LVF – Cubao – Enhanced Community quarantine
By: Sr. Ana Guerrero, FMA

March 12, 2020, The President of the Republic of the Philippines announced on national TV that Metro Manila will be on an Enhanced Community Quarantine.  Almost all are groping, trying to understand what it is about, what shall happen next?, what is happening?…  COVID-19, PANDEMIC, DEATHS, FEAR…

… and like a caring mother, our community animator, Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA, gathered all of us, Sisters, Staff and LVC girls around Jesus in our small, cozy chapel to just be still, quiet, before Jesus and gently explained to us what is happening.  The first and perhaps the most important and unanimous decision we’ve made was to have a daily Court of Honor to the Blessed Sacrament, we knew that in Him alone we find solace and strength!

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The next couple of days, the community (Sisters, Staff and girls) was led to a discernment and decision on matters that need urgent attention, one of which was OJT (On-the-job-training) girls should stop going to their offices and LVF Staff including caregivers of Sr. Corazon Jaca should live-in for the whole ECQ period for the safety of all.  It was really tough but we were united and we solely relied on God’s promptings. 

All were repeatedly enjoined to PRAY, REST and TAKE CARE of oneself!  Sr. Marivic pounded on us the SYS Element of BEING CHURCH!  “Now is the most opportune time to live our being CHURCH, we are the Body of Christ, whatever we do or refuse to do, affect others and everything that we offer become ripples of goodness and healing to the bigger society we belong.  We continue to accompany our ailing world with the strength of Jesus through our sacrifices and prayers.  And as St. Paul said;“always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” – 2 Cor 4:10;  she said.

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With this in our hearts and minds, we embarked on the Enhanced Community Quarantine, hand in hand, we laid-out simple plans and directions to make this ECQ a healthy and fruitful intense community living. Daily Exercise and bathing on sunshine was the day starter.  The LVC girls took turns in animating the 30 minute spree, letting out their physical genius to ward off colds, flu and any unhealthy cells in their bodies.  Zumba, combination of workout exercises and more.  Sr. Gloria Agagon never failed to accompany the girls as they rise from sleep to face a new day in optimism and hope.

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Our Social Workers prepared LIFE SKILLS SESSIONS for our girls.  These are meant to harness their inner strength to face life head-on.  Sessions are on Taking on Challenges, Resolving Conflicts, Understanding Oneself and others, Self Acceptance, Problem Solving and more. Life Skills sessions are essential to their healing and recovery, it equips them with skills in coping with reality side-by-side with the ‘baggage’s of the past that we are trying to heal.  Mr. Ryan   Azucena, Ms. Rosea Marie Monsay and Ms. Joy Hugo, spearheaded these activities consisting of inputs, sharing and group dynamics.

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Featured in this ECQ is the DEBRIEFING done by Sr. Marivic. She conducted it smoothly and gradually.  In the series of Buona Notte, she has guided the girls to be aware of the present situation and concerns locally and the world.  She allowed the girls to surface certain feelings of fear, anxiety… emotions and give voices to them. She emphasized that God is walking with us in this difficult time and inspired them that this ECQ can be meaningful, life-giving and fruitful. The girls were receptive and cooperative, they were able to express themselves and map out reachable plans dealing with the matter.  Some said that they were determined to intensify making sacrifices and offerings for their loved ones who are far from them, others said they will keep themselves healthy and be more faithful to their daily tasks in the house, some promised to be more serious in their studies and in their task for healing and recovery and still others vouched to obey the rules and time table of the center which they have drawn.  Debriefing for us is psycho-spiritual, all will be lost if not seen with the eyes of faith.  The experience of the Israelites in the Book of Exodus was shown to the girls via a film and guide questions for reflection were given.  As a conclusion, each composed a personal prayer to the Lord. Indeed, heart-warming to hear from these girls.  Sr. Marivic reiterated the importance of always raising our hearts to God, staying in front of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament praying to God for help to end this pandemic, reflecting on their lives and their experiences in the Light of Christ.

