ALL AGLOW FOR DECEMBER

December is Jesus Christ’s birth month! As the year comes to a close, the Laura Vicuna Foundation, Inc. (LVF) is happy that a total of 17,953 individuals were served for the year 2023. It is Christmas! A joyful season of reflection and grateful celebration, particularly of God’s great love for sending His Son, Jesus, into the world to save us.  It is a time of the year when each person or organization is occupied with making others happy; partying, and wrapping gifts in red, green, and blue! Everywhere you look, you can see vivid, colorful Christmas lights, and Christmas tunes and cheers are in the air! Christmas is LVF’s PARTI-HAN, a sharing of blessings of many individuals and corporations packed as grocery bundles for thousands of children and their families distributed in LVF centers and child protection communities!   Your belief in LVF has helped us do great work this year. From our LVF, Trustees, Sisters, staff, volunteers, and children, thank you everyone for continuing to support our mission of building social protection for children and empowering the young to be productive Christian citizens. With much optimism, we welcome the coming year 2024.

LVF CUBAO, QC
A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER: LVF PARTI-HAN 2023!
LVF #IAMBRAVE CAMPAIGN!
CREATING CORE MEMORIES @FIESTA CARNIVAL!
PUNO LAW CHRISTMAS PARTY AT LVF!
LVF’S PREPARATION FOR JESUS’ BIRTH!

LVF-MALIHAO
BOOKKEEPING NCIII ASSESSMENT
DAGYAW
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
ADVENT RECOLLECTION AND PARENTS FORMATION
ADVENT RECOLLECTION
FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY
FACULTY AND STAFF ADVENT RECOLLECTION
EMPLOYEE’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

LVF MACARASCAS, PALAWAN
YES-AHA
FAMILY DAY
BS SOCIAL WORK INTERNS FINAL SHARING
CHRISTMAS CAROLING

LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
CATECHISM WITH SR. SHEILA DUCOT, FMA
PASWI COP

LVF CUBAO, QC

A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER: LVF PARTI-HAN 2023!
Dec. 14-19. Christmas is the season of love, giving, forgiveness, and hope, being the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the Laura Vicuna Foundation, Christmas is about giving back and sharing, to spread hope and love to the unfortunate and needy. For LVF, Christmas is every day and throughout the year. This year’s LVF Annual Parti-han 2023 celebrates with the theme “Pasasalamat at Pag-Asa sa Panginoon, hatid ngayong Pasko sa Bawat Pamilya” (“Gratitude and Hope to the Lord, brought to Every Family this Christmas “) together with our CPC Communities: Cavite, Marikina, Culiat, Botocan, Taguig, Bacood, PH Sta.Mesa, Pinagkaisahan, Hillcrest, and Judge Jimenez. The gift packs were prepared by LVF girls, staff, and LVF Salesian Sisters; it was fun and exciting! According to our LVF girls, they are incredibly grateful that they could share what they received. The program started with Thanksgiving mass, Agape, Christmas presentations by areas, Spin the Wheel, and gift giving. The Annual PARTI-HAN 2023 would not be possible without the help of our Board of Directors; Ms. Josefina Tan; Mr and Mrs Marissa and Joey Concepcion of RFM Corporation; Atty Eric Puno, Breadtalk, Mel Centeno, Ms Ana, the Sta. Ana Family, Mr Francisco Dizon, Mrs Vicky Cuisia, and Ms Mag Sy.

LVF #iamBRAVE CAMPAIGN

Dec. 01. Three hundred ten (310) 4P’s (Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program) beneficiaries of Lantad Silay joined LVF’s advocacy against Human Trafficking with Ms. Carla Juncia and more than two hundred (200) students of Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias (CSAV) joined the advocacy session on Safe Spaces or Bawal Bastos Law! On Dec. 02, LVF Social Workers, Ms Rosea Monsay and Ms Josielyn Hugo conducted the campaign against Trafficking in Persons to the young people of Lower Nawasa, Brgy Commonwealth, QC. When the participants were asked whether they were familiar with Trafficking in Persons, they answered ‘no’. After the session, each shared that they are now aware of this heinous crime done in various ways with the purpose of prostitution, exploitation, forced labor, and organ removal among others.  

CREATING CORE MEMORIES @FIESTA CARNIVAL

Dec. 15. The LVF girls and the Child Protection Communities’ children had an exciting fun and meaningful experience at the Fiesta Carnival at Gateway Araneta sponsored by Ms. Bledes Fores-Legarda, LVF Board, Ms. Veana Fores, and Ms. Judy A. Roxas through JAAF (J. Amado Araneta Foundation) in memory of Ms. Maria A. Fores! his indoor amusement park has made other core memories, not only for the children but also for those who are kids at heart! All enjoyed the Happy Inflatables, Mini Trampoline, Train, Giant Carousel, Soft Playground, Happy Car, Boat Pool, Walking Dino, Jurassic Adventure, bump cars and many more! Amy expressed that it was a happy experience, and they enjoyed it a lot! Indeed, their amusement and enjoyment were seen in their glowing and happy faces and excited squeals.

