FEBRUARY, LOVE APLENTY! February exudes good and warm vibes as ever, so does Laura Vicuna Foundation. Faithful to the people we serve we never lose any opportunity to be close to them and to advocate for child protection and youth empowerment. The February LVF e-news highlights its celebration of the 2021 National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation and its partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children for the launch of the Blue Umbrella Day with the theme, We Must Protect Boys, Just As We Protect Girls. Also in February, LVF closely collaborated with its Child Protection Communities in giving joy and hope to our people essential household needs. Our unbridled SOLIDARITY seryecoupled with formation sessions and spiritual inputs is a mark of love for humanity. This month too the Philippine Association of Social Workers (PASWI) has named Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA, whom we fondly call, Sr. Marivic, as the coordinator of the newly launched PASWI Circle of Prayers via Zoom and Facebook Live every Wednesday with varied prayer themes and is delicately inclusive of all Religious denominations. As for our LVC girls, grateful for the Scholarship given by the UST Angelicum (REAP) Home Study Program; they have sweated it out painstakingly to come up with a presentation for its Fund Raising Concert entitled “A Heart for REAP”.
LVF JOINS THE NATION IN THE 2021 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS WEEK KICK-OFF!
The Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. joined the Kick-off activity for 2021 National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on February 8. Sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a major problem in the Philippines. Various studies showed that more and more children are being victimized by various forms of abuses in various settings.In fact, more and more boys are being abused sexually. This includes the home. Hence, the government deemed it necessary to address such issues as it puts Filipino children at greater risk. The Kick-off activity includes an awareness session of boys’ becoming victims of sexual abuse as a soft launch for the BLUE UMBRELLA DAY (BUD). The girls’ national participation with regards to this issue is very important because it does not only make them socially aware but also triggers them to think critically as they raise questions like “May mga institution po bang tumutulong sa mga batang lalaki na naabusong seskwal? Ano-anu po ang mga ito?” [Is there any institution that helps boys who were sexually abused? What are these (institutions)?]. This also is a way for them to understand current issues surrounding them.]
The BUD will be internationally launched on the 16th of April 2021 which will be led by Guyana, India, Paraguay and the Philippines! This is an international day that draws attention to the need to better protect boys against sexual abuse, assault and exploitation. (https://www.familyforeverychild.org/).
LVF’s SOCIAL ADVOCACY: “WE MUST PROTECT BOYS JUST AS WE PROTECT GIRLS”
In celebration of the National Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week (NCSAAW), the Laura Vicuna Foundation (LVF) conducted an advocacy campaign on #iamBRAVE to one hundred ten (116) parents coming from LVF’s Child Protection Community (CPC) Areas on February 12, 2021. Anchored to this year’s NCSAAW theme, “WE MUST PROTECT BOYS JUST AS WE PROTECT GIRLS”, Mr. Ryan Azucena, LVF Social Worker, highlighted studies which showed that more and more boys are experiencing abuses as well during the session. He also reiterated the various contributing factors to the current issue faced by the boys and further added the psychological impacts of abuses to them. The launching of Blue Umbrella Day in the Philippines became an eye-opener to parents who attended the session as one of them shared: “Dapat po magkaroon tayo ng pantay na pagtrato sa ating mga anak, babae man sya o lalaki. Nasa magulang pa rin ang responsibilidad ng paggabay sa mga anak.” (We should treat our children fairly, regardless of their gender. It is still the parents’ responsibility to guide their children). This session has also drawn realization that our parent-partners ought to be‘Good Shepherds’ to their children and to their communities as well. This is in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).
LVF 2021 SOLIDARITYserye: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
Everyday, we find more and more reason to celebrate each other, not just because the occasion tells us to do so, but for the sole reason that each one of us is responsible for each other. 200 children from the LVC and the Child Protection Communities through their parents received PCSO hygiene packs and bags of groceries . These gifts were delivered by PCSO to LVF late last Dec. 29,2020.
PASWI WEDNESDAYS CIRCLE OF PRAYER
The Philippine Association of Social Workers Incorporated (PASWI), in partnership with the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. initiated a virtual divine intervention, dubbed as CIRCLE OF PRAYERS, in response to diverse and complex challenges we are currently experiencing. It already piloted on February 17 and gathered social workers from Luzon, Visayas and even Mindanao! This virtual initiative, which is held every Wednesday at 8:30-9:00 pm, is spearheaded by Director Eva Ponce De Leon, PASWI Executive Director and Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA, LVF’s Managing Director.
LVF JOINS THE NSC-CRA MEETING
LVF was invited by the CWC to join the National Steering Committee on Child Rights Advocacy (NSC-CRA) Meeting on planning and drafting for the 2021 National Children’s Month theme and activities through Zoom on 09 February 2021.
A HEART FOR REAP
The Laura Vicuna Sisters, girls and staff were more than grateful to the UST Angelicum for initiating a Fund Raising Concert for their Re-entry Education Agenda for the Poor (REAP) Learners in their 14 Learning Sites all over the country to continue the program. The girls with the guidance of the Sisters and staff learned the song entitled “Rainbow” assigned by the UST Angelicum concert director. Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana found it helpful to ask their music teacher at the Colegio de Sta. Ana, Mr. Gulmatico who willingly tutored them. We are very much thankful for this concert initiative which made our bond with UST Angelicum more stronger, in fact, two days after the concert, the REAP in charge Ms. Maiden Grace Gan with Sir Jojo and UST Angelicum alumna Ms. Vanessa came and spent quality time with our girls. It was the first visit of UST Angelicum in our learning site and it came more of a friendly visit more than a formal one. It was an assurance of support for us and a challenge to give our best as our response to this gift of quality education to our girls.
PROVINCIAL EDUCATING COMMUNITY GRATITUDE DAY FOR SR. MABEL
Dubbed as “SAma-samang NAgpapasalamat sa Abang Lingkodat Kalakbay” #SANA ALL this was the last Educating Community Gratitude Day for Sr. Mabel, FIL & PNG Provincial Superior and LVF President, who had faithfully and joyfully given her service and life to each of us in the Provincial Educating Community. It was a fun-filled afternoon, the animators of the program were so creative in making the different FMA communities interact with each other though online, all presented a number of thanks to Sr. Mabel which was interspersed with Kahoot quiz bee and other interactive games. And yes, LVC bagged the 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the Kahoot quiz challenge on ‘how well do you know Sr. Mabel?’. It was cupped with the Holy Mass celebrated by the SDB FIN Provincial Rev. Fr. Gerry Martin then the thank you message of SR. Mabel which concluded with the announcement of the new FMA FIL Provincial Sr. Tita Padron, FMA. We were all filled with love this day and gratitude poured forth from our hearts to God for the gift of our humble, simple and loving Provincial Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA.
LVF PALAWAN
ROTARY CLUB OF PUERTO PRINCESA TURNS OVER THEIR FARM PROJECT TO LVF PALAWAN The Rotary Club of Puerto Princesa headed by its president Ms. Lyn Moraga finally turned over the completed grant farm project dubbed as“Water System for an Effective Organic Farming” to the Laura Vicuna Foundation Palawan represented by Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA. President Moragara also tapped the City Veterinarian Office of Puerto Princesa and together with the other members of the Rotary Club distributed 7 piglets and 300 heads of chicken to the parents of the learners for the purpose of additional livelihood and income in the family especially in this time of the pandemic crisis.
LVF PALAWAN CELEBRATES THE NATIONAL AWARENESS AND PREVENTION WEEK AGAINST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION
In the year dedicated to St. Joseph, last February 10, 2021, Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA was invited at the parish of St. Joseph Marello in Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, to share an important issue concerning children and their safety. The talk was part of the parish formation among the group Men of St. Joseph. LVF Palawan was honored to share its advocacy of building a culture of protection for children through the simple sharing among the men, mostly fathers, of the parish. The parish priest, Fr. Nemuel Ebite, OSJ and the participants were very thankful for such an encounter as well as in celebration of the National Awareness and Prevention Week Against Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. St. Joseph who protected Jesus and Mary all throughout their life must be true for all fathers, that is, as pillars of their homes, they may guide and protect children and women at all cost.
LVF MALIHAO, VICTORIAS, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
In spite of the threats of the present crisis, LVF Malihao, Victorias City, Negros Occidental was able to commemorate the journey of Jesus’ passion and death through the Ash Wednesday Eucharistic Celebration and Way of the Cross.
January 2021 Celebrate endings, 365 days of new beginnings. January is popularly known as ‘the door that opens the New Year” started at LVF with much gratitude to God Almighty with hope, optimism and courage. LVF recommits new expressions of innovation in promoting solidarity and a culture of social protection. Christmas in January became a reality for us purely by God’s grace.
26TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – LAURA VICUÑA FOUNDATION, INC. TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The 26th Commencement Exercises of the Laura Vicuna Foundation (Technology Center) Sta. Mesa was held here at the Laura Vicuna Foundation Center-Cubao, Quezon City. Yes, the graduation theme; MOVING FORWARD DESPITE ADVERSITIES was toughly embodied by all the graduates, LVF Staff and technicians because all braved a face-to-face event in spite of the COVID 19 threat. Mr. Ryan Azucena, a Registered Social Worker who completed a training course at the Laura Vicuna Women Development Training Center (LVWDTC) in Malihao, Victorias City, Negros Occidental and had his OJT at the Bellevue Hotel at Alabang inspired the graduates by sharing his journey of success which started at the LVWDTC Training Center. Congratulations to our 14 graduates of Business and Office Technology (BOT) with TESDA English Proficiency and Bookkeeping NC 3. We are so proud of you for you braved all to reach your goals and we pray that you continue to move forward in life despite adversities; making them stepping stones to rise, to upsurge no matter the cost. We strictly followed the AITF protocols and took all necessary permits from government agencies to make this possible. No practice was ever held, all were very much cooperative and obedient to the rules. Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA, LVF Managing Director, Sr. Analyn Guerrero, FMA, LVF Technical Directress Sr. Teresita Mislang, FMA were present during the event. By God’s grace, we were able to hold the commencement exercises at the LVF-QC building.
LAURA VICUÑAFOUNDATION’s EXTENDED CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING
Jan. 10. The Laura Vicuña Foundation’s (LVF) Sisters and girls cooked, prepared, and packed one hundred(100) spaghetti meals for its Child Protection Communities in Judge Jimenez, Hillcrest and Brgy. Pinagkaisahan as last day of Christmas celebration! LVF Social Worker, Mr. Ryan Azucena and Volunteer Raven, distributed the foods. They happily received the foods and warmly thanked LVF.
LVF MEDICAL MISSION WITH A TWIST!
Covid19 Pandemic Crisis brought various changes in each people’s lives primarily in the way of our interactions with each other as the government-imposed safety guidelines/protocols that prohibits us to have a face to face activities. Because of this we undergone an array of adjustments for our safety and prevention of the spread of virus. Despite of this situation, the Laura Vicuna Foundation (LVF), which was also affected by this problem especially in its usual activities being initiated, made some adjustments and modifications in its programs and services especially in the implementation process. One of the activities under the community-based program is its annual medical mission for its Child Protection Communities and Schools in Negros Occidental where it reached a total of 3,000 children and families being catered last 2019. For 2020-2021, LVF through its Managing Director Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA, made a twist on its usual process of conducting medical mission where she initiated: Consultation at the Barangay Health Centers of the CPC-Communities or Tele Consultation and distribution of medicines by LVF Staff through the PCSO Project from January 2020 to January 10, 2021. Through its social worker, Mr. Ryan Azucena who facilitates the distribution of medicines to the members of its CPC-Communities. The medicines included anti-biotic, multivitamins, maintenance medicines and vitamins for the children. This activity was made possible through the cooperation and help of the Barangay Officials, doctors for the Tele Consultation and parent-leaders of each communities. The families were very thankful to the foundation for this activity as they felt the love and concern of the foundation for their safety in this difficult time.
LVF JOINS 2021 INTERNATIONAL YEAR FOR THE ELIMINATION OF CHILD LABOUR KICK-OFF
Jan. 21:LVF represented by Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA & Ms. Rosea Marie Monsay, joined the Kick-off event for the 2021 International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour live via Zoom,held at GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (3:00-4:15 Central European Time) 10:00-11:15 pm Philippine Standard Time. This year’s theme “ACT NOW TO END CHILD LABOR” is further deepened by Mr. Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General. The International Year will provide an opportunity to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 and to accelerate progress towards the goal set by SDG Target 8.7 to end child labour in all its forms by 2025 LINK
LVF is one with International Labor Organization(ILO) in sharing with the same advocacy: striving to protect vulnerable sectors especially children and to mitigate child labour in the country. #EndChildLabour2021
FEASTS OF OUR SALESIAN SAINTS
January too is a Salesian Month, the FEASTS of our Salesian Saints. Feast of Blessed Laura Vicuna was January 22, a very dear saint for all of us not only because we named our house after her; neigh more the Foundation that cradles us for 30 plus years now but most significantly because Laura remains to be our inspiration and model in facing the harsh realities of life and weathering its storms with full trust and faith in God and devotion to Mama Mary. Ms. Jhanica Banatin, a Past Pupil of Mary Help of Christians College, Canlubang and a member of the Laura’s Friends Club of the SYM had a heart-to-heart encounter with the girls on how Laura Vicuna has inspired and influenced their choices in life. Sr. Analyn Guerrero, FMA with selected girls prepared a Prayer Celebration for the whole community and with Ms. Monsay, our Social Worker, the girls presented a skit on the life of Laura Vicuna and its message- invitation to the present generation.
BOSCOLYMPICS 2021
Jan. 26. LVF formally opened the 2021 Boscolympic competition! This annual week-long celebration commemorates Don Bosco’s influence to the life of the youth. “Itong araw na ito ay ang pag-alala natin kay St. John Bosco sa oratoryong kanyang binuo para sa mga kabataan. Kaya nga Run, Jump, Play but Never Sin dahil lahat tayo ay malapit sa puso ni St. John Bosco.” said Hannah, LVF Girl. (Today, we commemorate John Bosco’s oratory which he founded for children. That’s why Run, Jump, Play but Never Sin for we (as children) are close to St. John Bosco’s heart.)
Everyone roared with excitement when the torch went afire and they enthusiastically took the pledge of sportsmanship to practice fair play, honesty, respect and camaraderie. Everyday, the LVF girls journeyed with the Sisters in experiencing Don Bosco’s life, as Sr. Teresita Mislang, FMA, Sr Ana Guerrero, FMA, and Sr. Rose Panganiban, FMA gave them inputs about his (Don Bosco) childhood at Becchi, to his young adulthood at Chieri, and his life at Valdocco. Indeed, it is a way of deepening the girls’ relationship with Don Bosco as they get to know him more meaningfully.
The Vicunians were thrilled to participate on various activities which was held everyday. And on the first day of competition, the volleyball court was full of deafening roar as each calls out and cheers for their own teams! They very much enjoyed the badminton, volleyball, basketball, game of the generals, chess, bato-bata, patintero and sack race! The competition ended with their cheer-dance competition and the team who got the highest points and was declared as champion of 2021 Boscolympic was the Green Team: H.O.P.E Stronger than Yesterday.
Since he is the Father and Teacher of the young, we should implore him to guide us to see things clearly and to accept them with all our heart.
NATIONAL DON BOSCO QUIZ BEE CHALLENGE 2021
On Jan. 30 one of our LVC girls joined The National Don Bosco Quiz Bee Challenge 2021 (online) by the D’WORD and ONE SYM. It was a way of celebrating the great feast of our Father, Teacher and Guide, Don Bosco with the Salesian Family. Joy prevailed in the whole duration of the Quiz Bee Challenge in as much as family spirit pervaded the event. Our girls, Staff and Sisters were in full support for Edralyn Abia who was able to join the Quiz Bee until the second round. We salute her for giving her best, for representing Laura Vicuna Center in this affair.
16,430 PERSONS SERVED IN 2020: AT LVF, CHRIST’ LOVE is enFLESHED! Almost all things that we can say about Christmas are all cliché’, but for us here @ LVF, the phrase CHRISTMAS IS SHARING will always be our concrete gesture of celebrating the Birth of our Lord, God-Jesus becoming flesh for our salvation. LVF trying our best to enFLESH the Lord’s gifting and giving of Himself by our reaching out to the least, last and lost. Yes, Christmas is not just in our hearts… Christmas is stretching out our hands and hearts to others in great need this year of the PANDEMIC.
LVF ANNUAL PARTI-HAN TRADITION CHRISTMAS GIFT-GIVING 2020! The year 2020 may be a year of full challenges and adversities, but the Laura Vicuña Foundation had remained creative and unstoppable in braving the war against the pandemic just to remain close to our countrymen who were, and are still enduring the continuing effects of the pandemic. Since we cannot hold large gatherings, the LVF’s Annual Parti-han Tradition Christmas gift-giving was conducted per area. Hand in hand, the Sisters, girls and staff packed and prepared hundreds and hundreds of food packs for the communities.
LVF was able to distribute a total of one thousand five hundred ninety (1,590) Noche Buena gift packs to its CPC Communities! Four hundred twenty (420) individuals were served by the first tranche of gift packs distributed on Dec. 19 and 20 to Marikina, Mandaluyong, Taguig and Cavite while the second tranche of 381 Christmas gift packs and Mang Inasal packed lunch were distributed on Dec. 21 and 22 to LVF-CPC communities in Culiat, Pinagkaisahan, Bacood, Hillcrest & Judge Jimenez.
