LVF’s AWE-GUST MONTH

August can be considered one of the most significant months in Philippine history. There are numerous celebrations, from Filipinos fighting for freedom from their conquerors to celebrating the month-long Buwan ng Wika (Month of Language) in honor of the late Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, the Father of the National Language, whose birthday falls on August 19. This month, we witnessed LVF making waves globally! Our young people, the FMA-FIL Delegates, had a one-of-a-kind, awe-gust experience at the International Youth Synod in Turin and Colle Don Bosco, Italy. Meanwhile, Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. FMA was in Thailand for the Inter-provincial Conference, and Sr. Sheila Marie Ducot, FMA, was in Malaysia, sharing and learning the best practices of TVET Institutions. This month, we are proud that LVF-empowered Child Advocates have conducted the Trainor’s Training during the Barangay Children’s Association (BCA) Camp in Laguna. Led by our dedicated Child Advocates, this training equipped the participants with valuable skills in conflict management, decision-making, and goal setting. We believe these skills will be instrumental in their future endeavors. These unique experiences and accomplishments made us proud and inspired us to aim higher.
 
LVF CUBAO, QUEZON CITY
FMA-FIL JOINS THE INTERNATIONAL SALESIAN YOUTH SYNOD IN TURIN AND COLLE DON BOSCO
TRAINOR’S TRAINING: EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE
LVF CHILD ADVOCATES JOIN MIKSKO WORKSHOP
CIAO-SPR IN THAILAND 
LVF MACARASCAS-PALAWAN
LVF MACARRASCAS WELCOMES SR. ENA, FMA
TESDA ANNIVERSARY
RCEF TRAINEES PRACTICE DRIVING
UST ANGELICUM REAP OPENING OF CLASSES
 
LVF MACARASCAS PALAWAN
LVF MACARASCAS PALAWAN COMPLETES TRAINING IN AGRO ENTERPRISE CLUSTERING APPROACH!
TECHNICAL BRIEFING ON CROP DIVERSIFICATION
LVF MACARASCAS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WESTERN PALAWAN UNIVERSITY
WELCOME TO LVF MACARASCAS VIDES VOLUNTEERS!
STARTING THE SY ‘24-’25 WITH A MASS!
 
LVF MALIHAO- NEG. OCC.
NATIONAL TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL DAY
SIGNING OF AGREEMENT AND AWARDING OF SCHOLARSHIP CERTIFICATE
BOOKKEEPING NC III ASSESSMENT
MONITORING OF THE OPENING OF CLASSES OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS
MEETING WITH THE DEP- ED OFFICIALS FOR ACCOUNTANCY, BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT (ABM) STRAND VALIDATION FOR APPROVAL
DEP-ED MEETING
ONE TOWN, ONE PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
 
LVF TRAINING CENTERS JOIN THE STUDY-VISIT IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE
BUWAN NG WIKA 2024 “FILIPINO: WIKANG MAPAGLAYA”
 
LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 
SOLIDARITYSERYE
CATECHESIS
PASWI COP

