by Annie Joy R. Castillo
As the Bible verse from the letter of Paul of the Hebrews (13:16) implies, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased”, God must have been surely delighted to see the Louisian community spreading His love and word to the people of Sitio Domolpos, Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet last December 17, 2022.
Together with Rev. Fr. Emery Mwako Ebumea, CICM (St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish Priest), Mrs. Charmaine P. Mendoza (SLU-CEOPO Director), some members and volunteers from the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, and other personalities from the academe, Mr. Alejandro P. Pablico (SLU BEdS Principal) and some teachers and students from the Basic Education School joined in the Rapid Rural Appraisal and Gift-giving activity for the residents of Sitio Domolpos, this year’s beneficiaries of the university’s extension and outreach program.
The residents actively interacted during the validation of reports shared by the SLU representatives coming from the elderly, youth, and non-working groups. They were dynamic and enthusiastic as they joined in the simple Christmas program facilitated by the group. Warm smiles were evident on their faces as they received their Noche Buena packages, educational books for the children, and medical supplies. The hearts of everyone were filled with so much joy, contentment, and fulfillment. Truly, as St. Francis of Assisi said, “it is in giving that we receive.”
This is but one of the activities spearheaded by the University CEOPO (Community Extensions and Outreach Programs, Office) which aims to promote community engagement and the CICM advocacies of justice, peace, and integrity of creation (JPIC); indigenous peoples (IPs); and environmental protection and management. Events like these likewise enhance the school’s thrust of incorporating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on Reducing Inequalities (10) and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (16).