As part of the LVF’s Annual Parti-han celebration, seven hundred eighty-nine (789) Media Noche gift packs to depressed communities and garbage collectors. Let us give LVF communities and families Media Noche to greet the New Year. With the Pandemic surely they are short of food. Let us afford them a simple joy for the the coming year 2021. (“Bigyan natin sila ng pang Media-Noche lalo na at magbabagong taon. Hindi natin alam, baka ‘yong iba walang panghanda kasi nga nasa krisis tayo, may Pandemic. Kahit kaunti lang, mabigyan natin sila ng kaligayahan.”) Sr. Marivic, LVF’s Managing Director said. Indeed, this pandemic had brought us closer towards each other, not because of any personal gains but we had focused on what was essential and we were trying our best to overcome various barriers of indifference.Upon receiving the gifts, the smile on their faces and the flicker of joy in their eyes as they expressed their thanks was priceless! A genuine ‘thank-you’ from the recipients was heartwarming enough. Seeing how happy they were to receive such gifts, you can visibly see how grateful they were to be remembered.
LVF ANNUAL FAMILY CONGRESS 2020! Dec. 30, 2020. Traditionally, the LVF Annual Family Congress gathered hundreds of families where parents were given the opportunity to voice out their concerns and problems with their child-rearing and parenting styles as well as children had the opportunity to be heard of their concerns and difficulties in their journey of growing up. However, this year, LVF conducted its Annual Family Congress per area, so as to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus, online and offline! Its Social Workers braved the threat of COVID-19 as frontliners in conducting its advocacies for the people.
Observing the health protocols: social distancing, wearing of facemasks and face shields and hand sanitizing, LVF was able to reach seven hundred ten (710) children, youth & parents of LVF-CPC in Cavite, Marikina, Taguig, Bacood, Botocan, Culiat, Judge Jimenez, Hillcrest & Brgy. Pinagkaisahan joined the LVF’s Session on “Enhancing Families with Coping Skills during the Pandemic” conducted by LVF Social Worker, Mercedes Juncia, assisted by Joy Hugo, Ryan Azucena, Virginia Jison, Rosea Monsay, Liza and Eyen Corro.This aimed to provide an array of coping mechanisms to families especially in this time of Pandemic as well as a chance for them to freely speak and ventilate their feeling of worries, anxieties, fear and sadness as well as their experiences and how they managed to deal with their everyday situations.
Due to the experiences we had this COVID-19 pandemic, mental health is an important issue in our communities. The Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF)came up with an online session on “Mindfulness-Road to Mental Health” in partnership with DepEd Schools Division of Cadiz City and Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias (CSAV) in Negros Occidental. It had reached a total of 500 participants for their advocacy sessions: CSAV 435 participants and DepEd Cadiz 65 participants.The LVF Social Workers were being tapped to facilitate the sessions.College students, Guidance and Admin staff attended the CSAV sessions while SSG officers, Yes-O officers and Teacher advisers attended the DepEd Cadiz sessions.The dates were December 5, 11 and 18 for CSAV and December 4 and 11 for DepEd Cadiz. After listening to the tips on mindfulness one teacher said, “The session is very timely as most of us are experiencing difficulties in this time of pandemic.” For the students one of them said, “The face-to-face encounter we had with our teachers and classmates were denied from us this pandemic but we need to be positive in all things so that it will lead us to an optimistic horizon.Then another student said, “Having a smile on our faces, putting God first in our lives and being grateful for His blessings will give us a purpose and a renewed meaning with our lives after the pandemic lockdown.”
ONLINE ADVOCACY SESSION ON CHILD’S RIGHTS The Laura Vicuña Foundation’s advocacy on Child’s Rights does not end with the culmination of the month of November. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated, globally, that up to 1 billion children aged 2-17 years have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year. Hence, as part of LVF’s campaign in Ending Violence against Women and Children, LVF continues to conduct its online advocacy session on Child’s Rights and Responsibilities to: 100 youth and parents of LVF-CPC Culiat (Dec. 2), 34 children and young people in Pius (Dec. 6),31 young people of Majada (Dec. 12), and 56 children, youth and parent participants in Marikina (Dec. 19). “Ano-ano po ang dapat naming gawin kung mayroon po kaming nakikitang karahasan o pang-aabuso sa aming komunidad?” (What should we do if we happen to witness an abuse in our community?) ask one of the participant. Hence, it is vital to conduct this kind of sessions as it raises their awareness on the various abuses and it gives them basic knowledge on how to report, who to report and where to report if in any instance, they witness such abuses. LVF will continue in CHAMPIONING CHILD PROTECTION AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT for the years to come!
THANK YOU PCSO! The Laura Vicuña Foundation had received 200 packs of goods from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Dec. 30, 2020! It was gladly received by the LVF Managing Director, Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA and the whole LVF Community. According to PCSO, they had chosen LVF as a beneficiary for their year-end gift-giving for they had seen its continuous and active programs, despite of the pandemic, especially with their solidarity initiatives on the ground-which means going out face to face with the populace just to bring its services to the people! These goods will be distributed to LVF’s Child Protection Communities. We heal as one!
December 8 – Immaculate Conception We cannot pass this very significant day without celebrating the great Solemnity of Mary Immaculate. This year was extra special and peculiar because our girls made the PLEDGE OF PURITY, no sexual relations until marriage! It was done within a solemn ritual in a prayer celebration with all the Sisters and LVF Staff. A small card memento with the exact time, date, place and their signature made it not only memorable for the girls but a true promise to God of their purity with Mary as their model and guide. The Sisters and Staff on their part fervently prayed that our girls may be faithful to their promise. Come Dec 14 the President of LIVE PURE MOVEMENT, Sir Jose Ibarra Fabello Villas and Kuya JC a full time missionary of the said movement with the supportive help of Rev. Fr. Juvelan Samia,SDB, had a very intimate encounter with our girls via Zoom. He strongly convinced them to believe that they are AMAZING, INSIDE- OUT! They are WORTH WAITING FOR IN MARRIAGE and if in their past came a time when the complete opposite was said of them or their dignity as a person was violated; still, forgiveness is the key and moving forward should be the only choice to be whole again. The two ‘kuyas’ heart rending apologies on behalf of their ‘kabaro’ who in anyway had been missed in their demonstration of respect for them brought most of us to tears. It was indeed a treasured encounter of hearts and souls in the Lord! We pray and hope that this encounter will be etched in our hearts and be kept alive in our choices in life.
November on the Move LVF ON THE MOVE: CARING FOR THE WORST HIT TYPHOON VICTIMS
On November 12, 2020, the Salesian Sisters and staff at the Laura Vicuna Foundation (LVF), Quezon City, Philippines were receiving calls and text messages from our community frontline volunteers at our LVF Child Protection Communities which are disaster prone communities. “Typhoon Ulysess wrath has caught us off-guard. Our areas are a mass sea water, the roof of our houses are submerged in water. We have been rescued by the government motorboats and have been brought to the schools which are now turned into evacuation camps. We have no food, nor clothes or they are all wet and swept by the flood. Pray to Mary Help of Christians for us.” Six (6)typhoons in a row have hit the Philippines since Octoberup to Nov 12, 2020, leaving the Filipinos devastated! The Pandemic problem aggravates the cramp situation at the evacuation centers. We cannot turn deaf and blind to the plight of our suffering brethren. More than the 2,112 regular food packs, 5,810 kilos of rice distributed for the whole month of November, some hygiene kits, pre-loved clothes, medicines, school supplies brought by LVF weekly to the people at the Child Protection Communities.
LVF QUICK RESPONSE TO TYPHOON ULYSSES VICTIMS IN MARIKINA
The Laura Vicuna Foundation is on the move, quick to its feet and responded to these calamities. Early morning of 13th November, the LVF staff and girls packed 405 kilos of rice from our pantry, pre-loved clothes and hygiene kits.Ryan Azucena, LVF Social Worker, Lovely de Guzman, our volunteer aboard the Child Protection Clinic on Wheels VAN,braved the storm as they visited with great difficulty the communities near the families along rivers of Barangay Pinagkaisahan and Judge Jimenez in Quezon City and Taguig City. They were not able to reach Marikina as it was still underwater and full of mud. Moved with compassion for the typhoon victims, Laura Vicuna Foundation Community in Quezon City started a series of solidarity initiatives for the whole month of November to help rebuild the lives of the typhoon victims.
LVF DISTRIBUTED 1,000 SACKS OF 5 KILOS RICE TO AFFECTED FAMILIES OF TYPHOON ULYSSES IN MARIKINA NOV. 30, 2020. The LVF Sisters happily cooked 305 hotmeals, prepared juices, pre-loved clothes, vitamins and school supplies for children of the most affected areas of the typhoon. Seeing LVF solidarity initiatives, goodness multiplied. Some of the past pupils and friends of LVF gave money and 600 packs of groceries comprising of loaves of bread, 6 canned goods, coffee, chocolate milk, biscuits and candies. LVF was able to deliver another 5000 kilos of rice to 1000 families at 5 kilos each per family in Marikina Communities: Tumana, Nangka, Bayabas, Camachile who were greatly devastated by the said typhoon. It took Sr. Rosalia Panganiban, FMA and LVF Social Workers six-hour drive of rerouting to reach the different communities in Marikina since the roads were impassable because of the flood water & mud.The poor families appreciate greatly the care and nearness of God through the care, the LVF Sisters and staff do with their regular visits and accompaniment for them, the flood victims.
