By Xarah Yap

By Alexia Bangayan and Noriko Yamamoto

On Wednesday, March 18, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) community conducted the Social Involvement Mass at the the third floor of the Formation Learning Center (FLC), as part of Commitment Week 2026, involving partner communities of the Christian Service Involvement Program (CSIP) and partner schools of the Tulong Dunong (TD) program.

The mass was led by Fr. Chester Yacub, SJ, who began his homily by congratulating all those who were involved in the TD program throughout its 50-year history.

He then reflected on a commencement speech in 1973, wherein it only fostered the idea of being ‘‘men for others.’’

He explained that it eventually became more inclusive with the new principle being ‘‘persons-for-and-with-others.’’

He then encouraged everyone to embody this value, emphasizing that being a person for others goes beyond the simple acts of giving.

“Simple lang naman po ang pag-aaya sa pagiging persons-for-and-with-others — hindi lang ito alay para sa atin kung ‘di para sa kapwa,” he stated, adding that the principle involves recognizing not only what people have, but also what they lack.

He also reminded everyone of the importance of empathy, explaining that being a person with others means ‘‘ang pakikisama sa kapwa.’’

To illustrate this, Fr. Yacub shared a personal story from when he was 22, when he was working, and a friend had applied for the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). 

 As his friend was set to take the college entrance exam, Fr. Yacub encouraged him by saying, “Galingan mo.”

Fr. Yacub also shared his experience as a priest serving communities, such as patients at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and persons deprived of liberty as part of the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS).

As part of the Society of Jesus Social Apostolate (SJSA), he highlighted their objective to promote recognition and provide better protection for workers in the informal sector.

He underscored that people should not be pitied but instead understood as fellow brothers and sisters. 

After the mass, a program was conducted in commemoration of TD’s 50th anniversary entitled ‘‘Golden Threads,’’ which featured various activities for the TD students and recognition of CSIP partners.