pag-asa.” LVF has featured the story of ‘Hope’ and how LVF has instilled in her to dream once more, to be empowered. It is at LVF here she found a home.

PROVINCIAL VISIT 2023 

March 31. Sr. Tita Padron, FMA, the Provincial Animator, had her 3-day visit at LVF. The Sisters, girls, and staff warmly welcomed her to their small, occasionally messy, sometimes chaotic, often noisy, but always loving home! Her encounter with the staff and girls facilitated a personal sharing of experiences and unpacking of bottled feelings and emotions. Sr. Tita expressed her appreciation and thanked the team for their loyalty and dedication to the Foundation. Eds, the LVF child advocate, shared her experience of Sr. Tita’s visit, saying, “It was a fruitful experience, our encounters with her. She is very Encouraging. Sr. Tita challenged us to think of the ways, as a Vicunian, of what we can do to help the center.” Ms. Sam, an LVF teacher, shared that she learned the “value of discernment, listening, speaking, and developing positive relationships with each other.” Sr. Tita’s visit was a spirit-led encounter with the LVF Educating Community.

FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH

March 20. In celebration of the Feast day of St. Joseph as the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, LVF-Girls cooked spaghetti and distributed it along with bread to the Child Protection Communities of Judge Jimenez, Hillcrest, and Brgy. Culiat in Quezon City. St. Joseph has placed himself at the service of God’s plan of salvation. He cared for the Holy Family that God had entrusted to him. He became an attentive servant caring for Mary and the Child she carried in her womb. He defended the Family in the moment of danger. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-saint-joseph–the-spouse-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary.html

ONLINE TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) FORUM 

On March 7, 2023, Tuesday, more than 100 TVET institutions attended the Online Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Forum. Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA, and Ms. Felina Narvaez were present as representatives of the Laura Vicuña Foundation TVET Center Q. C. Several topics were discussed, such as UPTRAS Update as of February 2023, Programs due for Migration, Applications for No Training Regulation Programs (NTR), 21^st Century Skills for trainers and List of TVET Institutions with programs due for a compliance audit. The forum was facilitated by Ms. Catherine D. Horaguchi – TESDA Specialist II and Program Registration focal person. At the end of the Forum, TVET institutions could identify their schedule for the Compliance Audit for this year, the Major Requirements for Re-issuance of Certificate of Training Program Registration (CTPR), Requirements for No Training Regulation (NTR) Application and other TESDA Updates. A Registrar’s Orientation was suggested since many TVET Centers were newly accredited.

BASIC ECCLESIAL COMMUNITY AND MISSION PARTNER MEETING

March 26. Sr. Candy Balverde, FMA, joined the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) and MISSION PARTNER Meeting organized by the VOCATION MINISTRY of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. This initial meeting is for the revitalization of the BEC of Barangay Pinagkaisahan. Strategies on how to invite families for BEC were discussed.

LVF-PALAWAN

ENTRE FARM

On March 8-10, the Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. – Palawan community conducted an Entrepreneurship Farm Training Seminar attended by the coconut farmers from different Brgy; Brgy. Macarascas, Brgy. Buenavista, Brgy. Cabayugan, Brgy. Marufinas, Brgy. Panggangan and Brgy. Langogan. The three learners of LVF, with Organic Agriculture Production NC II (OAP), Joneht Obuyes, Aser Obuyes, and Luke France Bulan, co-facilitated the training seminar with the Staff. In this way, they can build their self-confidence to stand before others to participate and share their knowledge. The co-facilitators appreciated the opportunity to share their knowledge and skills with the coconut farmers.

COMMUNITY OUTING AT PONCE DE LEON RESORT & GARDEN

March 15. The LVF-Palawan community is grateful to Ma’am Eva Ponce de Leon for hosting the LVF Sisters, learners, and staff at the Ponce de Leon Resort and Garden located at Brgy. San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City. Everyone enjoyed the fantastic swimming pool in the warm summer breeze and the delicious food Ma’am Eva’s staff prepared. As an expression of the LVF-Palawan appreciation and gratitude for her kindness and generosity, the learners prepared a “Thank-You” song accompanied by guitar, ukulele, and flute for Ma’am Eva, PASWI Staff.