FMA-FIL JOINS THE INTERNATIONAL SALESIAN YOUTH SYNOD IN TURIN AND COLLE DON BOSCO, ITALY

Aug. 11-16. The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA-FIL) joined the International Salesian Youth Synod in celebration of the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine (9) Years of Age with the theme “The Dream that Makes You Dream: A Heart That Turns Wolves Into Lambs” with their delegates Ms. Rosea Marie Monsay and Ms. Felina Narvaez, LVF youth and staff of the Laura Vicuna Foundation, Inc. in Valdocco and Colle Don Bosco, Italy. Three hundred seventy-six (376) youth representatives, lay collaborators, FMAs, and SDBs from ninety-three (93) countries actively participated in this Synod. The first days of the Synod centered on guided tours of significant places in building Don Bosco’s oratory, and it continued to unfold in the serene and historically rich setting of Colle Don Bosco, the birthplace of St. John Bosco and the very place where he had his life-changing dream at the age of nine. The collaborative effort and unity among the young delegates in reading, studying, and reflecting on the Instrumentum Laboris (Working Document), then gathering into small groups of about ten participants to talk, express, and exchange ideas where each shared their dreams for themselves, society, and the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), is a testament to the strength of the Salesian community. The information gathered on the small circles was presented in the general assembly. The discussions repeatedly emphasized the need for the young to be protagonists in this present time. On the other hand, the SDB and FMA drafted the decalogue and presented it during the general assembly. To walk on the path that Don Bosco once walked on is a goose-bump experience! His life was not grand—scarce even. But his dream persisted and shaped the world with his faith in the Lord, and in Mama Mary, it continues to inspire us after 200 hundred years. Ms. Rosea and Ms. Felina shared their learnings: “Don Bosco’s dream is alive! It still lives on today in us! I hope and pray that no matter what occurs in life, we never give up on our dreams. As long as our dreams are aligned with God’s, they will persevere. They will come true. They are going to endure.” The two added that Synod on Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine inspired them to become positive influences and accompanying presences to their peers. Participating in this Synod is a meaningful milestone for Rosea and Ms. Felina. Most importantly, it is significant for the mission they are currently involved in as social workers and educators at the Laura Vicuna Foundation, Inc. “I am convinced why God put me here —to be available and answer His call.” Ms. Rosea added. The Synod concluded in celebration of Don Bosco’s birthday at midnight on August 16 with the then-Rector Major, now Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB.

TRAINOR’S TRAINING: EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE

Aug. 24-26. Seven (7) LVF’s Child advocates spearheaded the Trainor’s Training of Child Rights: Advocates and Facilitators Barangay Children’s Association (BCA) Camp 2024 for three days at Wood Side Farm and Waterparks, Cabuyao, Laguna, at the invitation of Ms. Emy India, Social Worker at CSWD-Office of Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Thirty-six (36) Barangay Children’s Associations (BCA) and eighteen (18) adult mentors actively participated in the sessions. Under Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that every child has the right to be heard and consulted in all matters affecting them, this training empowers children as child rights advocates. It aims to create a network of Child Rights Advocates and Facilitators to initiate child-led advocacies in schools and communities in the City of Sta. Rosa. The training was composed of seven (7) sessions: (a) Categories of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, focusing on children’s survival, protection, development, and participation, the core set of life skills; (b) Value Clarification, Building Self-esteem, Problem-Solving/ Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, and Goal Setting, (c) Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), were discussed by the girls. In conclusion, the participants developed a Communication Plan and Commitment to sustain the advocacy agenda. The program ended successfully, and the LVF girls learned much during the three-day event. According to Jelai, Arriane, Remy, and Jaz, everyone worked together and supported each other. It was also an excellent experience for them, as they were able to train their fellow young people and create an inclusive society where every child has the right to express their opinions, be an agent, and protect their rights.

LVF CHILD ADVOCATES JOIN MIKSKO WORKSHOP

Aug. 30- Sept. 01. Three (3) LVF Child Advocates, Remy, Jho, and Amy, actively participated in the three-day MIKSKO (Comics Workshop) organized by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) in partnership with Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation. The participants were taught how to draft a storyline for a comic book and drew sketches of how they would translate the stories through pictures or animations. Amy shared that “the activities helped her to enhance her artistic side, and she was encouraged to communicate with her fellow representatives to achieve their goals.” 

CIAO-SPR IN THAILAND 

Aug. 09-13. Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, FMA (Youth Ministry Coordinator-Ph and LVF Managing Director) actively participated in the Provincials and Provincial Councilors of the Inter-Provincial Conference of East Asia (CIAO) and the South Pacific Region (SPR) gathered at the Ban Than Phraphorn Gathering Center in Samphran, St. Mary Mazzarello Province (THA) to participate in the Seminar “For Generative Animation.”
Photos from: Flickr FMA

LVF MACARASCAS-PALAWAN

LVF MACARRASCAS WELCOMES SR. ENA, FMA
Aug. 01. With a short program, The Laura Vicuña Foundation welcomed our visitors, Sr. Ena Bulaños FMA, our institute administrator, and Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco FMA. Sr. Ena delivered a brief but inspirational message. Financially, she said, “We can find true happiness in Christ. He is our friend. And we can reach our dreams through His grace. On the same day, she visited Taytay with the LVC Community and talked to Bishop Pabillo about the mission of the Salesian Sisters assigned to the Vicariate of Taytay.

TESDA ANNIVERSARY

Aug. 8. Sr. Lyn Grace and the staff participated in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Anniversary at Robinson Palawan.