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The Da Mihi Animas Coetera Tolle is very much alive in the hearts of the Sisters and Lay Mission Partners, it is an impelling spirit that every Salesian heart cannot contain, it is ‘love in action’, creative, sacrificing but most of all ‘life giving’! 

Salesian assistance is remarkably done by everyone; from the kitchen to the laundry, the garden, entertainment, Chapel, dormitory, name it and we are there! Ever present with the young! 

We do chores together, done general cleaning/disinfecting our areas.  Sr. Maria Clara Alacapa, Sr. Mary Tran and Ms. Verna Soberano ‘Nanay Verna’ were the ‘super chefs’ in our kitchen, of course, our ‘chef wannabes’ are always present; girls took turns in cooking and managing our kitchen.  They feed us with a balance and nutritious food that no single cell of corona virus could ever thrive.  Thanks to the fresh vegetables and other food groups made available for us by purely Divine Providence.

Our ‘small but terrible’ vegetable potted garden is a sure source of delight and calmness for all, the girls and the Sisters enjoyed its oxygen emission and so tilling and watering them diligently is a ‘must’ on a daily basis. Green leafy and other endemic veggies were served at table though it cannot sustain the whole community.  Other homemaking skills were done by the girls such us sewing, baking, DIY crafts, bead making, etc. added skills in English Proficiency – conversational skills as agents of products, food servers, hospital and office staff, receptionists are but a few workshops done and book keeping – basic accounting were taught. All through the generous contributions of each other, the Sisters and the staff.  We are blessed to have Vicunians who become leaders among their peers, they are the ‘ates’, big sisters of the younger ones and are the Sisters’ partners in assisting the group.  It would be unforgivable not to mention film viewing and news watching.  It is ‘good news’ to them to hear announced that we have film-viewing today!

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We are a 100% Salesian House and therefore music and theatre are not wanting.  In fact, we have been preparing our repertoire for Easter, thinking most positively that we shall be back at AIM Saturday Masses, our Robinson’s Magnolia and Immaculate Conception Cathedral Mass animation via our singing.  Not to mention, the valuable sharing of resources Bro. Paul Dungca, SDB rendered to our girls with his processing-sharing on how to stage a play as we prepare for the Paschal Triduum of our Lord. Session was done online via skype, with technology on hand, nothing is impossible!

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The Salesian Youth Movement/Salesian Youth Spirituality will absolutely take its center stage in this ECQ.  One could only marvel as to how deep the Salesian Youth Spirituality has taken root to the hearts of our girls.  We have sessions on the lives of our Salesian Saints particularly the BIG FOUR – Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello, Dominic Savio and Laura Vicuna.  We want to draw out from them, from their experiences with us the ELEMENTS of the SYS.  The simple question thrown to the girls was WHAT IN THE LIVES OF OUR BIG FOUR YOU SEE PRESENT UP UNTIL TODAY?

Lo and behold, their answers were AMAZING! They just don’t identify tangible, physical realities like the oratory, schools etc. but they have clearly identified Sisters and lay mission partners’ accompaniment of the young (presence ng mga madre kahit saan), education (nagtuturo ng lahat ng bagay pati good manners), helps given for the transformation of youth  (pagpapanibago ng buhay ng kabataan), kindness (kabutihan sa isa’t-isa), love, forgiveness, Kaagapay sa aming healing and recovery, guiding us to identify our purpose and goal in life – kasama sa pagtuklas ng aming purpose sa buhay,  journeying towards holiness – naglalakbay tungo sa kabanalan.  A Salesian Consecrated person could only give a sigh of thanksgiving to God and whisper‘ Indeed, everything is grace!’

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Part and parcel of our being Church, particularly of being an outgoing Mornese, is to be of service to others, we are challenged to give even if we experience scarcity ourselves.  “The gift that you have received, give as a gift”. – Mt 10:8 and so the community braved cooking dinner for our less fortunate brethren.  Though not so many, 50 to 130 packs of cooked food per distribution as well as one box of hand soap; we networked with our barangay to share it to those in dire need, the ‘barangay’ slum dwellers at the riverside.  We also targeted garbage collectors, The National Children’s Hospital, frontliners and other street dwellers to be recipients of our simple home cooked dinner to augment their other needs.

