Take Up the Torch: Building Hopes for the Less Fortunate Children in Light with Project CEmpathy

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Bata man o matanda, may ngipin man o wala

‘Di mapipigilan, mga ngiting kumakawala

Sapagkat, ang kahapong ipinagkait at nilamon ng epidemya

Sa kasalukuyan ay binabawi, sa pagnanais na maging malaya

“ACES has always been known for its extension project and since nagkaroon tayo ng pandemya, nalimitahan yung ganitong uri ng proyekto. And now we’re still slowly getting back sa nakasanayan and it’s the best time para ibalik yung extension project ng ACES,” stated by Mr. Gian Carlo Mendoza, Vice President for Internal Affairs from Association of Civil Engineering Students (PICE/ACES BatStateU), Project Head.

It’s been almost three years since CoronaVirus Disease (COVID-19) started and finally, Project CEmpathy: Building Hopes for the Less Fortunate Children has come into the picture. CEmpathy goes above and beyond being just an outreach program dedicated to helping underprivileged children from a chosen community in Batangas City–Brgy. Tulo, Silangan, as it provided education, entertainment with games, and a feeding program in collaboration with ACES Sub-organization, Knightjar, and Team Kabayani acting as the torch– a light that will bring hope to those children. This event was composed of four sessions that were conducted every Sunday starting in the month of September (4, 11, 18) and October 02 for the final session and recognition day.

Associating with, Mr. Mendoza added and shared his advice saying that, “Despite the situation na nararanasan natin, mahirap, alam kong hindi madali, pero dapat never natin maging option ang tumigil o huminto or h‘wag natin ipagpatuloy kung ano yung mga nasimulan natin.”

The opening of CEmpathy alongside the first session which was executed last September 04, 2022 was firmly and delightfully hosted by Mr. Jorn Xyronn Javier, Assistant Secretary from the (ACES). Beginning with prayer invocation by Knightjar member followed by a morning exercise led by Senior Liaison, Mr. Allen Dave Malicsi and Sophomore Liaison, Mr. Aries Ignacio. Continuing on, Hon. Judith Lumanglas, the Chairman of Tulo, Silangan and Hon. Cleperson De Mesa, a Councilor gave their introductory remarks.

Hon. Lumanglas started by greeting everyone with fathomless energy and having unyielding support. Moreover, she gave her thanks to Civil Engineering students for choosing their vicinity to hold the project with; the parents who let their children join this event in pursuit of additional knowledge; and the other councilors of the barangay who supported in making CEmpathy possible. To conclude, she gave her word that ACES and Civil Engineering students can count on her in receiving assistance.

As to Hon. De Mesa, he also addressed everyone and advised to give everyone’s best for the children in sharing and providing learning. He added that the kids have their own capacities wherein it can be grouped into three– grades 4, 5, and 6. More so, he mentioned that the teachers in barangay are delighted with this kind of event. In conclusion, he reminded everyone about safety by taking countermeasures such as utilization of alcohol, masks, and so on.

A total of 38 students–eight from grade 4; another eight from grade 5; and 22 students from grade 6 were listed with the said event. Every CEssion has their own assigned learning material having English, Mathematics, Filipino, and Science consecutively. With this, proficient members of ACES Knightjar (KN) showcased their academic prowess to teach various topics such as in English–Basic Categories of Words; Identifying the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words Through Structural Analysis (Words And Affixes: Prefixes and Suffixes); and Verbs with Mr. Dio Rafael Deynata as the head of English. In Mathematics–Skip Counting; Fractions; Area as well as Volume. While in Filipino–Mga Magagalang na Salita; Mga Bahagi ng Teksto; Pagsulat ng mga Impormasyong Hinihingi sa Form; Pangungusap; Paggamit ng Ng at Nang; and Karunungang Bayan. Lastly, in Science, having the Classification of Animals; Solar System; Continents of the Planet; Percentage of Land on Earth; Basic Body Systems; and The Cell.

