These describe the children of Endrina Street, San Carlos City, Philippines as they took to their seats in anticipation of the Bags of Hope from ARCORES International. Last October 5, 2024, at least 57 children aged two to 12 years old received school supplies inside a Bag of Hope. They merrily joined in activities that the guidance counsellors of the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City facilitated.
Rev. Fr. Rouel Sia, OAR, president of ARCORES (Augustinian Solidarity Network) Filipinas together with Mr. Jose Peace Fuentes, Ms. Joydeleen Revilla and Ms. Mary Ann Benarao of USJ-R brought the supplies from Cebu City for the children whose houses were razed by the September 6 fire that affected 109 families.
Ms. Revilla led the activities. The highlight of which was coloring the “Doodle Earth: Art for the Environment” By Fray Jaazeal ‘Tagoy’ Jakosalem, OAR, the president of ARCORES International. After coloring, the children showed their works to the guidance counsellors that also included Ms. Jamela Mapa, guidance associate of Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, Inc.
Rev. Fr. Monday Benjamin Edobor, OAR, the director of CST-R Community Extension and Development Office (CEDO) also helped facilitate the event.
ARCORES Bags of Hope: Bridging Education is a project that helps children after crisis situation so that they can return to their studies. This project aims to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goal Number 4 on “Quality Education.”
Siempre en Misión. Rev. Fr. Monday Benjamin Edobor, OAR, director of CST-R Community Extension and Development Office, leads the opening prayer to begin the activity with the children with God’s grace and love. Energizing the Energized. The children of Endrina Street delight in playing team games with Ms. Mary Ann Benarao of the University of San Jose-Recoletos. Bridging Education. Rev. Fr. Rouel Sia, OAR, president of ARCORES Filipinas check on the children during the doodle activity. Meaningful Colors. Ms. Joydeleen Revilla, guidance counselor from USJ-R, gives her interpretation of the work of a beneficiary. Tell It to Fr. Ben.A child who is enchanted by Fr. Edobor shows and tells the prelate of his doodle.One Recollect Action. Ms. Revilla (L) and Ms. Jamela Mapa (R) of CST-R facilitate the doodle activity. Happy to Receive the Bag of Hope. Fr. Edobor puts on a Bag of Hope to a child who was a victim of the fire on Endrina Street. The Cheerful Receiver. A child puts on his best smile as his name was called to receive school supplies and a Bag of Hope. Like Winning the Lottery. A child flashes his best smile and says it is like winning the lottery as he receives a Bag of Hope. “Let the Children Come Unto Me.” A beneficiary, who also serves as altar boy for the Mission Chapel of Endrina Street under the Diocese of San Carlos, leads the closing prayer. Thank you, ARCORES. In chorus, the children of Endrina Street shout their gratitude to ARCORES International after receiving the Bags of Hope.
