LVF’s JanWHOAry 2024

The beginning of a new year signifies more than just a page-turning; it’s an opportunity for everyone to start afresh. It’s whoa-mazing to start the year 2024 with the LVWDTC Silver Jubilee celebration, twenty-five (25) years of blissful and fruitful presence in the sugarbowl of the Philippines; LVF kick-started the #iamBRAVE advocacy campaign; educators joining various forums for the scholarship programs for the young; and self-awareness sessions.

At LVF, we jumpstart the new year celebrating the feast of our Salesian saints with excitement, joy, and hope!

LAURA VICUNA MALIHAO 25th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY!

LVF CUBAO-QUEZON CITY
IT IS A NEW YEAR!
#iamBRAVE ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN!
PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOR
FIRST FRIDAY MASS!

LVF MALIHAO, VICTORIAS CITY, NEG. OCC
TVET FORUM 2024
TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) SCHOLARSHIP IMPLEMENTERS FORUM
LEARNING JAPANESE CUISINE
YOUTH ENCOUNTER 2024

LVF MACARASCAS PALAWAN
SELF-AWARENESS SESSION
GULPIMANO

FEAST OF SALESIAN SAINTS:
FEAST OF BL. LAURA VICUÑA
ST. JOHN BOSCO: FATHER & TEACHER OF THE YOUNG
BOSCOLYMPICS INTERSCHOOL FRIENDLY COMPETITION-MALIHAO, NEG. OCC

LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
LVF ONSITE CATECHESIS!
LVF SOLIDARITYSERYE
PASWI COP

LVWDTC MALIHAO 25th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY

Jan. 22. For the past 25 years, a beacon of hope has been glowing brilliantly in the center of Victorias City. During the presentation, everyone reflected on the amazing journey of education, empowerment, and, transformation that the Laura Vicuña Women Development & Training Center (LVWDTC) has undertaken as it celebrates its Silver Jubilee. The significant and grand celebration has been graced by the presence of Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA, Provincial Superior; Mr. Francisco Dizon, Vice President of the Laura Vicuna Foundation; Sr. Ma. Victoria Sta. Ana, the LVF Managing Director; some former FMA Sisters who were assigned to the school, benefactors, Salesian Cooperators, former faculty members, past pupils, mother oratorians, faculty and staff, support personnel, students, and other guests. In his homily during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Fr. Patricio A. Buzon, current Bishop of Bacolod, was astounded by the work done by the Salesian Sisters. The once-thick sugarcane field is now a haven for everyone who dreams of improving their family circumstances. The Laura Vicuña Foundation indeed gives hope a home. (Hope is the name LVF gives to every child who comes to their centers). Mr. Dizon expressed his appreciation for the Salesian Sisters’ efforts in allowing the surrounding communities and nearby cities to receive quality education as well. The sheer number of students enrolled and the achievements of the Past Pupils of LVWDTC indicate that the institution offers high-quality instruction and training in skills.

LVF CUBAO-QUEZON CITY

The festive atmosphere, the breathtaking fireworks, and the aromas of different foods are just a few of the things that make the New Year unique. And some baked cookies are just what lighten the celebratory atmosphere! Under the direction of Sr. Phebe Lacse, FMA, the girls managed to create hundreds of Chinese New Year cookies,! These little cookies are so scrumptious that they practically melt in your mouth! The recipe was given by our Singaporean benefactors, Mrs.Helena and Mr. Daniel Kang Hap Ong.

#iamBRAVE ADVCACY CAMPAIGN

Jan. 20. # iamBRAVE goes to Negros! About 170 first-year criminology students at Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias (CSAV) actively participated in the LVF’s advocacy on BUDDIES REJECT ABUSE, VIOLENCE, and EXPLOITATION! There were workshop activities on the difference between male and female roles, gender sensitivity, identifying issues, and finding common ground for both genders. The participants have acknowledged the contributions played by women and their involvement in a variety of once male-dominated spheres of work. After the session, the attendees committed to fostering a culture of protection and to be BUDDIES who oppose abuse, violence, and exploitation.

PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOR

Ms. Josielyn Hugo conducted an onsite Protective Behavior session for students of MOHTIW-Pampanga! The goal of the Protective Behavior session is to teach pupils how to recognize and follow their body language as a first line of defense. They learned about safe and unsafe touches, as well as early warning indicators. The students were happy that they learned another way to protect themselves.

FIRST FRIDAY MASS

Jan. 05. On the First Friday of the month, the LVF community, celebrated the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist with Fr. Rey Hector Paglinawan. A “First Friday” is the first Friday of the month and is often marked by a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus since Jesus died for us and won our salvation on a Friday. Fr. Rey enunciated that “…on this first Friday of the year, we are reminded of what really matters in life: TO LOVE IN DEED, & TRUTH…Let us ask that we may be filled with His love and become instruments of His love to all our brothers & sisters throughout this New Year!”

LVF MALIHAO, VICTORIAS CITY, NEG. OCC

TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) SCHOLARSHIP IMPLEMENTERS FORUM
Jan. 11. Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, Technical Director, and Ms. Ailene M. Ondon, LVF Malihao TVET Focal Person, attended the TVET Forum 2024 at Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The forum has been attended by the TESDA director, TESDA board members, and different schools with the TVET program. Updates and relevant information about the Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS), Competency Assessment and Certification (CAC), and scholarships were discussed in the forum.

LEARNING JAPANESE CUISINE

Jan. 16-17.  Japanese cooking classes were held for the LVF Malihao Grade 12 and TVI Students of SY 2023–2024. The classes covered topics including sweet potato manju and Japanese-style chicken BBQ. Sr. Ludovina “Lido” Mochizuki Hisae, FMA led the cooking demonstration. Alongside Sir Darrenz Caberoy and Ms. Ma is. Socorro Bayles, two of the school’s instructors. Knowing that the children would require a weighing scale for their cookery, the school’s Japanese friends kindly and lovingly offered one to them. As a thank-you gift for Sr. Lido, the students gave her a card and made a brief presentation.

YOUTH ENCOUNTER 2024

Jan. 25-27. As the year 2024 unfolded the LVF Malihao Grade 12 students and the four faculty members joined the Youth Encounter. Facilitated by Sr. Nancy Esmero, FMA, and the lay mission partners, the retreat was a journey of prayer, unity, self-discovery, and growth. Mr. Thomas Patrick Macri, a volunteer with Volunteers International for Development, Education, and Solidarity (VIDES) USA, grew close to the students after witnessing the youth encounter. The participants will likely take with them the lessons they learned and the relationships they built with Jesus during the experience.

LVF MACARASCAS PALAWAN

SELF-AWARENESS SESSION
Jan. 23. The residents and learners of LVF Macarascas participated in a Self-Awareness session facilitated by Ms. Delia Valledor, RSW. As they celebrated Christmas with their family, friends, and relatives, each of their unique experiences was shared. A few of them talked about their goals for the coming year. Ms. Del guided them as they explored their goals, principles, values, and the factors that influence them. They participated in a variety of exercises that centered on accepting and responding to different events or situations that happened to them. After that, they exchanged insights and learned from each other.

LVF PALAWAN “GULPI MANO”

Jan. 13. We welcomed the new year with love and gratitude to God. The parents had their monthly Gulpimano (cooperative endeavor)—an LVF Macarascas Laudato Si efforts at the center, especially in the farm area. The program started with the opening prayer, followed by the good day and greetings of Sr. Rosalia A. Panganiban, FMA, Center Head; orientation and area assignment of the parents given by Mr. Wernher Cervantes, Assistant Farm Manager. The center is grateful for the parents’ assistance in cleaning and keeping the garden and its surroundings clean as their participation in the free education of their children.

FEAST OF SALESIAN SAINTS: BL. LAURA VICUÑA & ST. JOHN BOSCO

FEAST OF BL. LAURA VICUÑA
Every 22nd of the month, LVF celebrates the Feast of Blessed Laura Vicuña! Sr. Phebe Lacse, FMA facilitated a recollection for the girls, underscoring her main virtues: a spirit of service and availability toward others. She carried out her tasks with generosity, dedication, and joy! Laura’s gaze was fixed on our Lord. On her deathbed, Laura received the Holy Communion for the last time and then pronounced her last words: “Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Mary.” With these attitudes and values, she is a model to the young.