This ECQ made us all think less of ourselves, love each other more, serve others, and kneel together with ardor.  Sunday Masses online were participated very well via the reading, breaking and sharing together the Word of God.  The Sisters had their daily mass and prayers making do with the host- the Body of Christ left in the tabernacle, imagine, one small host for the 5 of them.  This only manifest fervor to receive Jesus in their hearts and in their lives.  We celebrated the feasts of St. Joseph and Mary’s Annunciation with special prayers and initiatives, daily recitation of the Holy Rosary, Oratio Imperata, Extraordinary Novena to Mary Help of Christians, The Way of the Cross and attending the Urbi Et Orbi of our dear Pope Francis made us feel in solidarity with the world and closer to our brothers and sisters.

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But Hey, Guys! Do not think that we are a perfect community, NO!  We are far from being perfect, we are being tried every day, we are trying very hard every day to pick each other up to move on and get on.  Always moving forward! Rising up when we fall, building each other up!  We live day by day, we strive to make OUR HOME THE HOUSE OF THE LOVE OF GOD!

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COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS HOLDS KABATAAN KARAPATAN CARAVAN AT LVF

Empowerment starts when a person recognizes his/her worth and dignity and knows his/her privileges as a rights-based holder, enabling a person to work on in achieving self-actualization. Thus, Laura Vicuña Foundation is very much happy that the Commission on Human Rights has chosen LVF to be one of the venue for an orientation-workshop on KabataanKarapatan Caravan held at LVF building on Feb. 19, 2020! LVF girls, LVF- CPC children from Brgy. Pinagkaisahan and Taguig attended the said workshop which was divided into three sessions: (1) KARAPATAN NG MGA BATA which defined who is a child, the UNCRC, childs’ rights categories and its accompanying responsibilities; (2) BATA, BATA KUMUSTA KANA which gave an overview on the present situation of the Filipino children, their issues and concern in the school, community and society; (3) ANG BATA AT ANG BATAS which gave emphasis on the salient features of the various Child Protection Laws (R.A 7610, R.A 9231, R.A 9775, R.A 9208, R.A 11188, R.A 9344 and its amendments, R.A 9262, R.A 10627). The activity has reflected the children’s need for a safe space where they could play like playground, a nurturing and caring environment which could give them the opportunities to develop. There is a need for children to be informed of their basic rights along with its responsibilities as young as they are so that they grow up respecting others rights as well and protect themselves.

LVF INITIATIVES FOR THE NATIONAL CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS WEEK
In observance of the National Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week, LVF conducted advocacies to about 400 youth and parents on Child Protection Sessions with Barangay Pinagkaisahan,Cubao; Marcelo H. del Pilar Elementary School and in Pinamana Site, BarangayNapindan, Taguig. This is in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC)-SC-SACSEC with the 2020 theme, WE ARE THE SOLUTION!

ADVOCACY WITH BARANGAY PINAGKAISAHAN COUNCIL FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
Barangay Pinagkaisahan officials headed by Barangay Captain Grazielle Saab and LVF-CPC parents, Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc has conducted an awareness session on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on February 16, 2020 held at the LVF Building, Cubao, Quezon City in pursuit to end violence against children. This session sought to raise awareness in the emerging and shifting trends of the various forms of abuses towards children and its varied modality through these preventive sessions. We have been developing technologically and Filipinos, especially the children, if not guided and supervised is at risk of becoming potential victims of exploitation in which one (abuser) can profit with the use of direct and non-direct contact with the victim. We are in a generation where the future seems to be at the palm of our children’s hands. Various studies showed that perpetrators now use internet as a medium in their illegal acts. It is high time that we address these issues concerning our young children. On the other hand, the parents were disturbed to have realized the fact that even their boys are not safe and spared from becoming victims of sexual abuse. Befriend them, monitor who their friends are, who they go out with, what they do and positive parenting has transpired in their sharing as a means to protect their children.  That they even suggested to have the internet cafes and the pisonets within the community jurisdiction should be monitored by the barangay council. Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana’s welcoming remarks “It takes a village to raise a child” is indeed reflected in the sessions where LVF together with the children, parents and Brgy. Pinagkaisahan Council, has committed to protect children from various forms of abuses. The participation and involvement of the parents as head of the family and members of the community as a whole, plays an integral role in addressing the issues concerning children. And together, we could influence change by creating a violence-free community. We are indeed, the solution! 