RCEF TRAINEES PRACTICE DRIVING

Aug.10-11. The fifty (50) trainees under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEF) practiced driving a PC Series Hand-Held Rice Transplanter machine and tractor.

UST ANGELICUM REAP OPENING OF CLASSES

Aug. 14. The opening of classes for the UST Angelicum (Reentry Education Agenda for the Poor) REAP program was held. There were thirteen (13) learners, including three (3) Grade 11 and One (1) Grade 5 students from Baurang Elementary School.

LVF MACARASCAS PALAWAN COMPLETES TRAINING IN AGRO ENTERPRISE CLUSTERING APPROACH

Aug. 14. Ms. Matet and Sr. Lyn Grace attended and completed the Seedling Success: Training in Agro Enterprise Clustering Approach at Donfourdos Integrated Forum in Brgy. Ramon Magsaysay Aborla, Palawan.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING ON CROP DIVERSIFICATION

Aug. 21. Sr. Lyn Grace M. Palanca, FMA, attended the seminar regarding Technical Briefing on Crop Diversification at Dang Maria’s Manalo Ext., Puerto Princesa City.

LVF MACARASCAS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WESTERN PALAWAN UNIVERSITY

Aug. 16. Western Palawan University (WPU) started its extension services at LVF Macarascas, Palawan. As a learning site of UST Angelicum, the learners have benefited from WPU’s extension services for more than five years. The university’s math, Science, and MAPEH teachers take turns assisting, guiding, and teaching the learners. The university comes weekly to complete the ten sessions per subject.

WELCOME TO LVF MACARASCAS VIDES VOLUNTEERS

Aug. 21. Laura Vicuña Foundation welcomed Sr. Melanie Pilar and the 10 VIDES volunteers. One of them will stay in LVC -Palawan as a VIDES Volunteer.  They had their lunch, and the learners welcomed them with songs.  The VIDES Volunteers will remain in Taytay for their mission camp. The VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation Incorporated, in partnership with the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, donated ten new paddle boats to 30 families. The beneficiaries were overjoyed at the generous gifts, which will undoubtedly support the families’ sustainability.  Aug. 26. Our new VIDES Volunteer, Ms. Jacinda Helld, a nineteen (19) year-old nursing student from America, arrived at LVC-Palawan to stay for four (4) months and help in our mission, especially by assisting and tutoring our girls. Our learners, together with the sisters and VIDES volunteers, are actively involved in gardening every day. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper connection with the environment and helps them contribute to our food supply. Gardening is essential for preserving our environment and ensuring sustainability. 

STARTING THE SY ‘24-’25 WITH A MASS

Fr. Eco celebrated a Holy Eucharist at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year at LVF-Palawan. During the Holy Mass, Fr. Eco invoked the Holy Spirit to guide and enlighten the entire EC community throughout the academic year. The congregation prayed for the students, the staff, and the sisters for spiritual growth, academic success, and overall well-being. The Holy Mass was a solemn occasion that set an optimistic and spiritually uplifting tone for the start of the school year.

LVF MALIHAO- NEG. OCC.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL DAY
Aug. 27. The Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. – Malihao celebrated the National Technical Vocational Day with the theme “Tech-Voc Tungo sa Pag-unload at Pagbangon; Angking Talino at Kakayahan, Linangin at Isulong.” The students from Senior High School and the TVET demonstrated their diverse skills and competencies in various activities such as cooking, where they prepared a delicious dish using egg as the main ingredient; bed making, where they displayed their attention to the neatness and the process in preparing the bed; and sewing where they made well-designed coin purse, pillowcases, pencil cases, and aprons. The winners and the participants were recognized at the program’s end and received a gift pack and certificate of participation.

SIGNING OF AGREEMENT AND AWARDING OF SCHOLARSHIP CERTIFICATE

Aug. 07. Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, Ms. Ma. Aika F. Tacud, and the 38 TVET scholars attended the Signing of Agreement and Awarding of Scholarship Certificate at Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Arts and Cultural Center, Victorias City.

BOOKKEEPING NC III ASSESSMENT

Aug. 29. Aiming for a brighter future, the seven (7) Bookkeeping Applicants/Candidates: Shavanne Baquiriza, Pearlyn Arucan, John Robin Mendoza, Ricky Velasco, Clyde Cj Caparas, Loriemar Espiritu and Ma. Victoria Seluce took the Bookkeeping NC III Assessment at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Talisay City.