Ice breakers related to the topic being discussed; giving prizes and paper stars; and utilization of some familiar characters to the kids served as their techniques in teaching. Moreover, Committee on Games from Team Kabayani (TK) sub-organization did not fail to put a smile on children’s faces having Hep-hep Hooray, The Boat is Sinking, “Putukan ng Lobo”, and “Paa, Tuhod, Balikat, Ulo” games headed by Mr. Mark Joshua Padulls, Deputy Head of TK. Additionally, the Committee on Food, having Mr. Christian James Ajeda as the head, ensured that every child including the volunteers and other heads was stuffed with delectable foods.

Indeed, choosing to be a volunteer in this event, CEmpathy, is purely because of setting one's heart into it which is proudly embodied by Mr. Renmark Martinez, Junior Liaison of ACES as he uttered, “Ang aking mga pangunahing rason kung bakit ako sumali sa proyektong ito ay dahil malapit ang puso ko sa mga bata at masaya akong nakikita silang natututo at nag-eenjoy sa kanilang ginagawa.” Further, Mr. Mendoza reminded to “Never give up. Mahirap ang buhay, yes, pero hindi ibig sabihin nun na hindi mo kaya, hindi mo mapagtatagumpayan.” And as to Mr. Rhoel Victor Sales, Secretary of Committee on Event’s and Program, “I am thankful enough that I am fortunate to help and offer my hands within reach to those who will need it.” “Tumulong na walang hinihintay na kapalit,” emphasized by Ms. Rosalie Leyesa, Head of Committee on Event’s and Program.

It has been three weeks of interaction and bonding with the kids– feelings have been shared. According to Eduard Antony Camano, Knightjar member, “Ang fulfilling niya after magturo sa mga bata kasi as a student , never kong na-imagine ang magturo sa kapwa-estudyante rin lalo na yung mas bata sa akin.” While, Penelope Anne Louisse Santonil, a Knightjar member as well, added that, “ Edi 2 weeks na akong uma-attend ng CEmpathy and yun nare-refresh ako and mas nae-enjoy ko yung aking weekends dahil nagkakaroon ako ng bonding kasama ang mga bata.”

Student-teachers are basically the ones who teach yet contradictory to their position, they are still learners with lessons brought by those children. “Natutunan ko na, hindi porket nag-aaral ka ay hindi ka pwedeng mag-enjoy,” said Ms. Santonil. More so, Mr. Camano highlighted, “Ang natutunan ko sa mga bata ay hindi pa rin nawawala yung will ng mga bata matuto kaya na-realize ko na as an adult, kailangan natin silang tulungan para ma-quench ang thirst nila for knowledge.”

Continuing the pursuit of guiding one’s path and building their future, last session, October 02, 2022, early in the morning, begun with an energizer, a game, headed by ACES followed by Bible Sharing having Mr. John Michael Miciano, a member of Shower of Blessings and Committee on Religion as the instrument to share and teach about Lord Jesus Christ. “Pagiging Encouragement sa Aking Pamilya” was the center of the activity for the purpose of knowing God.

Afterwards, at noon, the time has finally come to formally recognize the graduates of Project CEmpathy 2022, hosted by Mr. Allen Dave Malicsi. Presenting the grade 4 students– Princess Mae Abel, Brayden Andrew Arellano, Janelle Buela, Erwan Conti, Veronica Dagami, Brent Dominic Landicho, Arjhel Lara, Karen Mendoza, and John Michael Rosales. Moving to the grade 5 students– Zuleika Bautista, Charles Laurence Casao, Beatriz Dela Vega, Arthur Dinglasan, Mark Jones, Katerina Ilagan, Yuan Ilagan, Rich Ann Zaraspe, and Zaskhia Villamor. And from grade 6 are Uelria Ynarose Advincula, Georgina Conti, Jaem Kyla Delacruz, John Evho Gabriel Delgado, Mark Jhonel Delgado, Jheian Dexter, Veyda Dimaano, Airvin Syruz Dinglasan, John Pratz Fadullo, Justin Joy Lumanglas, Katarzynah Mai-yao, Ma. Jennel Orca, Maryah Jhayde Franchesca Ramos, Richard Alwin Ramirez, James Daniel Remolacio, Ghemar Rizalde, Zayne Cazrael Ronquillo, Jay-jay Sambilad, Meybel Soriano, Jomel Sulabo, and Zaijan Tamondong.