CHILD PROTECTION SESSION AT MARCELO H. DEL PILAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A total of one hundred seventy-four (174) Grade Vi students were given sessions on Child Protection on February 12, 2020 at Marcelo H. Del Pilar Elementary School in Kamuning, Q.C. facilitated by LVF Social Workers Ms. RoseaMonsay assisted by Ms. Mercedes Juncia in observance of the National Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week with this year’s theme: “WE ARE THE SOUTION”! The session was an interactive discussion between the participants and the facilitators. For children, Protective Behavior was discussed using short video clips on safe, unsafe and confusing touches. Children was able to ask “Panopo kung iyongpinagsumbunganko ay hindiakopinaniwalaan?” Thus the facilitators gave them four (4) networks whom they can tell: (1) MadalingLapitan;(2) Naniniwalasamgasinasabi ng bata;(3) Handangtumulong;(4) Handanggumawa ng aksyon para matulunganagad.  They were also able to identify agencies and authorities like the DSWD, Police officers, Teachers, close friends and other relatives to whom they can run to, to name a few. Children also realized that abuse is not limited to girls alone. LVF acknowledges that school, as a child’s second home, plays a vital role in rearing and molding children thus this session is made possible with the partnership of School Principal, Ms. Helen Hilario.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE SESSION AT BARANGAY NAPINDAN, TAGUIG
Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc. has reached a total of one hundred forty (140) participants, both parents and children during the Child Protection Session conducted by LVF Social Worker Ms. Rosea Monsay assisted by Ms. Mercedes Juncia at Pinamana Site, Brgy. Napindan, Taguig on February 15, 2020. This session is in observance of the Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week with this year’s theme: WE ARE THE SOLUTION! A separate session for children was conducted which focused on Protective Behavior and for parents, an Awareness session on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. At the end of the session, the parents have committed themselves to help end various forms of abuses towards children. LVF underscores the integral role of children especially of the parents in preventing and ending these issues, and to work for their protection. 

NATIONAL ANTI-POVERTY COMMISSION MEETING
The Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act or Republic Act 8425 mandates the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) to convene the National Sectoral Assemblies of the 14 Basic Sectors to identify their Priority Sectoral Agenda.  Child advocate Hannah Babes Yap together with Laura Vicuña Foundation’s support staff Ms. Mercedes A. Juncia was invited to attend the Regional National Sectoral Assembly of the Children’s Sector on February 6 and 7, 2020 at the City State Tower, Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila.  The speakers oriented the participants about NAPC and the importance of the basic sector participation in the government.  The assembly seeks to broaden the space for basic sector participation and ensure a more equitable regional representation.  As for the outputs of child advocates, they came up with regional specific sectoral and cross-sectoral issues and concerns.

LVF’S FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION!
Every first week of February, Mr. Precious and Ms. Alice Andam always sponsor the Laura Vicuña Foundation’s (LVF) Family Day Celebration.  Around sixty (60) composed of the Salesian Sisters, staff, LVF girls and their families attended the celebration on February 2, 2020 at the LVF Building, #55 F. Manalo Street, Barangay Pinagkaisahan, Quezon City.  The families attend the celebration to be able to catch up with the news about their girls.  Everybody witnesses their radiant faces, genuine and bright smiles.  Seeing their families always transform them!  The presence and support of loved ones can really make miracles. LVF underscored that one of the integral factor in the girls’ healing is for them to reconnect and rebuild the detached and disintegrated relationship, that it is necessary for them to feel the warmth of their family’s love and care.

