THE LIGHT OF JULY
July, the month after midyear, is a month for recharging, renewal, and preparation to follow the light as LVF continues the journey to achieve the vision and mission for the year. In this sacred time, we are reminded to listen to the whispers of our souls and follow the path that brings us closer to our purpose, especially with the schedule of set activities such as the Salesian Youth Movement CIAO Camp, Counter Trafficking and LVF #iamBRAVE Movement.
July brought some beautiful surprises, with LVF being chosen as the Investment House Association of the Philippines (IHAP) charity, a recognition of the great work LVF does for disadvantaged children and youth and the community’s incredible support.
LVF played a pivotal role in disaster response during the super typhoon Carina, which wreaked havoc in many areas of the country. This is a testament to the significant and impactful work LVF is doing in the community, a reason for all of us to feel relevant and reassured.
It is the season of harvest and plenty as the earth peaks. This natural cycle reflects the human experience, as individuals and entities like LVF frequently evaluate their accomplishments and establish new objectives for the upcoming months.
LVF CUBAO, QC
LVF @ #SYMCIAOCAMP 2024!
LVF #EndHumanTrafficking ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN
LVF AND ISRAEL BOND: BRIDGING CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES!
IHAP SUPPORT LVF PROGRAM FOR CHILD PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT!
TRAINING ON CASE MANAGEMENT
LVF DISASTER RESPONSE
LVF IS FLU-VAXXED!
LVF DISASTER RESPONSE
LVF MALIHAO
HOUSEKEEPING NC II ASSESSMENT
TRAINEES’ DEPLOYMENT TO PARTNER COMPANIES
TEACHER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
BOOKKEEPING NC III TRAINER’S METHODOLOGY I
SYM CIAO CAMP 2024
STUDENTS ORIENTATION
LVF MACARASCAS, PALAWAN
LVF MACARASCAS PALAWAN TRAINEES PREPARE SEEDBEDS FOR RICE!
PATIO AGRICULTURAL FARM MEETING
THE CITY AGRICULTURE HEAD VISITS LVF MACARASCAS
PRODUCE ORGANIC FERTILIZER, FIRST BATCH TRAINEES
LVF PALAWAN TRAINEES PRACTICE DRIVING
LAURA VICUNA FARM, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY
LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
LVF SOLIDARITYSERYE!
WEEKLY CATECHESIS
PASWI-COP
LVF @SYM CIAO CAMP 2024
July 29-Aug. 02. The FMA Philippine province hosted the SYM CIAO (Conferenza Interispettoriale Asia Orientale) Youth Camp held in Mornese Center of Spirituality in Pansol Laguna. Two hundred seventy campers from nine (9) countries participated in this Asian celebration for the Bicentenary of the Dream at Nine of Don Bosco. #SYMCIAOCAMP 2024 theme is YOUNG DREAMERS: EMPOWERING DREAMS FOR A JUST AND SUSTAINABLE WORLD. The camp’s theme highlights the role of young people’s dreams and how they shape their lives, affecting the family, the community, and the country to which they belong. It is a message of hope and optimism for the future from which we can all take inspiration. It was an excellent opportunity for LVF Centers in Sta. Mesa, Quezon City, Palawan, Negros Occidental: Christopher Angelo Legaspi; Remelyn Olediana and Samantha Villa; Mary Joelyn Arellano; Sir Kenneth John P. Cornelio, SYM Animator; and Ria May Ramores, a Senior High School student, respectively. FMA Sisters working for LVF centers with their lay mission partners also formed part of the working team. The six (6) youths participated with joy and optimism in the meaningful activities of the said camp, where they got the chance to meet new friends, culture exchange, and participate in the Plenary Talks and five campsite sessions: ‘Don Bosco’s Dream and Youth Leadership’ with Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB, Dream Sessions in different modalities; sessions on the Laudato Si at the SVD Seminary, commitment building; witness the awe-inspiring Taal Volcano, and the Barrio Fiesta festival night.
Mary Jojelene Arellano said, “…the camp felt like I was at home… One of the things I learned at that camp is to dream with dedication… and trust in yourself because you cannot achieve your dream if you do not believe in yourself. Also, one of the things that stuck in my mind was the phrase, ‘Dreams help us prepare for our future.’ So, as a young person, I will fulfill my dream for my future and the world. Thank you very much.”
Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA-Philippine Provincial, stressed the importance of the Dream of Don Bosco as a milestone of the Salesian charism and recalled that the encounter also wants to be a concrete response to Pope Francis’s appeal to take care of and safeguard the planet.
The contagious, joyful, and youthful presence of Sr. Runita Borja, FMA, General Counselor for Youth Ministry, graced the celebration Sr. Ena Bolanos, FMA, Councillor for Administration, also gave the campers a good night.
Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, the Youth Ministry Coordinator, and LVF Managing Director emphasized to the young people that God’s ultimate dream is for them to be happy. She also acknowledged and thanked all the working teams behind the success of the 5-day CIAO camp.
LVF #EndHumanTrafficking ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN
Laura Vicuña Foundation joins the 10th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme “Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking.” The LVF social workers, Ms. Josielyn Hugo & Ms. Angie Villaren, conducted a session in our CPC areas, Hillcrest, Judge Jiminez, and Pinagkaisahan, to raise awareness and strengthen the protection of children and adults from Human Trafficking.
LVF AND ISRAEL BOND: BRIDGING CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES
Israel and LVF are partners. They communicated first-hand during their visits and encounters between the two communities. While our beliefs and practices have been significantly different, there are also points of convergence and shared values. Our love for the LVF girls bridged the two; as Ambassador Ilan Fluss said, “LVF has an extraordinary place in our hearts.” Rabbanit Elisheva Goldschmidt, the wife of the Rabbi of the Jewish Association of the Philippines, has an exceptional love and fondness for the LVF girls. She visits them at the center every month, sharing her talents and teaching them singing techniques. Shortly before their family was transferred to another country, she sponsored a song recording of the girls. The LVF kids hold her very dear, as a mother, to their hearts.
IHAP SUPPORT LVF PROGRAM FOR CHILD PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT
July 13. The Investment House Association of the Philippines (IHAP) has chosen LVF as its beneficiary! The girls from our Center-based program and community performed a dance and song number during the donation turnover. IHAP promotes better understanding of the role and functions of investment houses and to enhance their contribution to the growth of Philippine business and the economy mainly through the development of the capital market. LVF Board of Directors Mr. Francisco Dizon was one of IHAP’s former presidents (1987-1988).
TRAINING ON CASE MANAGEMENT
July 15-19. LVF Social Worker representative Ms. Jessa Mae Nardo attended the five-day (5) comprehensive Training on Social Work Case Management to LGUs: Enhancing Working with Individuals at Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City, conducted and organized by DSWD Academy. The training was designed to improve the competencies of Social Workers practitioners from various Local Government Units and the Centers/Residential Care Facilities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which serves as the frontline of social work case management.Throughout the training period, social workers received lectures and workshops to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage cases for their clients. The DSWD Academy also allows the Social worker participants to benchmark the two centers, the Residential and Study Center for Children (RSCC) and Golden Reception and Action Center for Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES), to see the actual process of case management. At the end of the training, ASEC Janet P. Armas, Standard and Capacity Building Group, told her closing message: “Treasure, not in gold, but in knowledge.” The training ended with 35 trainees from different LGUs and NGOs across the Philippines receiving certificates of appreciation.
LVF DISASTER RESPONSE
July 24. With the devastation of Typhoon Carina, many of our Child Protection Communities were in evacuation centers. We at LVF prepared and distributed hot soup to our CPC communities, which were significantly affected by the typhoon.
LVF IS FLU-VAXXED
July 05. Thank you, Dra. MJ Torres, owner and Medical Director of the Zen Institute, for the thirty-three (33) flu vaccine jabs to the Sisters, Girls, and Staff.
LVF MALIHAO-NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
HOUSEKEEPING NC II ASSESSMENT
July 02-05. Thirty-eight (38) Hotel and Restaurant Services (HRS) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees of the Laura Vicuna Foundation – Malihao participated in the Housekeeping NC II Assessment at Silay Institute, Silay City. The experienced assessor who conducted the assessment, Mr. Lourence Sembrano, meticulously evaluated the trainees’ skills and knowledge under the watchful eye of a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) representative. Each day, the trainees were accompanied by their teachers, providing support and guidance throughout the four-day evaluation period.
TRAINEES’ DEPLOYMENT TO PARTNER COMPANIES
On July 02, 12, and 14, twelve (12) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees were deployed to various companies and schools in different locations. The trainees were accompanied by Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, and Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA and Ms. Ma. Socorro C. Bayles, Industrial Coordinator. On those days, Sr. Guia and Ms. Socorro visited the trainees in their respective offices.
TEACHER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
July 8-9. Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, Technical Directress, together with the faculty Ms. Maybelle Capillanes, Ms. Ma. Socorro C. Bayles, Ms. Ma. Victoria V. Seluce, Sir Rino N. Barrido, Sir Kenneth John P. Cornelio and Sir Darrenz M. Caberoy embarked on a journey to the beautiful island of Cebu, to participate in a stimulating seminar focusing on two key topics: Enriching Classroom Experiences through Gamification and Promoting Student Engagement in the 21st Century Classroom. The seminar, held at Mary Our Help Technical Institute for Women in Minglanilla, Cebu, was filled with fun and new learning, mainly because the renowned speaker, Dr. Mark Gleen O. Cidro, Author and Trainer, delivered a dynamic presentation highlighting the importance of Gamification in the 21st-century classroom, the evolving needs of today’s learners, and the crucial role of educators. Participants explored various strategies to incorporate game-based learning into their classrooms.
