On 5 May 2024, the Baguio Association of Government Grantees and Scholars (BAGGS) brought vibrant colors and heartfelt messages to life through Magbahagi: Hope Through Art, an outreach program held at Rippling River Nursing Home in Irisan, Baguio City. The event was part of Scholars’ Week 2024, an annual celebration of service, scholarship, and social impact by Saint Louis University’s university-wide organization of government scholars. With the belief that art can serve as a powerful medium for kindness, healing, and connection, BAGGS spearheaded this initiative to show that creativity can go beyond canvases—it can touch lives and lift spirits.
The highlight of the outreach program was the personal delivery of hand-painted artworks created by BAGGS members as part of the Lumikha project, a collaborative effort that spanned weeks of conceptualization, painting, and reflection. The artworks, themed around hope, love, and resilience, were donated to the nursing home’s residents, transforming the walls of their home into a gallery of warmth and color. A total of 22 student-volunteers came together to interact with 35 elderly residents, forging meaningful connections through their creations. The act of giving was not limited to art alone—the volunteers also brought snacks, smiles, and their time, making the encounter deeply personal and memorable.
Beyond the artistic exchange, the event aimed to shed light on the often-overlooked realities faced by the elderly, particularly those who have been neglected or left without close family ties. BAGGS saw this event not just as an opportunity to give, but as a platform to reflect on intergenerational empathy, respect, and responsibility. Conversations during the outreach emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring the wisdom, stories, and emotional needs of the elderly. The presence of young people offering their company reminded the residents that they are not forgotten—that society still holds space for them.
In preparation for the event, BAGGS worked closely with the management of Rippling River Nursing Home to ensure that the experience would be both meaningful and respectful. The students curated a short presentation ceremony to formally hand over the artworks, which was met with heartfelt applause and even a few tears from the residents. A designated display area within the facility was arranged to showcase the donated paintings, now serving as daily reminders of youthful compassion and the enduring power of community. The coordination and responsiveness between BAGGS and the nursing home underscored the importance of collaboration in delivering thoughtful outreach.
Magbahagi: Hope Through Art was not just a one-day event—it was a testament to the values that BAGGS upholds: generosity, creativity, and purposeful service. It allowed student-scholars to step out of the classroom and into the lives of those in need, armed not only with paint brushes but with open hearts. As the final activity of the Lumikha project, it captured the essence of what it means to share—to give joy, to express care, and to bridge generations through artistic expression. BAGGS hopes that this initiative inspires similar efforts in the future, promoting a culture where art and advocacy meet to create lasting change. (Photos and article by BAGGS)