LVF ONLINE ADVOCACY serye While some NGO’s suspended their operations since March 2020 because of the pandemic, LVF has been creative in reaching out regularly to the children, youth and families by the conduct of online child protection learning hubs, family advocacies with food distribution. LVF has reached 1, 687 children, youth and parents during the Online Advocacy Session on United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Children’s Rights and Responsibilities conducted via Googlemeet to its Child Protection Communities (CPC) in Pinamana Site, Taguig, Judge Jimenez, General Trias in Cavite, Marikina, Bacood, Botocan, Hillcrest, Sta. Mesa which children and youth actively participated. “Ngayon, mas naintindihan ko na kung ano baang mga karapatan at responsibilidad ng mga kabataan. Ako’y nalulungkot sa video na kung saan ang mga bata ay nakakaranas ng pang-aabuso sa mismong tahanan nila.”(I now know and understand what are child’s rights & responsibilities. I am saddened by the video where children are experiencing abuses in their homes.)Said Kuya Omar, one of the parent participant shared after the session.“It is a challenge to us, as parents, to protect our children from all kinds of abuses, to practice positive discipline among our children.We are thankful for LVF that we are able to hear this session to broaden our knowledge especially that this concerns our children.” LVF ADVOCACYserye continues! The kids were also happy to receive food packs of rice, chicken & palabok delivered to them after the session. This is also in commemoration of the World Day of the Poor. LVF continues not only to give HOPE A HOME especially in this trying times but help every child, youth and family say with conviction that God who is my Hope is My Home!
LVF #iamBRAVE(BOYS REJECT ABUSE, VIOLENCE, AND EXPLOITATION) ONLINE SESSION Nov. 27, 2020. LVF Social Worker, Mr. Ryan Azucena conducted an online advocacy session on Gender Sensitivity: #iamBRAVE to 144 Criminology Students of CSAV who, afterwards, committed themselves to Reject Abuse, Violence and Exploitation.This forms part of LVF’s 18-day Campaignto End Violence Against Women and Children November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until December 10 (Human Rights Day)by virtue of Republic Act 10398 ,or the Act declaring November 25 of every year as the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC.
I AM A CHILD:I COUNT, I PARTICIPATE! NOV. 07, 2020. The Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) children advocates, represented by Shane, Josephine & Remilyn, joined and participated on the Stress Management for Children Webinar organized by the RSCWC-MIMAROPA in celebration of the National Children’s Month with this year’s theme: SAMA-SAMANG ITAGUYOD ANG KARAPATAN NG BAWAT BATA SA PANAHON NG PANDEMYA on Nov. 7, 2020. This has paved way for the children to share their experiences through a drawing of their personal crest on how they were coping with the effects brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
VICUÑANS RECOLLECTION WITH FR. FAVIE FALDAS, SDB! Thank you Rev. Fr. Favie Faldas, SDB (Don Bosco Makati – Rector) for lending us your precious time and expertise in facilitating and introducing a very Salesian tradition this month of November, the Exercise of a Happy Death. Fr. Favie creatively and amusingly tackled with our girls the reality of death and of dying, he pointed out to them that it is inevitable; that all of us will pass through it and no one living can ever escape it. He also convinced them on the significance of preparing oneself at all times because again, no one knows when it will come. Fr. Favie retold animatedly how Don Bosco developed in the boys of the oratory that sense of preparedness by the monthly exercise of a Happy Death by simply clearing and cleaning up their personal belongings and most importantly their hearts/souls in confession and communion. Yes, the boys of Don Bosco, if asked ‘what will they do should they learn that it is their last day on earth?’ they would readily answer; we will still play and do our daily tasks. This just goes to say that they were truly prepared. As conclusion Fr. Favie recommended several films to emphasize the ‘beauty of death’ and of dying prepare and anticipating the final meeting with our Creator God who has loved us. The girls with Sr. Ana did the Exercise of a Happy Death days after the talk of Fr. Favie.
DO-IT-YOURSELF POP UP CARD! Christmas is very near! Christmas trees and Christmas lights everywhere! Hence, it is a delight for LVF girls to learn how to make pop-up cards! With their creative minds and skillful hands, they were able to finish a cool DIY Pop-Up cards! Thanks to Tugon Ateneo who patiently taught the girls in making one. This was done via Zoom!
COOL-LINARY FOR LIVELIHOOD @ LVC It is really cool to be in the Kitchen! The girls with Sr. Ana, FMA had a real cool time crafting cakes, cookies and other yummy stuffs to the delight of the community and some fortunate recipients of our Do-It-All kitchen creation. True to the ideals of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello to keep our young people busy in worthwhile, educative activities and to LVFs commitment to empower them to help themselves in the aspect of self-sufficiency, reliance and financial independence. The Girls enjoyed such endeavors and shared their know-how to each other without hesitations. COOKING POWER is WOMAN POWER!
LVF RECEIVES A PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION AS PART OF “QC LABAN SA COVID-19” On November 28, 2020, The Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) was given a Plaque of Appreciation through its representative, Mr. Ryan Azucena, LVF Social Worker, by Barangay Pinagkaisahan Council in their 2nd Semester Barangay General Assembly Calendar Year 2020 which was held at Ramon Magsaysay High School. As last April 21-22 and May 03, 2020, Barangay Pinagkaisahan, headed by its Chairman Mrs. Graziella Saab, issued a Barangay Executive Order No. 12, creating a team of evaluators for the Social Amelioration Program of the DSWD. LVF, represented by its social worker, sit as one of the evaluators together with other individuals from different sectors and organizations called as “SAP Evaluators” that identify and evaluate the prospected beneficiaries for the Social Amelioration Program of the DSWD. At LVF, we are also grateful to the Barangay Council not only for this award but also to their unending efforts and commitments to their responsibility of serving and making sure the safety of its residents especially in this time of Pandemic crisis.
LVF PALAWAN E-NEWS FOR 2020 NOVEMBER
HOLY WIN CELEBRATION OF ALL SAINTS DAY Instead of the usual Halloween party every November 1, the resident learners of the Laura Vicuna Center Palawan dressed up to their favorite saints, paraded and spread holiness and proclaimed the sayings of their chosen holy men and women. The HOLY winners during the program were St. Dominic Savio, St. Maria Schinina and St. Maria Goretti. Holiness runs in the Salesian Family and through this activity, the young gets a glimpse of the Salesian gardens in Heaven.
LVC PALAWAN CELEBRATES NATIONAL CHILDREN’S CELEBRATION Republic Act 10661 declares the commemoration of National Children’s Month every November with the adoption of rights of children by the United Nations general assembly in November 20, 1989. This year’s theme is, “SAMA SAMANG ITAGUYOD ANG KARAPATAN NG BAWAT BATA SA PANAHON NG PANDEMYA. ” In celebration of the 2020 National Children’s Month, our staff Ms. Delia Valledor with the assistance of Francisco Gabua and Ed Orpilla, facilitated a session on the Rights of Children among our resident learners last November 3, 2020. The resident learners got the chance to review their four major rights as children: Survival, Protection, Development and Participation through the different group activities. “SAMA SAMANG ITAGUYOD ANG KARAPATAN NG BAWAT BATA SA PANAHON NG PANDEMYA” Last Nov 7, 2020, some resident learners joined a Webinar on STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR CHILDREN organized by the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children- MIMAROPA.
RESIDENT LEARNERS SHOUT YES AHA! Youth Empowerment through Sustainable Agriculture and Health Advocacy LVF Palawan conducted two succeeding activities, our very own “YES AHA” Season 2 and 2020 Final Season. The usual farm activities (Cleaning the Area, Land Preparation, Waste Segregation and Urban Gardening), we make it as AMAZING RACE for the YOUTH to make it exciting. YES AHA stands for Youth Empowerment through Sustainable Agriculture and Health Advocacy. Every after Amazing Race, the staff select and award BATANG MAGSASAKA to learners who showed Grade 9 & 10 learners during the YES AHA Amazing Race.
LAUDATO SI DAY Some parents came for the monthly farm help as we called it “gulpemano”, but for now we call it “Laudato Si Day” meaning Care for the our Common Home . Giving them the instruction/input on farming followed by the actual hands on in the farm.
PLANTING RICE IS NEVER EASY Time comes to prepare our rice field for us to plant rice even this is for the second season on rice planting, still tilling it, and preparing until harvesting. One of the parents Tatay Ruben Abello prepared the rice field using the center’s tractor.