Proceeding, opening remarks were given by Mr. Joshua Onin Olivenza, President of Association of Civil Engineering Students (PICE/ACES BatStateU) and Hon. Edna Arellano, Councilor of Brgy. Tulo, Silangan. Mr. Olivenza greeted everyone who became part of the project followed by asking the children and volunteers if they had enjoyed it along with hoping that everyone had learned numerous things, not just academically but also with life. As to Councilor Arellano, she gave her heartwarming thanks to every volunteer, for choosing their Barangay also, with their determination to make the event successful. Lastly, she extended her words saying, “ Maging matagumpay ang mga pangarap at mithiin niyo sa buhay.”

Before continuing the awarding of certificates, an intermission number was first performed by the Voice Box. Afterwards, Engr. Emmanuelle Maala, Councilor Arellano, Pres. Olivenza, and Vice Pres. Mendoza was called to the stage for the lending of awards. The first award was given to Brgy. Tulo Silangan followed by Certificate of Appreciation given to ACES Sub-organization– CEkal, Voice Box. The Transit, Team Kabayani, Shower of Blessings, and the Knightjar. Next, are the Top Performing Students from each grade with Princess Mae Abel, Janelle Buela, Veronica Dagami, Karen Mendoza, and John Michael Rosales from grade 4. From grade 5, are Zuleika Bautista and Charles Laurence Casao. And as to grade 6, the top students are Jaem Kyla Delacruz, Maryah Ramos, and Beatriz De la Vega. Another intermission was energetically performed by none other than the CEkal.

Hearing the voices and insights of the children concerning the event, purely displayed their innocence and sincerity. According to Maryah, “Masaya kasi sa apat na araw po nakabuo po ulit kami ng mga araw, na magkakasama po ulit kaming magkakaklase.” And as for Arjhel, “Malungkot po kasi hindi ko na po kayo makikita.” In addition, “Nagkaroon po kami ng alam tsaka nagkaroon din po kami ng saya na makita kayo, makita silang masaya sa anong nalalaman nila, na tinuturo ng kanilang magulang, ng kanilang kasamahan.”

“Unang-una, ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong ginawang pagsisikap para ang aming mga kabataan dito sa Brgy. Tulo ay iyong magkaroon ng dagdag kaalaman. Para naman sa aking ninanais para sa inyo, hinihiling ko kay Lord na sana ang lahat ng mga pangarap ninyo ay ma-achieve ninyo at nawa ay maging, lahat kayo ay makatapos at magkaroon ng magandang buhay hanggang sa inyong hinaharap. Sa mga bata naman na inyong tinuruan, sana yung inyong mga naituro ay kanilang patuloy na gawin, patuloy nilang mapakinabangan hanggang sa sila ay mag-aral at maging kagaya ninyo na mga college,” meaningfully stated by Hon. Arellano.

Every Sunday has its own symbolism depending on each individual who is involved in the event. And as for Ms. Leyesa, CEmpathy is similar to Canvas where she explained, “ Sa isang normal na tao, kapag titingnan mo ang isang canvas, parang wala, normal lang. Parang napaka-simpleng bagay lang pero, if you will ask the pintor kung anong meron, nandoon kasi yung puso. Nandun yung commitment, doon sa canvas na yun. Hindi lang siya basta drawing or painting–isang masterpiece with the heart kung ‘pag nag-look deeper tayo dito, doon natin malalaman yung pinaka-reason, yung benefits sa, bilang tayo, bilang isang indibidwal.”

“Project CEmpathy aims to hone the children’s skills academically but it also aims to aspire and inspire them to continue dreaming despite the situation we’re experiencing right now. Project CEmpathy is not just an extension project but it is also a platform for children to build hope for their lives and for their dreams,” emphasized by Mr. Mendoza.

And wrapping up the event, the Project head gave the closing remarks. Mr. Mendoza showed in his words how grateful he is for everyone, for the success of CEmpathy as he told the backstory of it, “Ito ay sama-samang ideya pero, may iisang layunin, ang magdala ng saya at ngiti sa labi ng mga bata,” and then proudly, he formally stated, “Project CEmpathy is now signing off.”

Four days, four Sundays, might be a short time yet the memories to bring are for a long time. A photo opportunity with the children, with the volunteers, committees, and so on had completely ended the project. Truly, it has been a great comeback of a face-to-face event.