On 19 December 2025, Saint Louis University’s Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran- Community Legal Assistance Office (CJMM CLAO) of the School of Law, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Administration (OVPA), Office for Legal Affairs (OLA), and University Information Office (UIO), held an outreach activity during the Year-End and Christmas Program of Damaso Comiles Elementary School in Tabu, Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet.
Each of the 93 pupils from kindergarten to grade six received school supplies, while books and textbooks were turned over as new additions to the school library by SLU CJMM-CLAO through its volunteers led by Atty. Victoria Dines, the OVPA as represented by Ms. Junifer Galuba; OLA, through Atty. Johanne Margarette Macob and Fe Ambasing, and UIO. The learning materials were received by Damaso Comiles Elementary School through the School Head, Christine L. Caliag and Parent-Teachers’ Association (PTA) President, Mr. Cruzaleo Atos.
In her message, Atty. Dines said, “Umay kami dituy nga makiragragsak. Adda iti ipaited tayu nga books ken school supplies, bassit nga maitulong mi” (“We came here to share in the celebration. We are also giving books and school supplies, our little way of helping.”) She went on to introduce the SLU School of Law’s CJMM-CLAO as an office that provides legal aid, lectures, and assistance. ”Thank you very much for welcoming us,” she ended.
The year-end program featured class presentations by the pupils. This was followed by a series of games facilitated by CJMM-CLAO volunteers. The parents of the pupils rendered a song in the Ibaloi language wishing everyone a merry Christmas filled with love. The faculty and staff also took to the stage and performed a song that they, too, composed and a dance number putting a joyous close to the day’s festivities.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Caliag, head of the school, expressed her thanks to everyone who attended and supported the Year-End and Christmas Program of the school. “Kayat ku lang agpasalamat kenyatayu amin – learners, teachers, parents and our visitors. Aglaplapusanan iti pagyaman mi iti pagpili yu iti lugar mi ti panag-share iti blessings. May it be returned a thousand-fold…Haan mi nga sukatan diyay inmayu dituy. Ngem kararag iti maited mi, kararag nga adu pay iti maparagsak yu” (“I would just like to thank everyone—learners, teachers, parents, and our visitors. Our hearts are filled with thanks for choosing our place to share your blessings. May it be returned a thousandfold. We cannot replace the gesture of your coming, but we offer our prayers—prayers that you bring more joy to others”).
One of the parents also gave a message of thanks and said, “Nasayaat ni Lord ta inturung da kayo dituy. Dakkel iti panagyaman mi nga parents. Daytuy Damaso ket managkararag, isu nga immay kayo” (The Lord is good; He has brought you here. We are very grateful as parents. Damaso Comiles Elementary School is prayerful, which is why you came”).
True to the CJMM-CLAO’s mantra of “Protecting rights, Inspiring lives”, the outreach activity at Damaso Comiles Elementary School fostered meaningful partnerships with the community of Barangay Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet, which affirmed United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
As a school community, they expressed that the “thoughtful gifts have not only brightened hearts with joy and hope but have also exemplified the essence of the season – love, kindness, and the beauty of giving.” (Article and Photos by UIO)