BYE BYE PLASTIC…. HELLO ECOBRICKS…. FANTASTIC! LVF is studying and developing of a technologywe called it Bye-bye Plastic Hello Ecobricks, collecting all plastics around the LVF area go through with the process of cleaning, washing, drying and the last is putting all the cleaned and dry plastic waste in a 1.5 plastic bottle until it is full. We make it as a permanent and concrete sidings of our plots the full 1.5 plastic bottle. To utilize and maximize the waste into something good.
STAFF ENHANCEMENT SEMINARS As part of the staff enhancement and development program, they attended the webinars conducted by FarmTech through Zoom meeting even this time of Pandemic. This is to to acquire more knowledge and skills in farming. Goat Raising and Composting was attended by one of our staff Francisco Gabua. Agri Records attended by Mrs. Matet Palma. Fruit Propagation attended by our farm cooperator Sr. Aleth Evangelista FMA. While the inbred rice training is ongoing attended by Mr. Ronnie Palma.
Almost everywhere in the world, we hear this famous description of the month of October; “OCTOBERFEST”. And although it is undoubtedly associated with ‘drinking-bouts’ (a period of drinking, especially one involving intensive alcohol consumption) we can further say that ‘drinking’ is also equal to celebration.Here at LVF, we want to highlight that indeed our experience of the month of October is a FEAST!
LVF 30TH VIRTUAL ANNIVERSARY SABADO NIGHT CELEBRATION!
On Oct. 03, 2020, the Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) walked down memory lane as it gathered its past and present Vicunians, Sisters and staff who merrily reminisced and wholeheartedly shared not only their experiences but the values they learned, treasured and applied in their daily lives now that they have their own families and is walking separate journeys.
Sr. Marivic, LVF Managing Director said in her welcome address, “Ang kasaysayan ng Laura Vicuña Foundation ay MAKULAY, MAKAHULUGAN, at PUNONG-PUNO ng BUHAY..IKAW AT AKO, TAYONG LAHAT ANG LAURA VICUÑA FOUNDATION!” . (The history of Laura Vicuna Foundation is full of color, meaning and life. You and I, all of us, are Laura Vicuna Foundation.)
LVF is not just a mere structure that provides shelter and roof above “HOPE’s” head, HOPE, the name LVF gave to every children & youth, but it provided them sense of belongingness & acceptance, warm feeling of home, flicker of hope, and a Salesian spirit that lives, that transforms love into action! These values which they found at LVF are instilled in their hearts and is now becoming ripples of goodness! The proof of it were the testimonies of gratitude by LVF’s past Vicunians: Allen Ojera who worked at a 5-star hotel, Jesson Matrimonio, now a licensed teacher, Ryan Azucena, licensed Social Worker and Maricel who is a beautician abroad. They are, indeed, few of many proofs that not only is “HOPE” finally at home but each can deeply claim that, “HOPE is my HOME”!
LVF ON THE MOVE: WEEKLY SOLIDARITY serye!
The Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc (LVF) 30th Anniversary celebration continues with our weekly Solidarity serye! As our weekly commitment, LVF have distributed a total of 2,400 hot meals from March to September for our most affected Child Protection Communities brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is made possible in partnership with our October sponsors: Mr. & Mrs. Javier & Catherine Puno who pledged 500 food packs, Ms. Mel Salgado who chose to celebrate her birthday by sponsoring hundred hot meals along with her classmate in high school, Anna.
In celebration of the WORLD DAY for the HOMELESS (Oct. 10); International Day of the Girl Child (Oct. 11) and WORLD MISSION SUNDAY (Oct. 17), LVF has distributed a total of 400 hot meals with juices, school supplies for children and pre-loved clothes for all ages! All these, for our Homeless brethren & Child Protection Communities in Judge Jimenez, QC,Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, Hillcrest, Culiat, Bacood, Manila. Together, WE HEAL AS ONE!
LVFI PALAWAN
CELEBRATION OF THE SEASON OF CREATION The Church declares the month of September until October 4, 2020 as the Season of Creation. This is a call or an invitation to care for our common home, our Mother Earth. Instead of the usual farm help the parents offer us, as an educating community composed of sisters, staff, parents and learners, we organized a “Laudato Si” Festival. October 4 marks the Feast of St Francis of Assisi known as the father of ecology. We celebrated Laudato Si Festival through our various program activities to express our care for our common home. The program began with an opening prayer on Creation followed by an inspirational talk of Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA. We then proceeded to the ground and planted 30 seedlings of kalamansi, guyabano, atis, anf other fruit bearing trees to signify also this year’s 30th anniversary of our Foundation. The day was enjoyed by everyone with the Amazing Race which includes:
Sack the Treasures – where each group with their designated place picked up pastics and trashes around and placed them all in a sack.
Plant, Plant, Plant – enabled the groups to prepare the soil media for planting by mixing garden soil, manure, carbonized rice hull and concoction.
Friends with Vermi – was the most exciting part of the race where each group have to get vermi worms which we kept in the vermi house to produce vermicast and be used for planting.
Clean Pa More – with another designated place, the groups showed their landscaping prowess where they cleaned and beautified the garden.
Bakod Me Na – lastly, each group fenced the gates using bamboo materials.
As part of the community Laudato Si program, we introduced and launched our new project in the center dubbed as BYE BYE PLASTIC, HELLO ECO BRICKS FANTASTIC! Each one will place their plastic wrappers in a one liter empty plastic bottle and when we are able to gather them, we will use them as our plot sidings or fence in the farm. In our little way of protecting the environment, we strive to live Laudato Si day by day.
CHILD’S PARTICIPATION
October 2, 2020 – One of our resident learners Agnis Mae Bumanlag was chosen by the Council for the Welfare of Children to represent the foundation during the Philippine National Children’s Conference (PNCC) 2020 cum Magna Carta for Children. Through this zoom encounter, our children were able to express their feelings and opinions of the present situation of the young including their voices of advocating for child protection even in farmlands and especially in far flung areas like Palawan.
LVWDTC-MALIHAW, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL OUTREACH
October 5, 2020. Laura Vicuña Women Development Training Center (LVWDTC) Community distributed lunch included fried chicken, pancit with rice and cheese burger for snacks to all the dedicated front liners (Barangay Police and Tanods, BFAT, Guards, Traffic enforcers, Gasoline pump boys and Victorias City Domestic Repatriation Information Center Personnel) of Victorias City. Everyone was surprised and thankful to be one of the recipients of the Don Bosco Mondo Project.
EXTRAORDINARY VISITATION of SR MABEL PILAR, FMA to LVC
On October 5 and 6, 2020, we welcomed Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA, our Provincial Superior, for her two-day extraordinary visitation to the Laura Vicuna Center, Quezon City. It was a celebration of authentic family encounter. We had grown fond of her and it was not just a visit of a superior but a most awaited ‘home coming of a mother’. The educating community gave to the best of their ability their contributions to make her feel loved and cared for. The girls cooked their specialties, had a well- chosen presentation and most importantly opened themselves up to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in their encounter with Sr. Mabel, so did the Sisters and Staff. Our tagline for this provincial visitation was, “Sr. Mabel, you are Mary in our midst!” Yes, you are Mary among us! We celebrate your presence.
UST ANGELICUM REAP PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENT TEST
The moving forward of the LVC girls in their YS (Year in School Level) was something to feast upon. Yes, this October they did it again; climbed up the ladder a step forward. Thanks to their determination, discipline, hard work and great sense of purpose to shape their future. And thanks too to our ever dedicated Sisters and lay mission partners who faithfully journeyed with them on a daily basis, patiently teaching and researching with them in accomplishing their school tasks.
Six of our LVC girls are currently enrolled at the Ramon Magsaysay Senior High School, Cubao for ABM (Accounting & Business Management) strand. We dare describe this venture as Evolution for us here @ LVC because they are under the E-Module Program which clearly calls us to evolve and move with the rest of the world in terms of maximizing technology, giving emphasis on the good it renders more than the threat it gives to our girls. REVISION which is modification of rules and the “what we used to do’ in terms of accompaniment of our girls in healing and recovery; exposing them to the web and social media is a leap to the unknown for us a call of greater trust in the young (as we all know ours are young people at risk) trying to hit the balance between prudence and openness for growth and development. Again, WE DARE the UNKNOWN, WE take on the CHALLENGE.
JOURNALING WORKSHOP BY SR ROSALIA PANGANIBAN, FMA
A two day Journaling workshop was organized by Sr. Rosalia,FMA for our LVC girls. We all know that young as they are, they want to keep secrets, relish their experiences by writing diaries and composing poems. We capitalize on this reality and so took the opportunity to make this ‘interest’ of young people a formative one. Sr. Rose gave them an input on the WHY, WHAT and HOW to go about journaling. The workshop than made the girls more interested and excited to do journaling. A topic was given for reflection, a step-by-step jotting down or even doing various art expressions and lastly sharing their journaling experience. We strongly affirm that this workshop was indeed a needed educative formation for them. The girls will surely profit with regards to their healing and recovery journey. This is one good form of expressing what’s deep within them, in naming their emotions and most importantly their state of being so to help.