STRESS DEBRIEFING TO VICTIM-SURVIVORS OF TAAL VOLCANO ERUPTION
The Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) conducted two (2) more stress debriefing sessions in two (2) areas, one in Lobo, Batangas on February 3, 2020 and another one in TreceMartires, General Trias, Cavite on February 9, 2020 under the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.  Again they were facilitated by the LVF Social Workers, staff, trained Salesian Sisters and LVF girls. The debriefing allowed the participants to process the event that happened in their lives and reflect on how it has impacted them.  It helped lessen the unpleasant short-term symptoms of trauma and Social Workers were able to assess whether follow-up is needed, Sessions empowered survivors to build resiliency and return to a normal, healthy life afterwards.  Their hopes were centered on God and His working in their lives.  Communication and their dependent grasp on God made the difference.

MIDTERM ASSESSMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE PROGRAM AGAINST CHILD LABOR 2017-2022 AND PLANNING WORKSHOP FOR 2020-2022
Laura Vicuna Foundation, Inc. is one among the two NGO’s who were invited to attend in the above two-days seminar workshop facilitated by DOLE-BWSC (Department of Labor and Employment-Bureau for Workers with Special Concerns) on February 12-13, 2020 held at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City.The participants or representatives from different agencies consisted of different government organizations, workers’ sector, employers’ sector and two representatives from non-government organizations with programs on child labor. Atty. Ma. Karina Perida Trayvilla, director of Bureau of Workers with Special concerns and gave an overview about the 2 days’ workshop and its objectives for the assessment of the activities and programs from 2017-2019 where she emphasized the different gaps, challenges and strategies in the implementation of the PPACL (Philippine Program Against Child Labor). The director also gave thanks to the people behind the passing of the Executive Order No. 92, INSTITUTIONALIZING THE NATIONAL COUNCIL AGAINST CHILD LABOR TO UPSCALE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PHILIPPINE PROGRAM AGAINST CHILD LABOR that was signed last September 17 ,2019 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. As the Philippines pledged to withdraw 560,000 child laborers within the years 2017-2021 in the 4^th Global Conference on the sustained Eradication of Child Labor held in Argentina last November 2017, where the Philippines is the only country who committed this number. It is a big challenge to the country especially to the different organizations under the PPACL to make the country a child labor free. LVF Social Worker Mr. Ryan Azucena represented the Laura Vicuna Foundation who shared the institution’s efforts and accomplishment as member of the sub-committee of the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) in relation to its anti-child labor programs through its Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Laura Vicuna Women Development Training Center(LVWDTC) in Negros Occidental for the out-of-school youth and Advocacy Campaigns in different Schools and Communities that plays a significant role in the prevention and elimination of child labor in the Philippines. This gathering also unites people who are very passionate and zealous when it comes to mainstreaming child protection especially of the children’s situation in the sugarcane industry. 