PARENTS’ FORMATION

March 17. The Community of Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. – Palawan conducted the first parent formation at multi-Purpose Hall. Sr. Rose Panganiban talked about Protective Behaviors. She discussed “My body Safety, Rights and Responsibilities, and awareness of Good and Bad touch. Ms. Delia Valledor, RSW, facilitated the activity in which participants were instructed to draw their left hands and list the individuals or agencies to assist them. They were all participative and cooperative; some participants shared their drawings and insights on the activity. This was the best moment because the learners and their parents could communicate honestly and openly with each other. ]

PRESENTATION OF THE 5-YEAR PLAN

March 21. Sr. Catherine T. Urgello, FMA, Center Head, facilitated the staff meeting/planning session. The Foundation’s Vision, Mission, and Goals were reviewed. Sr. Catherine gave each department the floor to present their plans for the upcoming school year. Ms. Delia Valledor, RSW, and Sr. Rosalia Panganiban, FMA, first presented the plan of Residential Care for the incoming school year, including the number of vacancies for the incoming YS 8 (newly resident – learners) based on the number of Social Workers with the ratio of 1:20 as well as the incoming activities and the updated Registration and License of the Foundation coming from Cubao-the central office. Second, Ms. Matet Palma and the other farm staff presented their three (3) year development plan to sustain a high-quality farm harvest to provide food for the community and eventually to sell in the market to generate additional income. Sr. Maria Emilda David, FMA, presented the Home Study Program.

EVERYONE HAS FEELINGS

March 27. Ms. Delia Valledor, RSW, and the other staff conducted a group session titled “Everyone has feelings” for the resident – learners. This activity consisted of the following questions; think about when you felt determined, that you felt strong, and that you thought you did everything. And there is somebody who cares for you. Now think of when you felt lonely, disappointed, hurt, jealous, embarrassed, and shy. You might probably be confused, curious, sometimes optimistic, and patient. The goal of this activity is to understand, comprehend, and process the feelings and thoughts of the learners. Each learner was given 5 minutes in silence and then given one sheet of paper to answer the prepared question of the facilitators. They were all focused and serious, but some of them became emotional. Then the participants were encouraged to share and express their emotions. This activity helps young people speak and communicate their feelings and emotions sincerely. 

MALIHAO, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

SCHOOLS’ DIVISION OF VICTORIAS CITY VISITATION

March 01. The Victorias City Schools Division Office visited the Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. – Victorias by the Guidelines on School Visits, Inspections, and Monitoring and Evaluation. With the presence of the School Division of Victorias City officials, Ronamie V. Reliquias, Ph.D., Chief Ed. Supervisor, John Paul G. Pecaoco, Planning Officer III, Giovanni Wray A. Estraño, Education Program Specialist II. Regina N. Bonda, Senior Ed. Program Specialist (SMME), Thelma Ortencio, Education Program Specialist II (SMN), and Glaizelle T. Leonoras, Senior Education Program Specialist, validated the school’s compliance with the DepEd mandate and guidelines.

TVI HRS AND GRADE 12 HRS ENCOUNTER WITH SR. LIDO
It was a great privilege and an opportunity for the Grade 12 Hotel Restaurant Services (HRS) and Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) students to learn Japanese and prepare Japanese cuisine! Sr. Lido, FMA, and Ms. Tanabe, a teacher/instructor at a renowned school in Shizuoka, Japan, have shown the school and its students, particularly those in Grade 12 and TVI HRS, taught the students Japanese vocabulary for vegetables through entertaining and engaging games and activities. They led the students to make Onigiri or rice ball- a Japanese food made from white rice formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes. After the encounter, the students thanked Sr. Lido and Ms. Tanebe with a song and a sweet message on the card.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT IN HOUSEKEEPING NC II

March 20-22. Twenty-five (25) BSRS scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA took the Housekeeping NC II National Certification Assessment in three batches for three consecutive days from March 20-22, 2023. The assessment was held at Silay Institute (SI)- an assessment center. Of 23 candidates, 21 passed the evaluation and now have a National Certificate (NC) II! Two scholars could not take in the review because they were already employed in Manila. Everyone was so thankful to God now that they were Housekeeping NC II holders.