Aside from the famous, timeless love song “September Morn,” there was also an oil painting on canvas completed in 1911 by the French artist Paul Émile Chabas with the same title that depicted a young woman standing in the shallow water of a lake, prominently lit by the morning sun , saying clearly how hopeful life can be. Thirty years ago the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. was born. It was the fifth of April 1990 when the Salesian Sisters and Lay Professional who became the Trustees, gathered at the Salesian Sisters’ Provincial House to organize it. LVF was officially approved by the Philippine Security Exchange Commission on the 19th of September 1990. LVF continues to champion Child and Youth Protection and Empowerment.
On its three decades of reaching out to the youth, the Laura Vicuna Foundation (LVF), REJOICES and CELEBRATES as WE GIVE THANKS to GOD ALMIGHTY for reaching 30,000 children and youth in 2019 alone and a hundred of thousands in 30 years. LVF Cubao started the day with a THANKSGIVING MASS. We thanked God for all the children and youth served through the 30 years by the Salesian Sisters, Trustees, Staff, Volunteers, Grassroots Advocates, Donors Benefactors, Partner Networks, Schools, Communities in METRO MANILA (QUEZON CITY & STA. MESA, MANILA) VICTORIAS CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL & MACARASCAS, PALAWAN & CPC Communities in TAGUIG, MARIKINA, CULIAT, BACOOD, CAVITE, JUDGE JIMINEZ, HILLCREST & PINAGKAISAHAN.
In 2018, the LVF had served 28,839 young people and in 2019, we served 29,736 children & youth. LVF had organized four (4) National Conferences. Three of them were the Children of the Canes National Conferences to combat issues on child labor, exploitation and trafficking, and the latest which was held in July 30, 2019 was the National Conference on Child Protection & Youth Empowerment held at Novotel with 140 participants. It culminated with the launching of the LVF Book “Hope is my Home: Best Practices of the Laura Vicuna Foundation”.
GIVE HOPE A HOME: LVF SOLIDARITY INITIATIVES, TRANSFORMING LOVE INTO ACTION
The Laura Vicuna Foundation, in its 30th anniversary celebration, continued its commitment of transforming love into action! The LVC Sisters, girls and staff had prepared almost 700 food packs for our front liners at the National Children’s Hospital, Child Protection Clinic Communities (CPC) in Taguig, Cavite, Heneral Uno, Marikina, Judge Jimenez & Brgy. Pinagkaisahan! WE HEAL AS ONE.
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & LVF CPC TAGUIG
The LVC Community heartily prepared 200 hot snack foods of “pancit” with juices for our front liners at the National Children’s Hospital, and an additional two (2) kg of rice, pre-loved clothes, & ball pens for LVF-CPC Taguig families on September 13, 2020.
LVF-CPC HENERAL UNO, CAVITE
There is no greater way of expressing our concerns to our brethren who are in difficult circumstance than to unceasingly and untiringly cook and prepare something for them. LVF Sisters, girls and staff cooked and packed rice and adobo for a hundred and ten (110) persons for CPC Cavite. They also prepared for the children: school supplies, medicines, toiletries and pre-loved clothes. Our Cavite grassroots women advocates happily received all the goods at their chapel.
LVF-CPC BRGY. PINAGKAISAHAN
Our anniversary celebration continued with our solidarity initiative! Mr. Javier & Mrs. Catherine Concepcion-Puno had sponsored hot meals & juices for 500 persons! LVC Sisters, staff & girls first cooked 100 lunch meals with juices, puto & prepared school supplies for Brgy. Pinagkaisahan- LVF Child Protection Community. We heal as one.
LVF JOINS THE PPAEVAC CHILDREN’S CONSULTATION WORKSHOP
Kudos to our Laura Vicuna Child Advocates who have actively participated in the Children’s Consultation Workshop organized by the CWC via Zoom. Their contribution is essential in the Development of Philippine Plan of Action to End Violence against Children (PPAEVAC) by sharing and discussing their thoughts, suggestions and inputs on the document. Thanks to the Council for the Welfare of Children.
LVF-CHILD ADVOCATES ON THE PNCC 2020 CUM MAGNA CARTA for CHILDREN
The Laura Vicuna Foundation-Child Advocates, Hannah Yap & Agnis, represented LVF Cubao & LVF Palawan respectively, have actively participated on the Phil. Nat’l Children’s Conference(PNCC) 2020 cum Magna Carta for Children on Oct. 2 via Zoom.
SEASON OF CREATION
The Season of Creation is a month long prayerful observance that calls the planet’s 2.2 billion Christians to pray and care for God’s creation. It’s a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment — not just “distant” nature, but, crucially, the place where we live — and the ways in which our lifestyles and decisions as a society can endanger both the natural world and those inhabiting it, both humans and other creatures. The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home. LINK
The Laura Vicuna Foundation has been very consistent in prioritizing and educating our young people to Laudato Si. Here at LVC, we continue to further our care of the earth by our steady progress in our urban gardening endeavor. Sr. Rose Panganiban together with our three girls from Palawan have re-launched the composting process in organic planting. We dream that one day our community, though big in number, may be sustained by the vegetables we grow. This is our concrete share in healing our Mother Earth and preserving our common home.We capped the month long celebration by inviting the Salesian Youth Movement-FIS (South Province) headed by Rev. Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SBD with Ms. Tachi and Mr. Eduardo Empis, Jr.
Don Bosco Green Alliance Network
(FROM THE SYM-FIS FB POST) The FMA sisters organized a virtual culmination activity on Season of Creation for the learners of Laura Vicuña Center-Palawan and Laura Vicuña Foundation-Cubao to enable them to be more well-grounded and motivated about our common vocation to be stewards of the Earth. Thanks to the Salesian Youth Movement-FIS for making this possible. A special closing prayer service for the Season of Creation and celebration of talents also took place. The best part of the activity was to listen to the voices of these young people about their personal views on taking care of the environment and to feel their genuine love and appreciation for creation. #DonBoscoGreen#EAODBGA#SeasonofCreation2020
CWC WEBINAR
As a member of the National Steering Child Rights Advocacy, the Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) through its representative Ms. Mercedes A. Juncia was invited to attend the webinar of the Council for the Welfare of Children’s (CWC’s) National Network to End Violence Against Children (VAC) entitled “Big Little Steps: Actions Made to Conquer VAC During COVID-19” on September 16, 2020 through Zoom. Resource persons of the webinar included Dr. Bernadette Madrid of the Child Protection Network (CPN), Dr. Liane Alampay of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Atty. Gil Anthony Aquino of the Department of Education to name a few. Topics discussed were“Innovative positive parenting techniques, Life skills development and Service delivery” on online and offline VAC. The webinar was the first installment in the two-part webinar series, which aimed to highlight the accomplishments of both the government and civil society in the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children (PPAEVAC). The series of webinars would also capacitate the general public on how it could simulate these accomplishments in the local communities, especially during these unprecedented times.
SEMINAR ON MINIMALISM AND ORDERLINESS
Our dear Vicunians were given a two day seminar workshop on “Minimalism and Orderliness” by Sr. Rosalia Panganiban,FMA licensed social worker. “The word ‘minimalist’ prefers the minimal amount or degree of something. Becoming minimalist, is marked by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. It describes a way of thinking or lifestyle. Meanwhile, minimalism is a tool that can assist one in finding freedom. It is also the process of identifying as what is essential in one’s life or in other term getting rid of one’s life excess. A Minimalist is a person whose interest is to keep their things very simple.” (from Sr. Rose’s ppt) Being minimaIist is very much related to being orderly especially in things. These topics were very relevant to the girls as it touched good housekeeping, neigh, more orderliness and simplicity that is within and exudes spontaneously to lady-likeness and womanhood. It also builds within the girls a ‘culture of I have enough’ as it advocates simple lifestyle by avoiding clutters and acquiring to much for oneself. Thanks to Sr. Rose’s passion to educate and share her know-how to our girls; she did not only give an input but followed up with Sr. Ana the girls’ practical commitment in keeping their personal things trimmed and simple.
Sept 8th
Happy Birthday Mama Mary! This very important occasion did not pass without us celebrating it and expressing our love, devotion and dedication to our dearest Mother Mary. Yes, the Vicunians did it by animating a prayerful recitation of the Holy Rosary with heartwarming initiatives and by showcasing the different litany titles of our Blessed Virgin. As what Sr. Marivic in her good night talk has quoted Don Bosco’s“Mama Mary is here among us!”; we are never in want when it comes to Mama Mary’s active presence in our community and personal lives.
DO-IT-YOURSELF TIE-DYE SHIRTS
What a colorful fun! The LVF girls have learned new skill which exhibited their artistry. Thanks to the Alpha Delta Mu Sorority: Association of Dynamic Medics for teaching them the steps of the do-it-yourself (DIY) tie-dye-shirts. They also taught the girls the basics of Marketing 101 which includes the basic of social media marketing skills, making logos, infographics on marketing advertisements, and basic financial management in starting a small business. They also shared their personal challenges as young entrepreneurs to the LVF girls. It takes perseverance, sacrifice, difficulties to overcome especially in starting a business. Truly, women empowering women.