LVF JOINS LEARNING SESSION AND PLANNING WORKSHOP BY PACT GAA
Two (2) social workers of Laura Vicuna Foundation (LVF) namely Ms. Josielyn Hugo and Mr.Ryan Azucena participated in The Learning Session and Planning Workshop facilitated by PACT GAA (Philippine Against Child Trafficking Girls Advocacy Alliance) on February 19-21, 2020 at Robbinsdale Residences, Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. The said activity was participated by the different CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) and NGOs (Non-government Organizations) including the Laura Vicuña Foundation. The 3- day learning session and planning workshop was started by a prayer which was hosted by Ms. Raquel Ignacio – training officer of PACT Secretariat and each participant was welcomed by Ms. Ma. Salome Ujano – the national coordinator who was also assigned to give the background of the entire 3 days.  According to her this was conducted to be able the invited members of the PACT GAA to be oriented in engaging on the bureaucratic process of the government in their conduct of their programs and activities in relation to counter Human trafficking, especially in the local level and also to learn from each other about the good practices as part of the 3-day sessions. There was an evaluation about the accomplishment of every member and the PACT GAA as whole from the two (2) year implementation. Each member identified their gaps and strengths in the implementation process as part of the evaluation which was used in the planning workshop. In the learning session the PACT Secretariat invited Mr. Edward S. Tiongco – the area coordinator of ECPAT for the learning Session on Mainstreaming Anti-Trafficking in Persons Plan or ATIP Planning and Budgeting particularly in working with the government on how to access and utilize the existing resources in the local level. For the two (2) years that LVF was a member of the project especially in its awareness raising activities i.e. child protection, children’s rights, human trafficking, online sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse where in some of these were funded by the project.  As this is the last year of the PACT GAA Project, we are very blessed to work with these people from different organizations who considered themselves as not just partners but as a family that is dedicated to protect and promote the welfare of the children, families and society as a whole.

THE IMPACT OF ADVERSE CHILD EXPERIENCES (ACES) TO MENTAL HEALTH
Ms. Maria Eden A. Gianan, a psychiatric nurse was invited by Mr. & Mrs. Precious and Alice Andam  to talk about “The Impact of Adverse Child Experiences (ACES) to Mental Health” to the LVF Educating Community.  Ms. Gianan said, ACES is experienced by the following: children who are abused and neglected, those whose parents are separated and those with post-traumatic stress disorder.  It is important to prevent ACES because of its negative impact to education and job opportunities.  What should you do to prevent ACES?  According to Ms. Gianan, be mindful of the words you say to oneself like saying you are outstanding because the more you say this to yourself, the more it becomes you.   Second, organize one’s life by having set goals.  Write down tasks and get a streak going by having a visual display of the number of times one achieve something.  Third, do everything with gratitude and smile because it changes your brain.  Fourth, pray and meditate because it will give you calm and peace. And lastly, exercise and have lots of Vitamin D. As an advice regarding happiness, she said, “Happiness is letting each situation be what it is instead of what you think it should be.”

February e-Newsletter

TESDA CERTIFIES LVF PALAWAN AS A FARM SCHOOL

TESDA has granted the Laura Vicuna Foundation Palawan to offer a program in ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION NC ll after passing the requirements set by the institution. Anyone interested in farming that wants to be qualified may now enroll in our farm school and after completing the required hours may take the assessment to qualify for the NC ll.

Tribute to Ms. Asuncion Cueto, LVF Consultant for 20 years

Receiving the news of Ms. Asuncion “Sonia” Cueto’s death brought me to tears.  It was really so sudden.  I even asked her niece twice when she relayed the news to me because I could not really believe it.  But it is the reality I have to face.  Looking back, Ms. Cueto has been the 2014 Outstanding Social Worker for her selfless dedication in developing training manuals and literature, her staunch advocacy for the protection of street children, her pioneering work in inter-country adoption, her significant technical assistance and supervision to LGUs and her consultancy to various NGOs in the country.  For her qualities, her thoughtfulness is really to be admired.  Every time she goes to the office after her dialysis session, she carried with her a pack of chicharon, a bottle of salted peanuts or a bottle of macapuno to everyone’s delight.  The efforts we do for the foundation were very much appreciated by Ms. Cueto.    But if we do not conform, she was the first one who reprimanded us.  Her generosity is also exemplary.  She was willing to give her time like giving advice every time we are faced with family problems and difficulties.  She was also there to lend a helping hand with our LVF reports.  As a consultant for 2 decades, she really loves the LVF girls.  She took time to talk to the Sisters, Social Workers and children on what is the best intervention for the children.  Ms. Cueto is now gone.  She has not just left us with memories but a legacy of a great love for the children and professionalism and conscientiousness as a social worker.  But we know you have spent your life for the promotion of the rights and development of children and youth.  Ma’am together with the Sisters, staff and children,we, at LVF thank you for everything you did for LVF for the 20 years.  We love and will truly miss you, Ma’am.

