The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Saint Louis University Chapter (JPIA-SLU) successfully spearheaded the “Run for Hope: Fr. Costa’s ‘Sponsor-My-Steps’ Campaign,” an advocacy-driven fundraising initiative that concluded on 26 March 2026.
This project was inspired by the legacy of Run for Hope Philippines, featuring Rev. Fr. Geraldo Costa, CICM, completing a rigorous 42-kilometer marathon to generate pledged donations. By linking athletic endurance with social responsibility, the organization mobilized PHP 2,000.00 from its funds to provide essential financial assistance to the Sunflower Halfway Home for Boys. The campaign specifically addressed the urgent need for shelter, psychological support, and holistic rehabilitation for abused, abandoned, and neglected boys, ensuring the sustainability of critical services required for their protection and healing
Through this collective action, JPIA-SLU effectively localized the CICM advocacies of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation by defending the rights and dignity of vulnerable children. The initiative fostered Justice by supporting the rehabilitation of those who have suffered social neglect and promoted Peace by fostering a safe, nurturing environment for at-risk youth.
Furthermore, the project directly advanced multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), by prioritizing the beneficiaries’ basic needs and mental health. By addressing the systemic marginalization of these boys through SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and by fostering community cooperation through SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the campaign underscored the university’s commitment to meaningful community involvement and long-term social impact. (Article by JPIA-SLU)
