APRIL’S ECHOES: THE SACRED AND THE CELEBRATORY
April was marked by the deep personal and communal journey through Lent and the glorious celebration of Easter’s triumph over darkness. The LVF Educating Communities joined in this meaningful Season through recollection of students and staff, sacrament of penance and receiving the sacrament of initiation, actively joining various activities in the church.
Adding to this vibrant mix were the joyous sounds of graduation marches as the Laura Vicuna Women Development Training Center (LVWDTC) in Malihao held its Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony, the proud smiles of graduates, and the hopeful anticipation of their futures. We revisit the key religious insights shared and the memorable moments of academic achievement that defined our April, allowing us to reflect on the sacred foundations that often underpin our greatest celebrations.
It is a month that encompasses spiritual reflection and forward-looking joy and accomplishment.
LVF MALIHAO, VICTORIAS CITY, NEG. OCC.
GRADE 12 STUDENTS’ GRADUATION CEREMONY
SIKARAN TRAINING – ADINO EZNITE COMBAT GRADUATION
YOUTH ENCOUNTER OF TVET TRAINEES
LVWDTC EDUCATING COMMUNITY GRATITUDE DAY
BLOODLETTING DONATION DRIVE
LVF MACARASCAS, PALAWAN
RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: BECOMING A CERTIFIED CHILD OF GOD
PALM SUNDAY PREPARATION
THE BARANGAY MACARASCAS FOUNDATION DAY
JOINING THE SALESIAN WORLD FEAST OF GRATITUDE
LVF CUBAO, QUEZON CITY
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN THE MEDIA AND RECREATION WEEK
CHILDREN’S RIGHT TO ACCESS JUSTICE: AN ONLINE REGIONAL CONSULTATION
SALESIAN COMMUNITIES’ ACTIVITIES
FMA-FIL PROVINCIAL VISIT: CUBAO & PALAWAN
LVF LENTEN RECOLLECTION
LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY CATECHESIS
SOLIDARITYSERYE
PASWI COP
GRADE 12 STUDENTS’ GRADUATION CEREMONY
April 15. Fifty-four Grade 12 students proudly celebrated the successful completion of their Senior High School journey during the Graduation Ceremony held on April 15, 2025. Guided by the theme “Henerasyon ng Pagkakaisa: Kaagapay sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event emphasized unity and purpose as the graduates prepare for the next chapter of their lives. The ceremony began with a Baccalaureate Mass presided over by Fr. Rafael Baja, whose meaningful homily inspired reflection and gratitude. The program was filled with joy and emotion as students received academic, service, and special awards, recognizing their dedication and achievements. Heartfelt messages from Ms. Mary Ann Ballados, our guest speaker, and a proud alumna of LVF Malihao, and the presence of Ms. Agnes Peñas, Education Program Supervisor, added inspiration to an already memorable occasion. The event was a true celebration of perseverance, growth, and the bright future ahead.
LVF MALIHAO, VICTORIAS CITY, NEG. OCC.
SIKARAN TRAINING – ADINO EZNITE COMBAT GRADUATION
April 10. The Grade 11 students and TVET trainees successfully concluded their Sikaran Training – Adino Eznite Combat on April 10, 2025. The training program, which ran from February to April 2025, provided the participants with valuable skills in self-defense and discipline.
The graduation ceremony was made more memorable by the presence of Master Vincent Roa, who served as the guest speaker and witness to the accomplishments of the trainees. This milestone was especially remarkable for the 151 participants, as they not only completed the program with dedication but also gained practical skills that will serve them well in the future.
YOUTH ENCOUNTER OF TVET TRAINEES
A remarkable opportunity was given to the trainees to deepen their faith and support their personal growth through a meaningful 3-day Youth Encounter. The event was facilitated by eight dedicated faculty and staff members of LVF Malihao, who, despite their busy schedules, made time to guide the trainees in this spiritual journey.
Due to the large number of participants, the trainees were divided into two groups, allowing everyone the space and atmosphere needed for a more intimate and reflective encounter with the Lord. This experience served as a valuable moment for renewal, connection, and spiritual enrichment.
LVWDTC EDUCATING COMMUNITY GRATITUDE DAY
The Educating Community of LVF Malihao joyfully celebrated Gratitude Day in honor of Sr. Ma. Guia S. Asparen, FMA, our beloved School Directress. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as it marked her sixth year of dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring service to the LVF Malihao community.
The event carried the heartfelt theme, “Kindness and Generosity is the True Magic of Gratitude,” which was beautifully portrayed through a Cinderella-inspired skit performed by students and trainees dressed as princes and princesses. The program was a fitting tribute to Sr. Ma. Guia’s unwavering commitment, gentle leadership, and nurturing spirit. All sectors of the community expressed their deep appreciation and admiration for her, with touching video messages from past pupils, some of whom were also present to personally share their gratitude and well wishes.