BOOKKEEPING NC III TRAINER’S METHODOLOGY I
July 11. The school is incredibly proud of the accomplishment of Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, after passing the Bookkeeping NC III Trainer’s Methodology I at TESDA – Talisay City. This success was achieved through her hard work and dedication, guided by God’s grace and a testament to her unwavering commitment to her students and her pursuit of excellence.
STUDENT’S ORIENTATION
July 29. The warmth of welcome washed over the new students as they entered the school to attend the student’s orientation. It was the first day of school, and the whole community of Laura Vicuna welcomed the SY 2024-2025 students with open arms and sweet smiles. That day, the school’s vision, mission, institutional values, rules and regulations, fees, activities, and the 5’s of good housekeeping were discussed.
LVF MACARASCAS, PALAWAN
LVF MACARASCAS PALAWAN TRAINEES PREPARE SEEDBEDS FOR RICE
July 6. The twenty-five (25) trainees under the RESP (Rice Extension Services Program Scholarship Program in Palawan prepared seedbeds to plant rice.
PATIO AGRICULTURAL FARM MEETING
On June 9, Ms. Matet P. Palma and Sr. Lyn Grace M. Palanca, FMA, attended the meeting at Patio Agricultural Farm, Bgy. Sta. Monica PPC, conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Palawan.
THE CITY AGRICULTURE HEAD VISITS LVF MACARASCAS
On July 10, the head of City Agriculture of Puerto Princesa City, Ma’am Melissa U. Macasaet, visited the center and brought 100 hills of grafted kalamansi seedlings.
PRODUCE ORGANIC FERTILIZER; FIRST BATCH TRAINEES
July 12. Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. Macarascas Palawan happily started the first training batch on Produce Organic Fertilizer under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) Scholarship from TESDA. On July 16, another batch started training under the same training course.
LVF PALAWAN TRAINEES PRACTICE DRIVING
July 13. Twenty-five (25) Trainees under RESP practice driving the four-wheel tractor. Under the RESP (Rice Extension Services Program), TESDA offers agriculture-related courses such as Farm Field School on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seed Certification and Farm Mechanization, Rice Machinery Operations, Drying and Milling Plant Servicing NC III, Agro-entrepreneurship NC II, Pest and Nutrients Management, and Digit.
LAURA VICUNA FARM, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY
July 19. Laura Vicuña Farm is one of the partner agencies of Palawan State University (PSU)-San Rafael, along with Real Farms and Agbayani Farms, accepting trainees with 240 hours of field training. This month, we concluded the field training of 1st—and 3rd-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture trainees at LVF Multipurpose Hall. Sr. Lyn Grace, FMA, LVF Palawan Technical Director, along with the farm owners, staff, and workers of the three farms, graced the activity.
LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
July 07: LVF distributed two hundred (200) kilos of bacon to its Child Protection Clinic Communities with the donation of Zoi’s Meatown, which celebrated its 13th anniversary! Along with the bacon, we also distributed bread from RFM Corporation, Breadtalk and Purple Oven. This was also in line with the Meaningful Global Forgiveness Day.
WEEKLY CATECHESIS
LVF weekly catechesis continues to strengthen the faith and nourish the spiritual relation of its Child Protection Clinic (CPC) participants, providing concrete and realistic situations and our close relationship with Jesus just like how “He revealed Himself to be in solidarity with our frail human nature… He experienced what we, too, must prepare ourselves to confront: life comprises challenges, tests, crossroads, opposing views, hidden seductions, contradictory voices…The Holy Spirit guides the people of God towards Jesus our hope.” Pope Francis.
PASWI-COP
Every Wednesday night, Social Workers all over the Philippines have a moment of prayer called the Circle of Prayer (COP), co-hosted by the different chapters of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI). In this prayer Wednesdate habit, Social Workers pray that “may this gathering be a source of encouragement, unity and inspiration for all of us.” In all our efforts and work, “we may be guided by God’s wisdom and be surrounded by His protective hand…” One of our sharers from Siquijor, Ms. Anonee Ponce, encouraged us to “seek God always.” Ma’am Eva Ponce de Leon, PASWI Executive Director, and Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA, PASWI National Vice President, lead this Lectio Divina and prayer gathering of social workers nationwide.
Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. 