Turn-over of Learning Resources to Seven (7) IP Schools beneficiaries of San Jose North District from the Church

The Schools Division of Occidental Mindoro is committed to provide quality education amidst this pandemic by providing learning resources both for teachers and learners. But despite of the immeasurable efforts they put in providing the necessary learning resources, it is very unfortunate that it cannot suffice all the needs of the teachers especially those IP learners situated in the far-flung areas of Occidental Mindoro. Educators are not alone in this battle fighting for quality education amidst this pandemic and limited resources because stakeholders are there to extend their horizons and lend their helping hands. There’s a saying that “It takes a village to raise a child”. Everyone has an unwritten responsibility to help when you are able to.

 On the 9^th day of March year 22, the Turn-over of Learning Resources to Seven (7) IP Schools beneficiaries of San Jose North District was conducted at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Calderon Street, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The program started with singing of the national anthem followed by solemn prayer to ask the for the providence of God led by Dunn Frederick S.  Sarabia.

 Mr Joselito Mira, District President of Mindoro District of the Church (diocese) in San Jose, welcomed the distinguished guest and gave a short inspirational message and presented a video clip presentation with regards to humanitarian works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints around the world.

Afterwards, Mr. Roger P. Calaranan, gave a message in behalf of Honorable Municipal Mayor Romulo D. Festin. He reiterated that Mayor Festin has been and will always be supportive to IP Education. He said that the LGU San Jose will be implementing projects that will benefit IP learners. He also commended and thanked the role of teachers in the quest of quality education despite of this pandemic.

To break the ice, the selected IP learners of Bato-Ili Elementary School gave an intermission number. They sang “Kaming mga Mangyan’’, anthem of Mangyan community. The song talks about Mangyans are also part of the world and how they love and appreciate nature because natures provide everything they need. They also treated nature as God`s greatest gift to them.

Elder Hill and Sister Hill, Humanitarian Specialists, and Representative of Latter-Day Saints gave an inspirational talk about their experiences as missionaries. They also gave an overview regarding humanitarian works they have been doing around the world. They are very emotional while delivering their message. Elder said the he really loves children and he said that Jesus used him as instrument to help those in need. On the other hand, Sister Hill also shared some of her experiences around. She mentioned that Filipinos are the kindest people she has met while doing charity works and very fun to be with.

Another message was given by Bro. Manuel Paredes, Welfare and Self-reliance manager. He said the he was blessed to be able to help IP learners and became part of this turn-over ceremony. He also shared a short testimony about the goodness of God.

Dr. Eloisa Castillo Farenas, Senior Education Program Specialist, gave a message of acceptance. She was very emotional because she was moved to the kindness and to testimonies she heard. She said that the SDO of Occidental Mindoro particularly San Jose North District was very lucky to be able to find the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. She reminded the importance of stakeholders in providing quality education. She also extended her sincerest gratitude accepted wholeheartedly the learning resources. The learning resources received by seven IP Schools beneficiaries includes laptops, printers, bond papers and many other. After that, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the SDO personnel together with Elder Hill and Sister Hill and other Latter-Day Saints.

In behalf of OIC, Schools Division Superintendent Lynn G. Mendoza, Myla M. Suguitan, Division Focal Person of IP Education, delivered message to express her gratitude to this milestone. She said the SDS was very glad to the Church for their generosity to help the marginalized sectors of the society especially the IP learners.

One of the highlights of turn-over ceremony was the dance presentation of selected Buhid learners from Danlog Elementary School. The Buhid learners showcased their rich culture through dancing.

Words of thanks was given by Regina S. Sarabia, District IP Focal person of San Jose North District. She mentioned that it’s been her dream to ask assistance from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but time did not permit her back then but now her dream came to realize through President Cauilan mission president of Philippine Cavite Mission, Elder Hill, Sister Hill and other people who have helped her. She thanked everyone in making the said turn-over possible. To show her gratitude, Mrs. Regina Sarabia gave token and Certificate of Recognition to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through Elder and Sister Hill.

To sum it up, the Turn-over Ceremony of Learning Resources to Seven IP Schools beneficiaries of San Jose North District was successful. The seven IP schools received the learning resources. At last, the program ended with a prayer led by Krizel Ann S. Lacanilao.

The purpose of the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follows the admonition of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the sick and afflicted .

More than one million workdays of labor are contributed each year by volunteers in support of welfare initiatives.

LDSC sponsors relief and development projects in 195 countries and territories and give assistance without regard to race, religious affiliation, or nationality. Aid is based on the core principles of personal responsibility, community support, self-reliance, and sustainability. Largely run with volunteer labor, they operate both independently and in cooperation with other charitable organizations and governments.