PUNO LAW CHRISTMAS PARTY AT LVF

As early as the second week of the Christmas month, the ever-supportive Atty. Roderico ‘Eric’ Puno and generous individuals of the PUNO LAW office held their annual Gift-Giving for the LVF girls and about 120 children of the LVC-Cubao in Quezon City and the LVF Community Center in Sta. Mesa. The day was filled with lots of joy and gratitude for all the Christmas presents and food shared by the staff and lawyers. There were also dance and Christmas song presentations performed by the LVF Girls and PH-Sta. Mesa Vicunians. Energetic Lawyers animated the different games such as Picture Frame, Hep-Hep Hooray, etc. with exciting prizes. 

LVF-QC PREPARATION FOR JESUS’ BIRTH 

‘Advent is a four-week season of reflective preparation for Christ’s birth at Christmas and His coming! Each Sunday of Advent, the LVF-QC Community lighted the Advent Candle focusing on different themes – hope, peace, joy, and love. In preparation for Jesus’ nativity, Sr Phebe facilitated a recollection for the girls while the LVF staff had an Advent Recollection conducted by Fr. Rey Paglinawan and Bro. Carl. The recollection has opened the opportunity for a guided silent reflection of how they have lived their lives. Bro. Carl had an activity where each staff wrote a word and a phrase of affirmation. The recollection concluded with the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Rey. 

LVF-MALIHAO

BOOKKEEPING NC III ASSESSMENT
Dec. 13-15. Twenty-five Technical Vocational Institute- Business and Office Technology trainees took the Bookkeeping NC III Assessment at TESDA Regional Training Center- Talisay City. The 25 trainees were split up into three batches, and their teachers went with them for three days in a row.

DAGYAW

Dec. 1-2. The LVF-Malihao classroom officers, SYM leaders, and SYM animators participated in the Dagyaw 2023, which had the theme “Rejoicing in Hope,” at Victorias City Coliseum. The FMA Sisters, Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, Sr. Josefna D. Oliveros, FMA, Sr. Agnes Olano, FMA, and Sr. Zenaida Zamora, FMA came also to attend the Eucharistic Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Patricio A. Buzon, current Bishop of Bacolod. It was, in fact, a night of prayer and unity for the various parishes and schools.

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Dec. 8. The FMA Sisters, faculty, staff, and students from LVF-Malihao attended a Eucharistic Mass at Mary Help of Christians Church in Victorias City in celebration of the Feast of Immaculate Conception.

ADVENT RECOLLECTION AND PARENTS FORMATION

Dec. 10. For SY. 2023–2024, the parents of the LVF–Malihao students received an Advent Recollection. The school expressed its sincere gratitude to Ms. Jonalyn Ayola for organizing the memory-sharing event that took place in the School Multi-Purpose Hall. Following that, a meeting for parents was held, and Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA. Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, had the opportunity to talk about a few school-related issues. The release of cards marked the conclusion of the formation.

ADVENT RECOLLECTION

Sr. Therese Yvonne L. Jance, FMA, facilitated the Grade 11 students’ Advent Recollection in preparation for Christmas. Throughout the day, they actively participated in a variety of reflective activities, such as prayer sessions, scriptural readings, and silence as well as sharing in small groups, with the theme “Paghihintay at paghahanda sa Diyos na matiyaga at masayang naghihintay sa atin”. As they prepared their hearts for the coming of Christ Jesus, they considered the significance of the Advent season. They concluded with the closing prayer service with the call of the Beatitude #6: “Mapapalad ang mga may malinis na puso, makikita nila ang Diyos.” (Mt 5:8). They emerged from the memory with a renewed sense of purpose, accepting the task of living humbly for the purpose to see Jesus this Christmas and in all aspects of their lives, particularly in their respective families.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Dec. 18. Laura Vicuna showed Christmas spirit as they celebrated with the Family Christmas Party at the School Multi-Purpose Hall. Students, together with their families, the FMA Sisters, faculty, staff, and support personnel, attended the special event. Vea Villareña received recognition during the program as she was given a Certificate of Academic Excellence and Service Leadership Award by the City of Victorias on Sunday, December 17, 2023. Additionally honored were the Bookkeeping NC III passers and the representatives of Mural Painting who participated in the City’s Mural Painting Contest. The school-prepared door prizes, cellphone raffle, and “Salu-salo” during the group lunch made the celebration even more enjoyable. Two students were the lucky winners of the cellphone raffle, stating they would use it for their studies. May the Almighty God grant continued blessings to everyone involved in the donations, particularly to the donors.