LAURA VICUNA FOUNDATION-NEGROS OCCIDENTAL NEWS … ADOPT A FAMILY
The Educating Community of Laura Vicuña Women Development Training Center had the chance to share its blessings to one of the poorest families in Victorias City as the Community joined the 28th National Family Week spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office last end of September, which the very objective of this “Adopt-A-Family” Program is to help selected families alleviate their mental, psychological and economic stress.The collaborative efforts of the Sisters, teachers, staff and support personnel made the early “Gift-Giving” materialized where the recipients Lola Tereseta D. Basco together and her grandson Christian received rice, home apparels, goods, foods and cash. This 74 year–old hardworking Lola used to gather seashells at “Baybay” and sell it to sustain their everyday living as she also takes care her grandson. She is a widower and lives in a small simple house at Purok 8, Brgy. 9, Daan Banwa, Victorias City. Very much surprised with such great blessings, Lola Tereseta could not but repeatedly uttered her word of “thanks” as she said “Thank you Sisters and SCWD for these wonderful gifts that you gave us. It is a big help especially for my grandson. May the Lord keep you healthy, safe and blesses you the more” October 5, 2020, Laura Vicuña Women Development Training Center Community distributed lunch included fried chicken, pancit with rice and cheese burger for snacks to all the dedicated frontliners (Barangay Police and Tanods, BFAT, Guards, Traffic enforcers, Gasoline pump boys and Victorias City Domestic Repatriation Information Center Personnel) of Victorias City. Everyone was surprised and thankful to be one of the recipients of the Don Bosco Mondo Project.
PACKED LUNCH DISTRIBUTION
Last September 6, 2020, the FMA and some teachers of LVWDTC Malihao, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, through the aid receive from the Don Bosco Mondo Project had its first batch of distribution of meals for the health workers of Brgy.XX, Victorias City. The meal included rice, fried chicken and chopsuey for lunch, siopao and bottled water for snacks. The barangay captain Hugo Tirambulo, assisted in facilitating the event and in a speech he expressed his gratitude. Ma’am Fely Cebas one of the barangay health workers also spoke to express her thanks. Last September 14, 2020, the FMAs delivered the 2nd batch of Don Bosco Mondo’s meal recipients to the doctors and nurses of Victorias City Health Center headed by Dr. Richard P. Garlitos, M.D. and Ma’am Melba Defino, head nurse. The meal included rice with fried chicken and chopsuey for lunch and hotdog sandwich for snacks. September 21, 2020. LVWDTC Community on its third batch of distribution prepared and gave meals to the doctors, nurses, and medical assistants of Victorias City Health. The lunch packs included chicken adobo, rice, water and for snacks burger sandwich. For the 2nd time around Victorias City Health gave thanks to Don Bosco Mondo Project. Sept 28, 2020. LVWDTC Community once again delivered and distributed the 4th batch of meals to Victorias City Health Frontliners (doctors, nurses, medical assistants). The lunch consisted of fried chicken, chopsuey, water and cheese burger for snacks. One of the medical assistant Ms. Melba Defino was surprised and glad to receive again free meals from Don Bosco Mondo Project.
LAURA VICUNA FOUNDATION – PALAWAN
September is declared as the Season of Creation. Prior to this pandemic time, every September every person living in Puerto Princesa City can avail a free tour to the famous Underground River. Even if tourism stopped, we take a look at the brighter side of life. Our Mother earth is able to rest and replenish. Palawan is a world famous and best island and now during the pandemic, the local people are suffering yet still happy because God provides what is needed, fish in the sea, vegetables in the farm and enough light and rain. Despite the daily struggles, we are thankful for the gift of creation around us that gives us hope and courage to face every day.
STATISTICAL DATA As to date, there are 61 resident learners, 21 boys and 40 girls. As of September 2020, no one absconded and no one was re-integrated.
SOCIAL SERVICE .. 10 NEW RESIDENT LEARNERS 10 new resident learners were welcomed to the center for this new school year. After the process of selection through the intake, personal interview of parents and the child, submission of pertinent documents, the contract for admission was explained to both parents and learner. A child protection policy was also read to the parents and made signed by them. Two girls came from Barangay Marufinas, a separate island near the famous Underground River. Three from Barangay Cabayugan, one from Buenavista, one from Barangay Sta. Cruz, two from Barangay Macarascas, one from Aborlan. All these children came from poor families and their houses are quite far from the national high school. It is clear to them that in the center, they are protected, and all we want is to give them hope and a brighter future through their integral formation.
DAILY PLAY Play is the most awaited part of the day for the resident learners. They look forward to their time for play. The boys love to play basketball while the girls badminton or volleyball. Some also try soccer and other prefer to get a musical instrument and play the guitar. They are given an hour in the afternoon to recreate themselves and enjoy the time in the company of their friends, most of the time chatting and laughing with their stories. Play is very important. The children are able to use their energies through their play and develop in them their sense of oneness, teamwork, unity and cooperation.
LVF@30 – Sept 19 Last September 19, we celebrated LVF@30! Thirty years of giving hope to young people and families through its various programs and services. We praise God for the three decades of bringing children and young people towards their dreams.
HOMESTUDY PROGRAM
VOLUNTEERS ON THE MOVE Volunteers stayed and helped out in the studies of the resident learners and tutored them in the subjects they have. We are grateful for their generosity and availability.
ONGOING ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION TRAINING
The OAP training continued and ended last September 12, 2020. Before the course ended, the trainees were also asked to draft their farm or garden plans so they can apply what they learned in their respective lands.
GRADUATION DAY – September 16, 2020
19 trainees on Organic Agriculture Production NC ll graduated last September 16, 2020 at the Laura Vicuna Center Palawan in the presence of TESDA representatives Ms. Jovelyn Alcazar and Mr. Jeriel Lagac, on behalf of Tesda Palawan Provincial Director Richard Amparo. Secretary Isidro Lapena, TESDA Director general greeted the trainees and congratulated them through his video message. The graduation started with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Fr. Rex Bangcaya, OAR, parish priest of San Rafael Parish, Aborlan. It was also graced by the presence of Kagawad Jojo Oliveros of Barangay Macarascas and Mr. Raul Matillano, City Agri Technician. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Sr. Mabel Pilar and Sr. Ma. Victoria Sta Ana also sent their congratulatory messages and were read at the assembly.
After completing 232 hours with core competencies on Organic Chicken, Vegetables, Fertilizers, Concoctions and Extracts as well as basic and common competencies on workplace communication, health and safety measures and elective competencies on raising organic hogs and small ruminants, they are now certified farmers and ready to work in the field. The training started last July 27, 2020 and ended last September 12, 2020. The trainees were also fortunate to be scholars of TESDA under TWSP or Training for Work Scholarship Program where they were given training support allowances and fund for their PPEs. The best learning of the trainees aside from the farming skills is the love for our common home. Laudato Si sessions were also integrated, ending the course with a recollection on care for our Mother Earth. Batch 1 agreed to have their batch name as SOIL which means SAMAHAN NG MGA ORGANIKONG INIIBIG ANG LUPA. This one dream come true for the center is our concrete contribution during this Season of Creation.
OUTREACH .. YES AHA
PROJECT YES AHA (Youth Empowerment through Sustainable Agriculture and Health Advocacy. YES AHA is LVF’s project started by three youth leaders Jopet, Jemboy and Rubelyn. They are the youth helpers among their fellow youth in their journey of making a difference in the community and in society. Through this project, they will encourage the young to participate in LVF’s youth formations and activities. The three youth advocates have learned organic agriculture through the OAP training and now they will engage the youth to learn the importance and beauty of organic agriculture through inputs and actual gardening / farming. Their concrete step is their project “Hardin Laban sa COVID 10.” Health Advocacy will be a venue to listen and be a friend to their fellow youth. They will discuss issues concerning their health – physical, emotional and mental well-being. They will also share their experiences of the pandemic and other related issues experienced by many young people. The social media can also be their platform for their health advocacies.
SOIL – SAMAHAN NG MGA ORGANIKONG INIIBIG ANG LUPA
Batch 1 trainees of Organic Agriculture Production NC ll who graduated this month named themselves SOIL (Samahan ng mga Organikong Iniibig ang Lupa) They desire to continue even beyond the graduation by forming themselves into an organization where they will be united in their goal to produce chemical free compost and other naturally made farm products. In this way aside from producing the natural way, they will increase their economic living through their equal share of their profit. It is uplifting and helping each other than thinking only personal gain.