Truly, Sr. Ma. Guia has touched countless lives, and the community is immensely blessed and thankful for the gift of her presence.
BLOODLETTING DONATION DRIVE
April 30. The Laura Vicuña Women Development and Training Center (LVWDTC) recently held a successful bloodletting activity on its campus, demonstrating our strong commitment to community service and saving lives.
With the support of medical professionals from The Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental Bacolod City Chapter, the school’s multi-purpose hall was transformed into a safe and efficient blood donation center. Students, teachers, past pupils, family members, and friends participated in the activity, driven by the desire to contribute to the local blood supply and help those in need.
The bloodletting activity aimed to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and its impact on saving lives, especially for patients undergoing medical treatments, surgeries, or those with medical conditions requiring blood transfusions.
We express our gratitude to the whole school community and past pupils of LVWDTC and St. Mary Mazzarello School Batch 2000 for their support in this first Blood Letting Activity, which is significant in ensuring a stable and sufficient blood supply for local hospitals and patients. This activity also instilled a sense of civic responsibility and compassion among the students and trainees, reinforcing the school’s values of service and social awareness.
LVF MACARASCAS, PALAWAN
RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: BECOMING A CERTIFIED CHILD OF GOD
April 19. One resident-learner and one staff member of LVF Macarascas, Palawan received the Sacrament of Baptism, officiated by Rev. Fr Raphael Euricho A. Maralit, OSJ, during the Black Saturday at San Ezekiel Moreno Parish. The community also joined the easter vigil in the church.
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (Vatican)
PALM SUNDAY PREPARATION
April 12. The resident learners of the LVF Macarascas, Palawan, gathered to make Palaspas in preparation for Palm Sunday. The community attended the holy mass at San Ezekiel Moreno Parish of Barangay Macarascas, Puerto Princesa City. This marks the beginning of Holy Week and serves as a reminder to welcome Jesus into our hearts.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, the crowd laid palms before Him and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13). They recognized in Him the fulfillment of ancient prophecies—a Messiah who would bring salvation. The palm, then, became a sign of joyful welcome and profound expectation.
THE BARANGAY MACARASCAS FOUNDATION DAY
April 26. The Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc.- Palawan community joined the 67th Founding Anniversary of Barangay Macarascas, Puerto Princesa City, held at the Macarascas Gymnasium. The learners showcased their talents with a presentation number, which the audience enjoyed.
Macarascas is a barangay in the city of Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan.
JOINING THE SALESIAN WORLD FEAST OF GRATITUDE
April 27. This day, the community attended the Holy Eucharist at San Ezekiel Moreno Parish and celebrated the World Feast of Gratitude 2025. The community expresses their gratitude and filial affection to the dearest Mother Chiara Cazzuola through offering various elements as of sign of love and fidelity.The community offered Globe, Candles as symbols of fire, Cross, Picture of Mary, and flowers. After the Holy Eucharist, the community has a short activity and games. The community has a very great time celebrating the World Feast of Gratitude to express a ‘choral thanks’ to Mother Chiara, who, with generous dedication and wisdom, guides the Institute in the concreteness of daily giving.
LVF CUBAO, QUEZON CITY
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN MEDIA AND RECREATION WEEK
Apr. 21-24. LVF Child Advocate Amy actively participated in the 4-day Children’s Rights in Media and Recreation Week held at the B Hotel, Quezon City. The event, organized by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) in partnership with the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, included an Orientation on the Guidelines in the Media Reporting/Coverage of Children and the Game-Makers Workshop on Children’s Rights. Ms. Jessa Mae Nardo accompanied Amy as an adult support during the activity.
The Guidelines in the Media Reporting/Coverage of Children were enriched by the CWC in 2025, together with children and stakeholders from the media, government, and non-government organizations. The Orientation aims to promote ethical and responsible media reportage of children by equipping both children and adults with the knowledge and skills to recognize and advocate for child-sensitive reporting. Furthermore, the event seeks to ensure that children’s rights, dignity, and safety are upheld in media coverage while fostering their best interests at all times.
Meanwhile, the Game-Makers Workshop on Children’s Rights aims to promote children’s right to play and participate by providing a fun, inclusive, and educational space where children can collaborate, share their experiences, and transform their ideas into a meaningful play activity.
Particularly, the workshop intends to produce a child-created game that not only entertains but also serves as a tool for raising awareness and advocating for children’s rights according to the CWC.