MONITORING OF THE OPENING OF CLASSES OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Aug. 06. Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, Technical Directress, Ms. Ailene M. Ondon, School Registrar, and Sir Rino N. Barrido, Academic Coordinator, welcomed the Schools Division of Victorias Personnel Sir Giovanni Wray A. Estrano – Education Program Specialist II, Regina N. Bonda – Senior Education Program Specialist II, Glaizelle L. Po – Senior Education Program Specialist Human Resources Development as they conduct the Monitoring of the Opening of Classes of Private Schools. The team roamed around the school, checking the classrooms and facilities that the school provides to the students. The team’s monitoring ended in a colloquy with the technical director, school registrar, and academic coordinator.

MEETING WITH THE DEP- ED OFFICIALS FOR ACCOUNTANCY, BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT (ABM) STRAND VALIDATION FOR APPROVAL  

Aug. 01. The Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. – Malihao came together to celebrate faith as it held the traditional Mass to the Holy Spirit. Through this mass, the school believed it was a powerful way to invoke the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit as they embarked on a new academic year. The mass, held at the school’s Multi-purpose Hall, was presided over by Fr. John Cardinal. As they gathered, they prayed for a successful and fruitful year filled with personal learning and growth, faith, hope, and love for God. On the same day after the Holy Mass, Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, School Directress, Ms. Ailene M. Ondon, School Registrar, and Sir Rino N. Barrido, Academic Coordinator, attended via online the validation meeting for Application for Program Registration (ABM – Strand) with Ma’am Jingky L. Dioso, PhD, Education Program Supervisor Quality Assurance Division, Ma’am Ronamie V. Reliquias, PhD, Chief, School Governance and Operations Division, and other officials in the Schools Division of Victorias City.

DEP-ED MEETING

Aug. 13: Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA, Technical Director, and Sir Darrenz M. Caberoy, Co-curricular, attended the Department of Education (DepEd) meeting facilitated by Mr. Rufino L. Delfin Jr. (Education Program Supervisor TLE/ EPP Schools Division Office—Victorias City), with the agenda “National Voc-Tech Day 2024.” The meeting discussed the history of National Tech Voc Day and the upcoming schedule of activities.  Meanwhile, Ms. Ailene M. Ondon and Sir Kenneth John P. Cornelio visited Subay Marketing Envirotech Inc. for a site visit at the Subay Marketing Envirotech Inc. located in  Brgy. Sto. Niño, EB Magalona. Ms. Vanesa Paola Ymballa, Subay Marketing In-charge, introduced to them, as they roamed around the shop, the raw materials their shop used in recycling and creating new products such as furniture, pots and planters, picnic tables, school chairs, benches, garbage bins, bricks, paddle, pallet, skateboard, etc. She also encouraged the two to practice recycling materials, especially plastic bottles, in their houses and the school where they work.

ONE TOWN, ONE PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Aug. 12. Ms. Ma. Aika F. Tacud represented the school as she attended the One Town, One Product Introduction activity held by the city government at the Local Economic Development and Investment Office in Victorias City. The companies and the small entrepreneurs of the city attended the activity. Moreover, they all got the chance to mingle with each other and introduce their products. The importance of One Town, One Product, and its benefits to small entrepreneurs was introduced to the attendees/ participants. The last part of the activity was the decision-making; the entrepreneurs were asked if they wanted to display their products to the OTOP Hub and sell them on consignment through the Local Economic Development and Investment Office.