“An Oratory without music is like a body without a soul.” – DB

The LVF- Cubao girls finds it a real privilege to serve in the Eucharistic Celebrations as CHOIR at the AIM (Asian Institute of Management), The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Cubao and the San Lorenzo Chapel in Robinson’s Magnolia.  It is a service rendered wholeheartedly and joyfully, animating the liturgy by singing.  We are grateful for the trust and confidence that the Pastors and administrators are giving us by giving us the opportunity to serve the Church.  We tried our very best to improve and better our singing with the conviction that we are leading our brethren to fervently pray and participate actively in the Holy Mass.

Celebrating our Salesian Saints

“Live the Spirit that makes us ever young, the Spirit that will surely make us saints…”
The Feast of Blessed Laura Vicuna is the feast of every girl at the LVF-Cubao.  The house being dedicated to the blessed,soon to be saint; saved the very name of the Foundation led and inspired by this young courageous soul.  The theme of the celebration was SI LAURA SA BUHAY KO! The girls reflected on the relevance of the life of Bl. Laura in their own lives, they made compositions and essays expressing how Laura’s life have inspired them to move forward in their journey to wholeness.  A Solemn Mass presided by Rev.  Fr. Pedro Sachitula,SDB set the tone of the day’s celebration, an intimate moment with the Lord that gave strength to our girls face what lies ahead. The ‘Buon’ Appetito’ (a short presentation during feasts) of the girls were not simply performances rendered but indeed presentations ‘with the heart’, Laura is not surreal for them she is REAL, a friend-companion, a model worthy of imitation.  Bl. Laura Vicuna will always be our primary reference point in our daily living, decision making, future mapping and dream reaching. Our day’s celebration was a fitting thanksgiving to God for the gift of Laura in the Church and in our lives.

Solemn Feast of St. John Bosco

“Run, Jump and Play but Never Sin!” – db
The Feast of our Father and Founder Don Bosco will never pass without the young organizing ‘Salesian activities such as Theatre, Sports Fest, Concerts and a lot more.  Here at LVF our young people together with their elders prepared activities which animates the head, heart and hands.  Together, we refreshed ourselves with the self-giving of Don Bosco for the young via a prayer celebration and Word of God sharing.  The young also performed a cheer-dance on Don Bosco and a short play on his encounter with young people during his time.  We also had various games the whole day such us Badminton, Patintero, Kadang-Kadang and indoor games like Chess, Domino, Scribble.  Indeed, we did it the Don Bosco way and with him we shall continue our journey towards holiness.

Stress Debriefing for Taal Victim Survivors in Taysan Batangas

The Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) composed of the LVF Social Workers, girls and trained Sisters conducted a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD)on January 26, 2020 at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Taysan, Batangas. The CISD is one of the activities during the Taal Volcano Relief Operations under the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians with the Provincial Educating Community.  This psychosocial intervention is designed to help the victim-survivors of traumatic critical eventsto understand and take action towards adjustment and rebuilding rehabilitation. Itis also a process to lessen the impact of a critical incident and prevent further psychosocial problems. The LVF Social Workers led by Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, Ms. Mercedes Juncia, Ms. Josielyn Hugo, Ms.Rosea Monsay and Mr. Ryan Azucena handled the sessions for the adults and youth which made them share their experiences and stress reactions surrounding the event. The facilitators assisted them to deal positively with the emotional effects of their current situation and identify those who might benefit from additional services and further psychosocial interventions. As for the kids, the play therapy was conducted by Sr. Ana Guerrero assisted by Ms. Virgie Jison, Ms. Verna Soberano and the LVF girls.  They were asked to draw anything that would illustrate their feelings towards the incident and to explain their drawings afterwards.  At the end, the participants were able to verbalize that they were relieved by the CISD because there were people who were able to listen to them.