CHILDREN’S RIGHT TO ACCESS JUSTICE: AN ONLINE REGIONAL CONSULTATION
April 22. The Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc., joined the Online Regional Consultation on Children’s Right To Access to Justice and an effective remedy, organized by the Grassroots Justice Network and UNICEF.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child is currently developing General Comment No. 27, on children’s right to access to justice and an effective remedy. This initiative aims to provide clear and authoritative guidance to States on ensuring these rights for all children. Given the essential role of grassroots justice defenders in this effort, we are organizing two dedicated consultations—one for the Asia region and another for Africa—to gather insights from those working directly with children at the community level.
This consultation seeks to gather insights from grassroots justice defenders on how to strengthen access to justice for children, particularly those from marginalized communities. Specifically, it aims to: a.) Gather feedback on the draft General Comment and recommendations for improvement; b.) Clarify the key roles and responsibilities of grassroots actors in ensuring justice and effective remedies for children; c.) Analyze challenges specific to children’s access to justice from a grassroots perspective and, d.) Identify inspiring practices that can inform general guidance of interest applicable across different contexts and situations.
Ms. Josielyn Hugo, LVF Social Worker, actively engaged in the discussion, sharing LVF’s role in child protection in the Philippines.
SALESIAN COMMUNITIES’ ACTIVITIES
FMA-FIL PROVINCIAL VISIT: CUBAO & PALAWAN
April 5-9. PALAWAN. Sr. Tita Padron, FMA, the FMA-Fil provincial superior, visited the LVF Macarascas, Palawan community. During her visit, Ms. Rachel, a social worker, reflected that “her guidance has illuminated our path, and her fraternal closeness has uplifted our spirits. We are deeply touched by the time she shared with us, her listening heart, and encouraging counsel.” She left behind a cherished memory and strengthened the community, making it more united in purpose and love. We offer our prayers for her well-being, the success of her mission, and the fulfillment of her intentions for the province.
April 22. QUEZON CITY. Our dear Sr. Tita, you are Mary’s presence among us, and we welcome you in our midst. Welcome to our home and into our hearts. Welcome to our home and into our hearts. With gratitude, we express our deep love and appreciation for your testimonies of faith, hope, compassion, and unwavering dedication to your role and love for the Institute. Your tireless efforts in the service of animation, your commitment to education, and your nurturing guidance inspire us to also commit to the call of the daily. May you continue to shine as a beacon of hope, finding your strength in God alone. With our lady, we entrust your visit, and so we sing.
LVF LENTEN RECOLLECTION
April 16. PALAWAN. The learners, together with the staff of Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc., joined the recollection administered by Rev. Fr. Danilo A. Nobis, OSJ, held at San Ezekiel Moreno Parish, 9:00 in the morning. The recollection is all about the Lenten Season, enabling us to have spiritual reflection, renewal, and the time to deepen our relationship with God. The community gained a lot of insights, knowledge, and changed perspectives.
April 16. QUEZON CITY. As we prepare ourselves for the LORD’s PASCHAL MYSTERY, LVF staff gathered in a solemn recollection, reflecting on how Jesus Christ revealed his Mercy and Love to us through humility and forgiveness. Sr. Phebe Lacse, FMA, facilitated the recollection, leaving everyone inspired to change for the better.
LVF WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY CATECHESIS
Christ is risen! These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.
From the empty tomb in Jerusalem, we hear unexpected, good news: Jesus, who was crucified, “is not here, he has risen” (Lk 24:5). Jesus is not in the tomb; he is alive! (Pope Francis “Urbi et Orbi” Message)
As the LVF Community celebrate the Easter Sunday, Ms. Joy Hugo facilitated a Sunday catechism and a fun egg hunting activity. After which, there were sharing of bread, Choco Moo drink and fresh milk from RFM Corp.
His Holiness Pope Francis invites us all to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life, and ideas! … to renew our hope that peace is possible.
The Holy Father appeals that the principle of humanity never fails to be the hallmark of our daily actions.
In the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever (cf. Easter Sequence). He fills us with the certainty that we, too, are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new (cf. Rev. 21:5)
SOLIDARITYSERYE
Our weekly Solidarityserye efforts continue to bring joy to our children in the Child Protection Clinic Communities. This month, we are blessed to receive fresh milk from RFM Corp. that LVF social workers Ms. Jessa and Ms. Joy distributed.We are also grateful to Breadtalk and Purple Oven for the bread shared with the weekly Sunday Catechesis participants.
PASWI COP
Social work and spirituality are increasingly recognized as interconnected aspects of human experience that can significantly influence well-being and the helping process. The demanding nature of social work can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. A social worker’s spirituality can be a vital resource for their resilience, and the Circle of Prayer (COP) has become the social workers’ weekly prayer habit in the Philippines, organized by the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI). This month, the PASWI-COP prayer themes leaned towards the Lenten Season. It is a time for personal reflection, acknowledging shortcomings, and striving for spiritual renewal. Through prayer and reflection, social workers can draw strength and guidance from their spiritual practices, fostering resilience in the face of challenging work.
Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc. 