CONCLUSION Life is never the same without the noise of the children. It is music to our ears when they chat, laugh, sing and make noise. We are thankful that amidst pandemic, we are able to continue with our mission of giving hope a home. The 30 years of the Foundation is a great blessing for each member of the educating community – sisters, staff, volunteers, lay mission partners, benefactors, parents and young people. May our home continue to welcome people from all walks of life especially the poor, the least, lost and last.
The word ‘blissful’ aptly described the atmosphere that pervaded our humble home this month. Not many activities though, our journey consisted of going back to our roots that gave us a delightful feeling of belonging and therefore, of rootedness to our origins, to our being FILIPINO!
BUWAN ng WIKA
The girls excitedly prepared for a 3 day ‘fiesta’ on our being Filipino which started even before the month of August. We had Individual declamation on Ibong Adarna, Florante at Laura, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, research and essays on Wikang Filipino, Cook Fair on Filipino dishes and Filipino Folk Dances; we also watched, reviewed and reflected on a short film entitled “Heneral Rizal.”It was an enjoyable and educational endeavor that had exhibited the intelligence and talents of the Vicunans.
Urban Gardening Webinar
Urban gardening was a fun-filled activity for me. It made me relaxed and get in touch with the nature and mother earth. I was really happy when the Sisters gave me the opportunity to attend a webinar on urban gardening.
This webinar was all about landscaping and how to beautify the garden. I learned that the plants must have sufficient space to breathe and the rotting and the discarded vegetables could be used as it decomposed and turned to be an additional soil to make the plants grow better. Another learning I had gotten from this webinar was the use of Rice Hull as soil- softer that made soil cultivation easier. One more interesting topic was Soil Preparation and Basic Design, I was amazed how seeming rubbish could still be used to plant and beautify our garden. Old shoes, pails, broken pots and glasses took center stage in urban gardening.
This too, is the wonder of human innovative and creative minds. Yes, we can save the earth; the choice is always in our hands, YES WE CAN!
– Chrizzan Joy Tundan,17
FAREWELL SR. CORA & NANAY VERNS
LVC was visited by the angel of death twice this August, we grieved the loss of Sr. Corazon Jaca, FMA (Aug. 12, 2020) who died of cancer and Ms. Javierna Soberano (Aug. 22, 2020). Ms Javierna,who was fondly called by the Vicunians as Nanay Verns, worked with LVF as a houseparent for 21 years. She was admittted on August 15 and died at St. Luke’s Hospital due to lymphoma and diabetes. Both of them were NON-COVID patients. We had entrusted Sr. Corazon and Nanay Verns to the care of our Good Lord in heaven. We believed that this was not a permanent goodbye but a ‘see you again’ in the Salesian Garden in Paradise. We were more than grateful for their lives spent for the good and salvation of the young. As we continue in this life, your good, edifying example of self-giving will be imitated the best way we can. We love you, Sr. Cora and Nanay Verns!
LVF’s LOVE IN ACTION!
LVC Sisters and girls happily cooked and packed two hundred (200) hotmeals, juices, pre-loved clothes and vitamins for CPC Communities in Brgy. Pinamana Site, Taguig and Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, QC.
Women Leader Advocates, led by Nanay Nitz and Nanay Agnes from the said CPC Communities, gladly received the goods which was personally brought by Sr. Rose Panganiban & LVF staff! This is LVF’s monthly solidarity commitment as we experience the rough waters due to the Global Pandemic. We heal as one!
Fly High July We Celebrate ! We Give Thanks! We count our blessings as we realize how blest LVF is that in spite of the COVID-19 Pandemic we soared high this July! Hats off to our 2020 JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETERS (Laura Vicuna Center, Palawan and Cubao, Q.C.) of the REAP UST-ANGELICUM COLLEGE Inc. Program via online Moving Up Ceremony last July 25, 2020. We strongly affirm your perseverance, diligence, sacrifices and self-discipline, you have reached this far because you lovingly endured and nourished your DREAM for a better tomorrow and quality of life. Congratulations!
Vicunians Grade/Year Level Acceleration
We also congratulate our Vicunians at the LVC, Cubao for stepping up the ladder that is for being accelerated to the next year level of their modular program with UST-Angelicum!
LVF Solidarity Initiatives in this Global Pandemics
As our Child Protection Clinic (CPC) activities are put on hold due to the pandemic, the Laura Vicuña Foundation-Cubao made a monthly commitment to serve 200 to 500 hot meals and juices to medical frontliners, vulnerable groups including our CPC Communities in Marikina and Brgy. Pinagkaisahan. Coming together to fight this pandemic, we really can HEAL AS ONE!
PRE ORIENTATION FOR TESDA TRAINEES ON OAP NC ll
Last July 17, 2020, the center conducted a pre orientation among the prospect enrollees for the upcoming Organic Agriculture Production NC ll approved by TESDA. 19 slots were allotted to us by TESDA’s Scholarship Program. Prospect trainees arrived at the center and registered observing the health protocols set by the institution. LVF Palawan staff Ms. Matet Palma gave the orientation among the trainees including the overview of the training program LVF Palawan farm consultant Mr. Melchor Gabua shared personal knowledge and experience of Organic Farming among the trainees.
TESDA ONLINE INSPECTION ON HEALTH PROTOCOLS
Inspection of TESDA on Health Protocols to ensure the center is COVID free and fit to run the training program. The inspection was via messenger facilitated by Ms. Mary Grace Francisco from TESDA Provincial Office. Our staff Francis Gabua facilitated the tour of the center showing the posts and necessary compliance according to the set requirements by TESDA.
Inspection
Facemask Policy
Temperature Monitoring
Footbath before entry
Proper Handwashing
Social Distancing
TRAINING INDUCTION PROGRAM (TIP)
Last July 27, 2020, LVC Palawan in partnership with TESDA launched the training program through the TRAINING INDUCTION PROGRAM. TESDA General Director Isidro Lapena and TESDA Palawan Provincial Director Rosalinda Talavera gave their video messages to the trainees emphasizing the importance of the training and Tesda’s goal of reaching out everyone especially during this pandemic crisis. Health protocols were reiterated since the training will be on a face to face mode of learning. The COVID 19 lecture via video was also watched by the trainees. Other guests graced the occasion – Macarascas Barangay Captain Jane Villarin, Kagawad Mario Recorte and San Ezekiel Parish Priest Fr. Flor Manlongat. During the program, the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) was also explained to the trainees where TESDA provides scholarship for each of them. The event ended with the “Panunumpa sa Kalikasan”, a promise to take care of Mother Earth and an actual planting of seedlings in the farm symbolizing a new beginning and a new journey for each trainee as well as for the educating community of LVC Palawan.
TEAMWORK WORKS @ LVC!
July 10, 2020. Every day of our lives we interact with each other. We do work and achieve our daily goals with the help of each and every one! And yes, we are most often than not, a team which moves towards achieving our SHARED GOALS! Today, the LVC-Cubao girls have enjoyed and learned about teamwork! Through play, the girls were able to define T.E.A.M themselves and identify the values of the team. What transpired the most is the importance of TRUST, INCLUSIVITY (MEMBERSHIP), COOPERATION, and MOTIVATING OTHERS with the help of the team members!
PACT-GAA LEARNING SESSION
LVF- representative, Ms. Joy Hugo joined the Philippine Against Child Trafficking – Girl Alliance Advocacy (PACT – GAA) Learning session about setting up community watched Group (Gender – based violence) last July 21, 2020 through Zoom Virtual meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to help or facilitate members of PACT-GAA in establishing community watch group in their barangay. Setting up this kind of mechanism help people in the community to be more vigilant in addressing issues on violence against women and children, trafficking, and on – line sexual exploitation. Members of the community watch group will be more visible and accessible in the community in responding to people in need.
Events Management Webinar
Webinar, Zoom meeting, google classroom, and fb room… part of the New Normal… still, LVF is unstoppable! Thanks to people who share our common cause for the empowerment of these young ladies. They never hesitated to share their expertise in the field they excel at and patiently accompanied them to ‘birth’ new ideas/concepts and so paved the new path for them to believe in themselves and their capacity to achieve meaningful projects. With grateful hearts we salute you Ms. Cristina Martinez, CEO of CLM Events Management! To our surprise she posted in her social media account her heart felt experience with us, here it is: –
“A few weeks ago, I was requested to conduct an events management webinar for the girls of Laura Vicuna Foundation. The first session was to teach them how to organize a simple event. After the lecture, I gave them an assignment and agreed to e-meet again so they can present their concept paper. Two weeks later, as they were getting ready to give their presentation as a group, I noticed their smiling but nervous faces, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I was also nervous because I was unsure if I was able to teach them properly. I’m not a teacher and don’t have any experience giving talks. But these girls are smart and I was impressed with their presentations considering the limited information that they have. Salute to Sr Ana Guerrero and everyone behind the Laura Vicuna Foundation, you are all HEROES to these girls. Thank you for giving them a chance to heal and live a better life. I pray that more people will support your foundation so you can help more girls who need a safe and loving environment. God bless your kind and loving hearts! ❤️ #nationalheroesday”
Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. 