FACULTY AND STAFF ADVENT RECOLLECTION

Dec. 19. In this Yuletide Season, the Faculty and Staff, accompanied by Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, had their Advent Recollection at St. James the Greater Church – Talisay City. The activity would not be possible without the time and effort of Fr. Claude Ma. Umali, MMHC, facilitator of the Recollection. He started the activity with an opening prayer, then a talk, group sharing, and confession, and ended with a Eucharistic Mass. As a gratitude, the Faculty and Staff gave him a thank you card and a token of appreciation.

EMPLOYEES’ CHRISTMAS PARTY

Dec. 21-22. The magnificent scenery of the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, left everyone in awe as the LVF Malihao FMA Sisters, Faculty, Staff, and Support Personnel celebrated the Employee’s Christmas Party there. Prayers opened the program, which was then followed by a group lunch, gift-giving, gift-exchanging, card-giving, and picture-taking. Because the long-awaited celebration finally happened, the faculty and staff were incredibly appreciative of the FMA Sisters.

LVF MACARASCAS, PALAWAN

YES-AHA
Dec. 14. The Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc. organized the YES-AHA (Youth Empowerment through Sustainable Agriculture and Health Advocacy) program for young people to empower and inspire them to pursue careers in agriculture. This activity is more valuable to them than spending time in SOCMED or on the phone. The primary goal of this (YES-AHA) is to protect and manage this generation of youngsters from cybercrime, bullying, and other forms of bullying. Preventing this situation is like safeguarding their future. As part of our YES AHA program today, we harvested rice in the fields. We were divided into four (4) groups for this task for various reasons. The first group is GAPAS, which means those who are assigned to cut the rice from the pump. The second group is TALI, which is assigned to bind the rice into sizes that fit the thresher. The third group is HAKUT, which means those who are assigned to haul the rice. Finally, “IMBAK” means those who are assigned to collect and arrange the rice for the thresher. The activity lasted the entire day, filled with joy, passion, commitment, hard labor, and teamwork, with an added struggle and challenge due to the rainy day, but our young people were very blessed and appreciative of the blessing they received from our own rice field.

FAMILY DAY

As a Salesian family, one of our traditional events every year is Family Day, which is held during the Christmas season or before the end of the year to fulfill our vision of strengthening the bond between our parents and children or families themselves. The program began with a community recollection presented by Sr. Rosalia A. Panganiban, FMA, Center Head, in honor of the birth of Christ, followed by a family sharing of reflections on Christmas. Following the presentation, parlor games, and the most anticipated part of this celebration is the free “Ukay-Ukay” from the benefactors as their Christmas gift to the center. All the participants enthusiastically participated in all activities. 

BS SOCIAL WORK INTERNS FINAL SHARING

Dec. 07. CONGRATULATIONS to our Social Work Interns Ms. Divine, Ms. Preal, Ms. Jeziel, Ms. Hezel, and Ms. Nelly for the Final Presentation of the Fieldwork in Casework and group work after their three months of stay in the center. Also, the community extended gratitude to Ms. Christine S. Garobo, RSW, MSW, for placing their interns in the center and serving as their school supervisor.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

As part of the Christmas season celebration, the community of the Laura Vicuna Foundation was inspired to perform an authentic Christmas song by visiting benefactors’ homes in Puerto Princesa City. The community entertained the benefactor by dancing the “Kumukutikutitap Song” and singing the Christmas in our Hearts and Born on Christmas Day of learners choreographed by Mrs. Francisco Gabua, past pupil and volunteer. The learners are also grateful to the benefactors for constantly choosing the foundation as their charity. The foundation is eternally grateful and blessed by their presence and generosity, particularly their love for the foundation’s young people. The benefactors shared their blessings with learners, making them feel the genuine meaning of Christmas, which is love, sharing, caring, and giving. On the same day, the learners went on a city tour, stopping at Baker’s Hill and Mitra Ranch. This is a new and another memorable experience for them. 

LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 

CATECHISM WITH SR. SHEILA DUCOT, FMA 
The LVF weekly catechesis continues especially this December when we are preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ! Sr. Sheila Ducot leads the community every Sunday, learning something new about the foundation of the Catholic faith. Sr. Sheila also discussed human rights with the participants. And before the end of the Catechesis, she also announced the winners of LVF’s Trash to Cash Challenge.

PASWI’S CIRCLE OF PRAYER

The Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. continues to bring social workers all over the Philippines, closer to God with the weekly Wednesday prayer habit hosted by its Executive Director, Ms Eva Ponce DeLeon, and its Coordinator, Sr Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA. Every Wednesday the Lectio Divina is co-hosted by the different PASWI local chapters nationwide.