Philippine Conference on New Evangelization

Seventy LVF parents, friends and 6 staff coming from the Laura Vicuña Foundation attended the seventh Philippine Conference on New Evangelization on January 28 and 29, 2020 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City with the theme: “Sino Ang AkingKapwa?”  or “Who Is My Neighbor?”.  This year’s conference’s focus is on the Year of Ecumenism, Inter-Religious Dialogue and Indigenous Peoples.  The conference kicked off with the celebration of the Misa ng Sambayanang Pilipino presided by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle followed by a talk of Bishop Virgilio Pablo and Ms. Rachel Joyce Sanchez wherein they expanded the theme of “Who is my neighbor?”.  The start of the dialogue should be respect for others and no labeling according to Bishop Pablo.  Ms. Sanchez on the other hand mentioned that we should listen to women’s wisdom.  It was Cardinal Taglewho hosted the segment on Heart to Heart with guests like Secretary Leonor Briones, Ms. Bernadette Sembrano, and couple Robin and Mariel Padilla.  The guests emphasized that Christian faith is not a hindrance to dialogue.  There should be open-mindedness and not being judgmental.  Prejudices and biases may hinder our capacity to dialogue.  The Cardinal also said that all of us are God’s gifts.  To grow, we need to share in God’s mission. In sharing, we need to ask this question: “Have we consulted God regarding our mission?”  It ended with the commitment of the participants in sending SMS messages to their mission partners: “Kapatidkita.  Kapwakita.  Mahal kita.  MagkasamatayosamisyonniHesus.”

SC-SACSEC MEETING

The Sub-Committee on Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (SC-SACSEC) has called on a special meeting with its partner agencies in fighting the abuse and violence against children last January 31, 2020 held at CWC Building. The meeting highlighted the Sub-Committee’s plan in the observance of the Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week with this year’s theme “WE ARE THE SOLUTION”. The meeting attendees included the PIA, Stairway Foundation, PNP, ECPAT, Kindernothilfe, CPTCSA and Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc.  represented by Ms. Rosea Marie Monsay.  Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. calendared activities include Awareness Session and child protection seminar to students of Marcelo H. Del Pilar Elementary School to be conducted on Feb. 12,2020; Parents and children in Taguig on Feb. 15 and the Brgy. Captain, BCPC officers and staff of Brgy. Pinagkaisahan and the CPC community of LVF   on Feb. 16, 2020 at the LVF Building. 

3 in 1  – TEAMBUILDING, BEACH OUTING, COASTAL CLEAN UP

Last January 11, 2019, the learners together with the staff and Sisters headed to Kahamut-an Buenavista beach for a day of teambuilding, outing and coastal clean-up drive. This is to start the year 2020 with joy, renewed spirits and enthusiasm. The simple get together was full of fun and good memories for every learner and a deep appreciation for God’s marvelous creation around us. A good start for the year 2020!

TESDA INSPECTION OF LVF PALAWAN FARM

Last January 8, 2020, TESDA inspectors came to visit the farm in view of its certification as a farm school. After moving around the farm and a short interview from our farmers and administrator, the inspectors assured us that we have complied with the requirements in setting up a farm school. We were asked to wait for the formal turn-over of the certification before we can offer Organic Agriculture NC ll.

Seminar on forming good values

Last January 24, 2020, Sr. Aleth Evangelista, FMA, was invited by the faculty of Macarascas National High School to give a talk on Forming Good Values among their Grade 9 students. Sr. Aleth focused on Discipline and Love for God as vital elements in forming one’s character that need to be reinforced in every young person. Guidance and patience are to be practiced for every adult guardian of the young. The spirituality of St John Bosco is very much relevant in today’s situation of the young. Loving kindness, enduring patience and accompaniment will lead the young towards God’s beautiful plan for them.

LVF Palawan celebrates Salesian Feasts.

January is a Salesian month as we celebrate the feast day of St John Bosco, Blessed Laura Vicuna and St. Francis of Sales. This year the community celebrated it with intensity filled with joy, fun, laughter and greater commitment to Jesus and Mary.

January e-Newsletter Link