By Paulo Diesta

In the recently concluded Christian Service and Involvement Program (CSIP) and Tulong Dunong (TD) events held last March 19, partner communities and schools were invited to be given recognition and awards.

The event was celebrated in the Formation and Learning Center (FLC), where a mass was conducted followed by the program proper.

Before the program began, breakfast was provided to the invited CSIP partner communities and TD schools.

Afterward, they were guided to the third floor of the FLC to commemorate the feast of St. Joseph alongside the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) community. 

The invitees then proceeded to the venue of the program proper. An opening prayer was led by Mr. Pino Panotes, followed by Ms. Jerlie Sianda for the introduction of partner communities and organizations.

Ms. Jennifer Conception of the Assistant Principal for Formation (APFor) gave the welcome remarks for the event before the partner organizations had their salo-salo.

A reflection segment of the program was headed by Mr. Luis Sinangote (12-Daniel). In this portion entitled “Witnessing,” he briefly reflected on his CSIP experience.

In his speech, Luis highlighted the importance of having dedication, perseverance, and hope amidst facing the adversities of life. He also narrated how the immersion visits had helped ignite his empathy and passion in being of service to others.

“Habang sinasalamin ko ang aking oras sa komunidad, napagpasyahan ko na ang kaligayahan ay maaaring mabuo sa pinakamaliit na bagay, at sa pinakamalaking intensyon,” he said, adding that even the smallest steps may contribute to the betterment of society.

“Sa aking pagtayo dito sa Ateneo at malapit nang magtapos, sana’y itanim sa aking puso na patuloy akong tumulong sa ibang tao kahit kakaunti lamag ang aking maibibigay, dahil alam ko ang pinakamaliit na bagay ay nagbabago sa buhay ng isang tao at sa kapalit ay maaaring baguhin din ang lipunan,” Luis expressed.

Other fun activities, including a talent show and parlor games, were done to make the visitors have a more remarkable and enjoyable stay in the ASHS, even for just a short while.

As a culmination of the program, CSIP partner communities and TD schools were given their respective certificates as a token of gratitude, with the performance of the Symphonic Ensemble further spicing up the event.

To conclude, Mr. Javy Fabello of the Assistant Principal for Academics (APAcad) gave his closing remarks.

Person For and With Others

In commemoration of St. Joseph the worker, the ASHS community organized an event with CSIP partner organizations and TD schools as they too, are people who represent hard work.

“Kagaya ni San Jose na manggagawa, ang karamihan sa mga partner communities natin na pamilya ay karaniwang manggagawa. At pinapahalagahan natin kagaya ni San Jose ang kanilang ambag upang maging mas higit na maging malakas ang isang komunidad sa Pilipinas,” Ms. Jerlie Sianda mentioned.

With the current cohesion between the partner communities and the ASHS, the bridges formed by the Social Involvement Programs (SIPs) are of great importance not only in coordinating towards creating long-term solutions, but also through molding a student’s perception of the intertwining complexity of problems present in society.

“Sa ilang pagbisita at pakikipamuhay doon sa pamayanan, sa palagay namin ay kahit papaano naiiba yung pagtingin ng mag-aaral tungkol sa kapatid nating tinatawag ay naghihirap o mahihirap. Hindi sila mahirap dahil sila ay tamad kundi mahirap dahil hindi sila nabibigyan ng oportunidad,” Ms. Sianda emphasized. 

Seeing the conflicts present today and its implications which intensify the already present problem, the role of the SIPs in forming persons for and with others is and will always be a serious undertaking. 

Nevertheless, the departments remain determined because of the passion present in each and everyone to find a resolution in the midst of several uncertainties. 

“Hangga’t walang pagkakapantay-pantay, yung init ng kalooban ko na tumulong at dalhin ang mag-aaral upang mas maging mulat ay naroon at hindi mawawala,” Ms. Sianda concluded.