LVF TRAINING CENTERS JOIN THE STUDY-VISIT IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE

Aug. 26-28. Sr. Sheila, FMA, LVF-Cubao, QC Economer, Sr. Ernielyn F. Deypalan, FMA with Sir Rino N. Barrido-Malihao, and Sr. Rosalia Panganiban, FMA-LVF Macarascas Palawan joined the study visit of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco on Best Practices of TVET Institutions in Malaysia where they undertook a series of benchmarking and visited TVET institutions in Malaysia and Singapore focusing on diploma programs. On their first journey, upon arriving at Politeknik Port Dickson (PPD) Malaysia, they were welcomed by the unique musical presentation. Fortunately, they witnessed the innovation expo that day and were amazed by the innovation and invention; their students excel in their fields. They also attended a conference where the school discussed their best practices and programs offered. Later that day, they visited one of the school’s partner industries and explained the beauty of architecture and how they give importance to preserving its culture while going through innovation. On the second day, they continue the journey in Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Masjid Tanah (KKTM). Like the first school, they also introduced their best practices and offered diploma programs. The participants were fascinated by the opportunities and support the school gives the students and how the government supports the school’s needs, especially in finances. The school also ensures that students gain what they have worked for. Continuing their study visit in Singapore, the two visited the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East. They were mesmerized by the vast use of technology in teaching. Singaporeans are enthusiastic people because they use all their means to solve specific problems; for example, in their food, they rely on imports, but now the ITE is developing Horticulture, where they create and nurture their food inside the building. This institution also helps equip students to maintain the country. Their study visit ended at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), an institution known for engineering and Information Technology (IT). They were amazed by their facilities, which have many inventions that could help make daily life easier. Also, the government supports the school, which secures its financial needs. In this way, the school can upgrade its equipment to suit the students’ future skills. Sr. Sheila, Sr. Ernielyn, Sr. Rose, and Sir Rino recognized that the study visits significantly contributed to their learning and look forward to implementing these insights in their institutions. Last August 26 to September 1, 2024, the academic program of the TVET institution in Malaysia for the Don Bosco Salesian Sisters at Politeknik Port Dickson, in collaboration with the industry partner at Anjung Klana, Batu 4 (an architecture industry), involved seven TVET schools: LVF-Cubao, Palawan, Malhao, MHCCS-Canlubang, MHCS-Mindoro, MOTW-Cebu, Pampanga, and MHC-East Boroka, Papua New Guinea. Fifteen participants participated in the study visit, including eleven sisters and four lay teachers or trainers. From the LVF Technical Schools, Sr. Sheila, Sr. Erneilyn, and Sr. Rosalia attended the study tour.

BUWAN NG WIKA 2024 “FILIPINO: WIKANG MAPAGLAYA”

Aug. 22. The Laura Vicuña Foundation Inc. – Malihao and Macarascas Palawan celebrated the Buwan ng Wika 2024 with the theme “Filipino: Wikang Mapaglaya” held at the school’s Multi-purpose Hall. Student participants showcased their talents in the following contests: “Dagli-ang Talumpati,” singing of OPM songs, spoken poetry/ tula, poster making, a debate on the importance of the Filipino language over the English language, and a dance contest. The winners of each contest and the students who wore the best costume were given a certificate and a gift pack as their prizes. The celebration ended with a photo opportunity, during which everyone’s smiles were full of life and energy while wearing and representing the national costumes.

LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

SOLIDARITYSERYE
LVF BALIK-ESKWELA
August is the start of the new school year. With this, LVF prepared and distributed notebooks, ball pens, pencils, papers, and other school supplies to our Child Protection Clinic communities! Sheena, one of LVF girls who packed the school supplies said “masaya ako na nakakatulong sa kapwa ko Kabataan sa pamamagitan ng pakikibahagi ko sa pagprepare at pagbibigay ng mga school supplies. Nakakataba nang puso makita ang pagliwanag ng mga mukha ng mga bata sa tuwing tinatanggap nila ang mga bag.” (I’m glad to be of help with other young people, especially the kids, by helping in preparing and distributing school supplies. Seeing the joy on the kids’ cheeks when they open the bags is really touching.)

LVF CATECHESIS

Every Sunday, LVF Sisters Sr. Phebe Lacse, FMA, and Sarah Grace Robas, FMA, along with our social workers, simultaneously facilitated the weekly onsite catechesis at the LVF Center in Cubao and in distant Child Protection Clinic (CPC) areas in Cavite, Marikina, and Botocan.

PASWI COP

The Philippine Association of Social Workers Inc. (PASWI), for more than three years now, has its continuing commitment to pause, rest, recharge, and meditate through prayer in the Circle of Prayer (COP) every Wednesday night led by Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana and ED Eva Ponce DeLeon and PASWI’s various local chapters nationwide. This Wednesdate habit allows social workers to converse with their fellow social workers, kumustahan (say hellos). The Circle of Prayer is a time to pray for peace, the healing of social workers, their friends, and family members, and, more significantly, to reflect and share the Word of God.