“Masaya po na may kasama po akong nagkulay.”
This is what a seven-year-old child expressed after a Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) official assisted him with coloring during a recent event organized by the elementary department of Montessori De Sagrada Familia (MDSF) last December 11.
To officially commence the week-long celebration of MDSF’s 27th foundation day and to welcome the Christmas season, the school arranged a Thanksgiving mass ceremony and seized the opportunity to launch the “Unboxing Kindness and Generosity 2.0.”
This initiative, led by Mr. Christian Anthony Valino, the Student Well-Being Officer, in collaboration with the SPG and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), aimed to give back to the local community, particularly benefiting orphans from Bethlehem House of Bread.
Bethlehem, a Baliuag-based non-profit organization, brought 30 orphans to the MDSF elementary campus, where they initially attended the mass service and then proceeded to engage in games and entertaining activities prepared by the SPG such as mirror dancing, musical chairs, the boat is sinking, and more.
Brayden Inigo Lo, a Student Council Representative, shared insights into the event’s purpose and the twist that comes with it.
“We’re here to help orphans in need, make them happy, but I feel like I am the happiest,” Lo revealed.
He also encouraged everyone to embrace the joy of the foundation week and the upcoming Christmas season, taking a little break from academics to celebrate victories and joy.
In addition to providing food, the children received kits assembled by Sagradans for their Performance tasks earlier in the quarter. These kits included toys, stuffed animals, sketch pads, books, school supplies, and hygiene items.
Moreover, the initiative extended its reach even more by generating and distributing over 80 packs of in-kind donations to the marginalized local community of Baliuag. The donations include Christmas-related items such as pasta and spaghetti sauce.
In an interview, Mariae Lanzuela, the Mayor of the student council, expressed overwhelming joy and pride in seeing the people smile.
“This is the happiest day ever; Christmas is truly here and here to stay,” the mayor expressed.
In response to the children’s wishes, balloons were generously given to them, completing their day before they went home.
Written by: Angel Hailey Lansang and Marcus Aeden Sison
Captured by: Francheska Bettina Carpio, Ericaviel Maureese Isaac