SCHOOL PROMOTION

The faculty and staff, Sr. Sheila Marie A. Ducot, FMA, and Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA of LFV- Malihao, promotes LVWDTC in different schools in the Municipalities of EB Magalona, Manapla, and the City of Victorias. Armed with brochures and tarpaulins of the schools’ infographics,  they conducted a room-to-room campaign: on March 23 at Manapla National High School – Manapla; on March 24 at Victorias National High School – Gaston Extension and Estado National High School, both located in Victorias City and at Victorias National High School – Canetown Extension and Alfonso Sta. Ana Memorial High School – Cuaycong on March 29; at Victorias National High School – Main Campus, a school in Victorias City with the largest student population; and San Isidro High School – EB Magalona. The school promotion was effectively completed in collaboration with the school Registrar.

GRADE 11 AND TVI LENTEN RECOLLECTION

The Grade 11 and TVI students of Laura Vicuna Foundation – Malihao took time to attend the Lenten Recollection on March 29 and 30 with Sr. Therese Yvonne L. Jance, FMA, at the school’s Multi-Purpose Hall. As a Catholic, Recollection is essential, and it is taking the time for silence, reflection, and discernment. In realizing that some may have wandered away under God’s grace, this Lenten season is the opportunity to return to God’s favor. The students were grateful to God for Sr. Yvonne’s presence, ceaseless effort, and precious life because she instructed them for two days.

“KUMPISALAN NG BAYAN”

The Oratory Youth and Mothers Club Oratorian joined the “Kumpisalan ng Bayan” (Confession in the Village) at Mary Help of Christian Church, Canetown Subdivision, Victorias City. The 30 young mother oratorians and the Student Volunteer Catechist walked for about 20 minutes from Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. – Victorias to Canetown to participate in the church activities.

LENTEN RECOLLECTION

In this Lenten Season, LVF- Victorias Community and the Salesian Cooperators had their Lenten Recollection at Don Bosco Retreat House, Barangay Granada, Bacolod City. Everyone was so grateful to Fr. Bong Borgueta, SDB, for his guidance in bringing them closer to God. Fr. Bong discussed the Lent first, second, and third Sundays; The Temptation of Jesus, The Transfiguration of Jesus, and Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. Furthermore, he shared the five ways to overcome temptation and encouraged everyone to live out the good things they had heard that day. There was a group sharing where each person was allowed to describe how gracious and merciful God is to them despite life’s challenges and difficulties. Fr. Bong then presided over the Holy Eucharist, which everyone attended.

CONFESSION

March 23. In this Lenten Season, LVF- Victorias students had their confession at the School Multi-purpose Hall. The admission began around 9:00 in the morning and ended at almost 10:00 am. After the confession, there was a celebration of the Holy Mass. They were very thankful to Fr. Norman Broderick Segovia, SDB, and Fr. Jimmy Carmona, SDB, for facilitating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

LVF WEEKLY REGULAR ACTIVITIES
CATECHESIS

The LVF weekly Sunday catechesis continues to be life-giving for the Child Protection Clinic Communities, joined by more than 200 participants! Because man cannot survive on bread alone, the community members remain anchored on God’s Word. God must be a part of one’s life, and having God as the cornerstone of one’s existence means nothing is impossible. 

SOLIDARITYSERYE

The song ‘Pananagutan’ tells us that no one lives independently but sends a message of our responsibility towards our fellowmen. With our love, care, and service to others, we may bring salvation to each other.

PASWI-COP

The Wednesday prayer habit of Social Workers continues to reach out and affect the lives of others through sharing their spiritual journey, how their faith in God has enabled them to overcome obstacles, and how their spirituality has impacted their fieldwork. This event is co-hosted by PASWI Chapters from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao under the leadership of ED Eva Ponce De Leon and Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA.