April Reels !

April reels, life’s twirls and swirls are rocks that will help us open to life and allow growth into the person that God wants us to be. Aprilis/Abril is a Latin word that means the fertile one; also, “she who opens for fertilization” (https://www.mamanatural.com/). It is a month of new beginnings, of freshness when flowers blooms. It is a month of conversion and spiritual renewal as we commemorate the Lord’s Paschal Mystery of the Passion, Death, and Rising to New Life. With the Lord’s Resurrection, we rise and become renewed persons, transforming ourselves into great persons of hope and courage. Under God’s guidance, grace, and Divine Providence, LVF continues to ignite the fire of solidarity, working towards a more humane society and a civilization of love.
 
LVF-CUBAO, QC
ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN: B.R.A.V.E
BATA-BATA SA INTERNET IKAW BA AY MALAYA?
VOCATION PROMOTION: BE A SALESIAN SISTER!
 
LVF PALAWAN
BRIDGING CULMINATING ACTIVITY
HOME VISIT 2023
 
LVF-MALIHAO, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
COMMUNICATION SKILLS SEMINAR
YOUNG ORATORIANS GRADUATION DAY!
FARM VISITATION
FEAST OF LA MADRE
YEAR-END OUTING
 
GRATITUDE DAY: A SALESIAN TRADITION!
GRATITUDE DAY-CUBAO, QC
GRATITUDE DAY-PALAWAN
 
 
LVF PASCHAL/EASTER ACTIVITIES
PREPARATION FOR PALM SUNDAY
HOLY WEEK
RECOLLECTION
CONFESSION: A SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
REJOICE! THE LORD HAS RISEN!
EASTER EGG HUNT
 
LVF-QC WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
ONLINE CATECHESIS
SOLIDARITYSERYE
PASWI-COP
EARTH DAY 2023

LVF-CUBAO

ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN: B.R.A.V.E

The Laura Vicuna Foundation reached a total of thousand hundred fifty-three (1,153) students for its advocacy sessions on I am BRAVE (Buddies Reject Abuse Violence and Exploitation).  The following are the schools which Mercedes Juncia has conducted for its sessions:  Washington National High School, Escalante, on April 4, 2023 (140 students); Dr. Vicente Gustilo Memorial National High School-Daga Extension, Cadiz, on April 11, 2023 (172 students); SPED National High School, Cadiz on April 12, 2023 (170 students); Banquerohan National High School, Cadiz on April 13, 2023 (164 students); Tiglawigan National High School, Cadiz on April 17, 2023 (120 students); Villacin National High School, Cadiz on April 18, 2023 (275 students) and Burgos National High School, Cadiz on April 19, 2023 (112 students). The pupils’ eagerness to learn and be taught was visible throughout the conversation.  They pledged to report abuse, aggression, and exploitation incidents and spread this advocacy among their family, friends, and other close relatives. These were in partnership with DepEd Escalante and DepEd Cadiz.  

BATA-BATA SA INTERNET IKAW BA AY MALAYA?

April 29. The Laura Vicuna Foundation, Inc., through Ms. Rosea Marie Monsay as resource speaker, talked about the R.A 11930 or the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act to Bachelor of Science in Social Work college students of University of Rizal System-Rodriguez Rizal Campus! The students shared that it was their first hearing and learning about the law. 

VOCATION PROMOTION: BE A SALESIAN SISTER!

April 29. On the Good Shepherd Sunday occasion, Sr. Erlinda Soriano, FMA, conducted a vocation promotion to University of Rizal System-Rodriguez Rizal Campus college students. Sr. Erly has shared how she became a Salesian Sister, encouraging young people to listen to their inner voice while choosing a Single Blessedness, Religious, or Married life path. But whatever you choose, may they heed the voice of God. 

BRIDGING CULMINATING ACTIVITY

April 02. The staff, Mrs. Matet Palma, Mr. Wernher Cervantes, and Mr. Thomas Macri, the VIDES volunteer, facilitated one-week bridging program activity (March 27-April 1) for the resident learners in Filipino, Science, and Math subjects. The purpose of this exercise is to aid in comprehending their modules. As a way to improve their writing abilities and presentation confidence, the facilitators showed them a video. After which, they were required to write a reflection using English. There was a spelling and Quiz Bee, Treasure Hunting, and Poetry contest to cap the bridging activities. Every level had different poem titles in YS 8, “A Tree,” YS 9, “O captain my captain,” and YS 10, “How do I love thee.” They have four (4) judges, Mrs. Ophelia Boniola, Ms. Delia Valledor, RSW, Mr. Ronnie Palma, and Mr. Adelmar Macolor. Congratulations to Kimberly Padul, YS 8 representative, Azer Pablico, YS 9, and Gia May Magdayao, YS 10, for winning the friendly competitions. 

HOME VISIT 2023 

April 12-21. The family of the learners was visited in their home by Sr. Maria Imelda David, FMA, Ms. Delia Valledor, RSW, Mr. Adelmar Macolor, and Mr. Thomas Macri. On April 12, they went to Barangay Marufinas and Barangay Panggangan, located in the North Part of Puerto Princesa City, near the Underground River or the famous Seven Wonders of Nature in the Philippines. It is a challenging trip going to Brgy. Marufinas and it takes 30 minutes to ride a passenger boat. They crossed three big rivers and mountains before reaching the learners’ residences and past pupils. Their houses were made of light materials. Fishing is the primary source of income for the residents of both Barangays, but when the weather is poor, they have no other income sources except for their backyard gardens. On April 21, the team went to Barangay Bacungan, Sta. Cruz, Maruyugon, Simpucan, San Rafael, at Barangay Macarascas, Peurto Princesa City.

LVF-MALIHAO, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (CONDUCT DELIBERATION)
 April 04. Sr. Sheila Marie A. Ducot, FMA, Sr. Yvonne Therese L. Jance, FMA, and Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, together with the faculty and personnel of LVF – Malihao, had their conduct deliberation. The deliberation consolidated the grade of each student of the TVET Training Center in Malihao, Victorias City, based on the performance and attitude each had shown over the entire semester.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS SEMINAR

April 12. The faculty and staff and Sr. Sheila Marie A. Ducot, FMA, participated in the Communication Skills Seminar presented by Mr. Mark Gleen Cidro, Ph.D. Mr. Cidro shared engaging exercises for the students that the teachers might utilize in their lessons. In his discussion, he supplemented and expounded on the two teachings and methods-the Prompting and Probing. “We don’t learn from experience; we learn through reflecting on our experience.”  Mr. Cidro emphasized this throughout the class.

YOUNG ORATORIANS GRADUATION DAY!

After a year of attending the oratory, thirty-eight (38) young Oratorians graduated last April 23, 2023, held at the School Multi-Purpose Hall. Certificates of completion were then given to each young Oratorian. Everyone smiled for the camera while singing along to the group song, and there was a photo opportunity. The student-volunteer president, Carol Fernandez, addressed the graduates with gratitude. In her final remarks, Sr. Guia commended the Oratorians for their dedication and effort spent attending the Sunday oratory classes.

FARM VISITATION

April 25. Three (3) officials from the City Agriculture Office of Victorias City visited the school farm to examine if the seeds they had distributed had taken root and produced fruit. The seeds are okra, tomato, chili, lettuce, and sponge gourd (patola). They had given seeds to the school as part of their program.

FEAST OF LA MADRE

April 26. LVF – Malihao joined in celebrating the World Feast of Gratitude for Mother Chiara Cazzuola, FMA, Superior General of the Salesian Sisters! A celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Jimmy Carmona, SDB, was held at the school’s multi-purpose hall. In the afternoon, Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, introduced the students to Mother Chiara Cazzuola, FMA. There were also fun and exciting games that everyone enjoyed!

YEAR-END OUTING

April 30. Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, and eighteen (18) student volunteers (Catechists) had their year-end outing at Balulan Resort, Municipality of Manapla.  In her prayer, Carol Fernandez, Student Volunteer President, thanked God for all their blessings throughout the year, especially for the excellent weather that day. It was a moment of tranquility, peace, and a family-like atmosphere. There was sharing of foods and conversations. Some enjoyed swimming, while others stayed in the nipa hut and relished the crisp sea air.

GRATITUDE DAY: A SALESIAN TRADITION!

GRATITUDE DAY-CUBAO, QC
April 15. The LVF Educating Community (EC) celebrated GRATITUDE DAY with the theme “Isang Pusong Nagpapasalamat na Puno ng Alaala na Hindi Magwawakas!” The LVF EC Community is blessed to be gifted a superior mother and friend from a loving and generous God in the person of Sr. Vic. 
Vicky, an LVF Child Advocate penned a poem for her:

Ina, salamat dahil kami ay inyong tinanggap, at inyong inalagaan
Salamat dahil sa oras ng problema, sa’yo kami makakapunta;
Salamat dahil sa panahong kami ay balisa, ikaw ang nagbibigay pag-asa
Salamat sa inyong pag-aalaga

(Mother, thank you for accepting and caring for us
Thank you for in times of problems, we can come to you
Thank you for in times that we are anxious, you gave us peace and hope
I appreciate your care)

Salamat sa pagmamahal mong dakila
Gagawin mo ang lahat upang kami ay mapasaya
Salamat sa pagmamahal mong hindi nakakasawa
Kahit ikaw ay pawisan at nahihirapan, hindi mo kami pinabayaan.

(Thank you for your tremendous love
In the desire to make us happy, you will everything
Thank you for your love
Even when you sweat and have difficulty, you did not abandon nor neglect us)

Ikaw ang nagbigay gabay patungo sa aming paglalakbay
Kami sa iyo ay humahanga
Dakila naming ina na hindi matutularan ng iba!

(You are our guide in our journey
We admire you
You are great and like no other)

GRATITUDE DAY-PALAWAN

April 26. The parents, past pupils, and benefactors celebrated the gratitude day for Sr. Catherine T. Urgello, FMA. The celebration started with the Holy Mass by Rev. Fr. Danilo Nobis, OSJ, the assistant Parish Priest of San Ezekiel Moreno. The learners had their Thank-you presentation to Sr. Cathy with the other visitors through poetry, acting, singing, and dancing. The parents and past pupils expressed their gratitude to her. We are very blessed for the presence, dedication, generosity, and self-giving of Sr. Catherine T. Urgello, FMA, to our little paradise in Palawan. Sr. Cathy has finished her term as a Community Animator in Palawan and has been transferred to a new community. On the same day, Sr. Catherine T. Urgello, FMA, formally announced that Sr. Rosalia Panganiban, FMA is the new Community Animator of the Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. – Palawan.

LVF PASCHAL/EASTER ACTIVITIES

PREPARATION FOR PALM SUNDAY

April 1. In preparation for Palm Sunday, the resident learners of LVF-Palawan had fun creating a variety of figures out of palm. At the same time that they shared their personal stories, joyful memories, and unique experiences with their co-learners, the “Ate’s and Kuya’s” taught their fellow students how to succeed. The students acknowledged one another during this time by expressing their gratitude. They are pleased to impart their knowledge and abilities in creating various types of palms. They kindly donated some of their goods to the Palawan staff of the Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc.

HOLY WEEK

April 7. A meaningful Stations of the Cross was led at the center by the Salesian Youth Group (SYG) leaders of Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc.-Palawan. To recall Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, the leaders of each station prepared various items as symbolism relating to the mystery. The entire day was spent silently, including reading the Seven Last Words and praying.

RECOLLECTION

April 02. The LVF Child Protection Clinic Communities with the TVET Trainees, staff, and LVF girls had a recollection as being one in the Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection in this season of Lent facilitated by Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA, on April 02, 05 and 08 respectively. Recollection allows us to pause, reflect, refocus, and concentrate on God. Sr. Candy led the participants in a profound reflection and discussion centered on the parable of the prodigal son. At some point in our lives, we were the eldest son who complained, was envious, and desired rewards for remaining and doing well. We desired appreciation and recognition. On the other hand, we may find ourselves denying, at times, that we are like the prodigal son because in our quest for worldly happiness and our desire to explore, we did not realize that we had strayed from the Father’s love and grace. Jesus, similar to the Father in the parable, anticipates our return. He will greet us with a warm embrace and open arms. Everyone can return to Him. Please observe a brief period of silence. Listen. Respect the Lord. We will rise alongside Christ’s resurrection! 

CONFESSION: A SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Apr. 08. The Laura Vicuña Foundation Educating Community had a confession at the LVF center with Fr. Favie Faldas, SDB. To make mistakes and sin is human, and man is fallible. The phrase “to err is human, to forgive is divine” reminds us that we need to return to the Lord Jesus Christ through the sacrament of reconciliation. Sam said her heart was no longer heavy and felt at peace after her confession.

REJOICE! THE LORD HAS RISEN! 

April. 08.  Easter is a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ resurrection signifies that virtue triumphs over evil, sin, and death. Pope Francis stated, “The resurrection is our greatest source of hope because it opens our lives and the life of the world to God’s eternal future, to complete happiness, and to the certainty that evil, sin, and death can be overcome. The Resurrection of Christ sheds new light on the realities of our daily lives. It is our greatest asset!

EASTER EGG HUNT

April 16. Malihao. The LVF – Malihao student-volunteer catechists conducted the Easter Egg Hunt on the school field. You can tell that the young Oratorians relished the Easter tide game by the smiles on their faces. Everyone was so appreciative to Sr. Ma: Guia S. Asparen, FMA, for allowing them to play this type of game. Before the game began, Sr. Guia had an excellent day talk, and the young orator began searching for eggs concealed in various school fields. Each orator was provided with bread, “bihon,” and beverages following the game. These snacks were donated by Sr. Guia’s family and generous individuals who desired to share the favors they had received from the Lord.

