SIO celebrates Christmas Party in Mabca, Sagñay;
Student volunteers defer first day of vacation for a cause

As if a miracle, the rain stopped pouring last December 23, 2007 to give way to a simple community Christmas Party in Mabca - a far-off barangay in Sagñay.   No glossy decorations, no blinking lights, no delicately wrapped gifts under a tall tree, no lavish banquet. There was just a shed that spread across the space outside the Mabca Barangay Hall, some two hundred residents – both young and old in their ordinary clothes, and faith that something meaningful would happen that day. 

At 2 o’clock p.m., the excitement and fun, facilitated by eleven student volunteers and two facilitators from the Center for Community Development who opted to spend their first day of Christmas vacation in the outreach activity, begun.
 
USIC chairperson Atty. Mila Raquid-Arroyo, instead of delivering the usual messages, challenged the participants to share their thoughts on Christmas.  Defying the “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” western culture, Atty. Raquid-Arroyo stressed that children should bear in mind that Christmas is not about Santa Claus giving gifts, but about remembering Jesus Christ and how He selflessly gave Himself to the world  -  the greatest of all gifts.   She emphasized that Christmas is about “pagheheras” or sharing.    This, she explained, is what inspires the commitment of the Ateneo de Naga University to partner with communities like Sagñay.

The people of Mabca -- children, adult, and senior citizens alike, happily responded to Atty. Raquid-Arroyo’s invitation to share their thoughts and reflections on Christmas.  Some were even so emotional in sharing that their joys – the gifts of family and friendship are what they consider precious gifts from God.    They shared that Christmas is also a time for thanksgiving despite the material poverty that they experience in their daily lives.

“Ang Pasko ay para kay Jesus,” a tiny voice echoed, touching the hearts of the participants as he gave his innocent but meaningful view on Christmas.
 
An emotional Dr. Patacsil, the Municipal Health Officer of Sagñay, also expressed his high hopes and gratitude.   He reminded the people of Sagñay that despite the challenges that tested their faith in 2007  -  the fire incident inside the SAFECO facility which nearly cost the lives of some 21 residents,   they still have so many things to be thankful for. One of which, he said, was the coming of ADNU through the University Social Involvement Council (USIC).   Dr. Patacsil, the ADNU-INECAR and Atty. Raquid-Arroyo, together with the people of Mabca, have been fearlessly pushing for the effective permanent closure of SAFECO, a facility for containment/treatment/disposal of hazardous and toxic wastes from industries all over the country, particularly Metro Manila.
 
More fun and surprises came next.  Even with an impromptu preparation, the participants were entertained by the ADNU team with their choral rendition of “Sa Araw ng Pasko”.

There were games for all ages – paper dance for couples, sack race for children and longest lines for everyone.   Everybody won as all those who participated received prizes and gifts.

As a part of USIC’s Supplemental Feeding Program, the kids were delighted with the delectable and nutritious oatmeal champorado prepared by the parents themselves.  On the other hand, the grown-ups feasted on simple but delicious pancit and bread shared with the team from ADNU.

Still part of ADNU’s health and nutrition program with partner communities, medicines for children were also given to those who earlier availed of a free health consultation conducted by a medical team led by Dr. Patacsil.

Another highlight of the activity was the gift-giving of a hundred new pairs of slippers for all ages. Those who are either walking on barefoot or whose slippers were already worn out happily wore their new pairs. Earlier, the SIO and Office of Student Affairs launched a campaign raising 5000 pairs of slippers for the University’s partner communities.

The volunteers may have went home physically tired but they were also filled with the feeling of fulfillment for having spent the day making Christmas for others meaningful and happy.  As one of the student volunteers reflected on the experience: “It’s worth the sacrifice of my one day of Christmas vacation. The feeling was more rewarding than any material gifts could give. I think, the reason why the University exposes us to social involvement is for us to realize that we are more than academically excellent and skilled students of our own disciplines. We are also effective agents of social transformation. That’s the truth about being an Atenean – an authentic human person for others.”