 

FEAST DAY OF LAURA-PALAWAN

On every feast of the Salesian Saints, the LVF communities honor the saints through different performances that relate to their lives and sacrifices. On January 22, we celebrated the feast of our Blessed Laura Vicuna in the center. The learners had their poem presentation, drama, “look-alike”, and most importantly the quiz bee to help them remember the life of Laura, her contribution, the purity of her love especially to her mother, and the sacrifices she experienced as a young people like them.

ST. JOHN BOSCO: FATHER & TEACHER OF THE YOUNG TRIDUUM 2024

A Triduum is always commemorated as part of the Salesian tradition before the Salesian Saints’ feast day celebration. The full day of January 28–30 was set aside by the LVF Macarascas, Palawan community as Unity Day, in observance of St. John Bosco. They discovered more about their individuality and the gifts each of them brings to the amazing community they live in every day. There is a multicultural prayer at the end of the three days.

LVF-CUBAO, QC

St. John Bosco was just nine years old when he had a dream that called him to dedicate himself to the education of young people. Through play, he was able to gather the young and taught them catechism. In celebration of his feast, Sr. Phebe Lacse, FMA introduced him to the girls through a session about his life. The girls, Sisters, and staff enjoyed various sports games: Game of Generals; Domino; Basketball; Table Tennis; Kickball; Basketball; Volleyball; Quiz Bee; Filling up containers with soap. The winners of every game were announced after the week-long festivities! When one kid was named the most valuable player (MVP), she broke down in tears because she had not expected it. She expressed she was both thrilled and astonished. Everybody enjoyed the event as they ran, jumped, and played but never sinned.

BOSCOLYMPICS INTERSCHOOL FRIENDLY COMPETITION-MALIHAO, NEG. OCC

Jan. 29-30. The spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition came alive during the highly anticipated event known as the Boscolympics Interschool held at LVF Malihao. Fortunately, the schools that were invited by Sir Rino Barrido, Sports Club Animator, came and they were the EB Magalona National High School – Consing Extension, Abelardo Bantug D.L. Sr. National High School, and Barangay Estado National High School. Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, Technical Directress, and Sir Rino Barrido awarded the participating schools with a Certificate of Appreciation and gifts after the game.

Jan. 31. In celebration of the Feast of Don Bosco, the LVF Malihao FMA Sisters, Faculty, Staff, and Support Personnel together with Mr. Thomas Patrick Macri, Volunteers International for Development, Education and Solidarity (VIDES) USA Volunteer, attended a Eucharistic Mass at Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) – Victorias City. After hearing the Word of God, they went straight to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (semi-replica) in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, and ate their lunch at Melken’s Seafood Restaurant in Silay City. Indeed, everyone enjoyed the company of each other and had a great day that day.

LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

LVF ONSITE CATECHESIS!
Sr. Phebe Lacse, FMA, Sr. Sheila Marie Ducot, FMA, Sr. Sarah Grace Robas, FMA, and the lay mission partners simultaneously facilitated the face-to-face Catechesis to our CPC Community areas: Pinagkaisahan, Hillcrest, and Judge Jiminez at Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. The program started with the prayer, parlor games, and Children Got Talent where young ones showed their talent in singing and dancing. And together with our Social Workers Miss Joy, Miss Angie, and Miss Pat goes to Marikina to conduct the Sunday catechesis as well.

LVF SOLIDARITYSERYE

The LVF SolidaritySerye continues to give joy to the children, young people, and parents in the CPC Communities! There was giving of toys, The LVF SolidaritySerye continues to give joy to the children, young people, and parents in the CPC Communities! There was giving of toys, distribution of pre-loved clothes, and food! The bright smiles on the kids’ faces are invaluable as they receive the gifts.

PASWI COP

The Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc (PASWI) and Sr. Ma. Victoria Sta. Ana, FMA unwaveringly reaches out to Social Workers all over the Philippines, nourishing their spirituality, and strengthening their faith through the Circle of Prayer (COP) every Wednesday night via Zoom Videoconferencing! This weekly prayer habit has been co-hosted by various PASWI Local Chapters from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.