LVF-QC WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

ONLINE CATECHESIS
Sr. Erlinda Soriano, FMA, led the weekly online Catechesis for the LVF Child Protection Clinic Communities. She reiterated the significance of Christ’s Paschal Mystery to the Catholic religion.  There may be hardships, adversity, and suffering in our lives there. We will prevail because of Jesus!

SOLIDARITYSERYE

Through the benevolence of numerous individuals and their in-kind donations, the LVF’s SolidaritySerye initiative continues to reach out to members of the community. We thank the RFM Corporation for the bread and Zoi’s Meattown for the bacon! May the Lord bestow in them health, safety, and blessings. 

PASWI-COP

The Philippine Association for Social Workers, Inc. continues to inspire their colleagues and others they encounter through their spiritual transformation and journey as social workers and individuals. PASWI E.D. Eva Ponce de Leon and Sr. Marivic Sta  Ana, FMA hosts the prayer co-hosted by different volunteer PASWI local chapters every Wednesday night! 

Declaration of Climate Emergency
Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. of the
Daughters of Mary Help of Christians

Building Partnership for the Wellbeing of Our One Earth Community

Earth Day, April 22, 2023

We, the Centers, Child Protection Communities, and Family Members of the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, hereby unite our voices in declaring a climate emergency in response to the growing urgency of addressing the ongoing climate crisis. There is a rapidly closing window to keep global temperature rise to the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target to stop a more catastrophic climate future. We acknowledge the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for an unprecedented collective response.

Together with this declaration, the Laura Vicuña Foundation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Quezon City, Palawan, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, and its 10 Child- Protection Communities call for the protection, development, and empowerment of disadvantaged children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians is powered by renewable energy thru the installation of solar energy in its centers. We further commit to take immediate and significant actions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the deceleration of global warming by: 

• Fortifying our commitment to building a culture of protection for children, youth, and vulnerable adults in our community-based programs, TVET-Centers, and homes/center-based programs for the healing and recovery of abused, exploited, and trafficked children and youth.
• Forming our children, young people, and families towards a new lifestyle and responsible stewardship through ecological education and spirituality.
• Mobilizing more resources for action-oriented climate change education and awareness raising.

These are our organization’s commitments to address the climate emergency and our pursuit of a balanced and healthy ecology for all generations of all species.

Together with our declaration, we strongly remind the Philippine government of its duty to protect the Filipino people and the beautiful land we live in from worse climate catastrophes and ensure a sustainable life for present and future generations.

We, therefore, call on the National Government to:

1. Declare a national state of climate emergency and reflect it in every plan, policy, and program it puts forward.
2. Produce a clear roadmap, secure the requirements, and mobilize government institutions for a rapid, equitable, people-centered, and just transition to a hundred percent (100%) renewable energy by 2040¹ or earlier. Fossil fuel use must peak by no later than 2025, and a planned and managed phaseout of coal, gas, and all other fossil fuels must immediately take place. STOP the funding of fossil fuel expansion NOW!
3. Be the voice of the Filipino people in international bodies to demand a global phaseout of fossil fuels and secure loss and damage reparation and turnover of technology, climate finance, and capacity-building efforts owed by historically polluting nations and corporations.
4. Hear both the cry of the earth and the poor by mainstreaming an integral and holistic approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation 
5. Recognize the rights of nature and enact the Rights of Nature Bill and other Green Bills² to address the current policies and practices that exacerbate climate change impacts.
6. Reduce the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Prioritize biodiversity conservation and natural habitat preservation. Prevent further deforestation. Protect coastal integrity and fragile island ecosystems against reclamation, fossil fuel, and other extraction activities.
7. Uphold climate and intergenerational justice by halting profit-driven and ecologically destructive projects. Promote the precautionary principles on proposed projects that will impact the environment and natural resources. Hold climate polluters and enablers accountable.
8. Empower communities to be self-determined for climate change adaptation. Respect and protect the human rights of indigenous peoples, women, youth, children, and all environmental rights defenders.
9. Immediately formulate a response to address sea level rise (SLR) and slow onsets associated with climate impacts, strong weather events, and policies that exacerbate flooding and landslides, and loss of biodiversity.

By declaring a climate emergency, the government must place front and center the necessary climate adaptation and mitigation policies and programs, including the mobilization of resources necessary for the country’s survival.

NOW is the time to act. We have no other choice but to seize this critical decade for action – our last chance to preserve hope for a livable future for future generations. Start the transition now to a renewable-powered, and socially just future. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says, “Our World needs climate action on all fronts: everything, everywhere, all at once.”

Declare Climate Emergency NOW!  
Original signed
Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA

LVF-Managing Director