As part of the annual celebration of the feast of St. Ignatius, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), together with select college student organizations and in coordination with the Formation and Student Support Offices (FSSO), continued their engagement with the Indigenous People at Brgy. La Anunciacion, Iriga City. Together with select college student organizations, student leaders, moderators, and office staff conducted different programs for the Pong-Ol tribe at Iriga last August 9, 2025.
Four student organizations collaborated in providing educational activities for children aged six to eleven (6-11), where each group could apply their particular skills in alignment to their nature and mission.
The Ateneo Nursing Students Association (ANSA) started with hygiene lessons focused on hand washing and tooth brushing, emphasizing the need for these in avoiding sickness. They also assigned students for the blood pressure or BP-taking for adults in the vicinity. The Ateneo College Red Cross Youth taught Basic Wound Care to the children and adults present at the venue, and used a brief demonstration to make each step easier to remember. The Rotaract Club of Ateneo de Naga University (RAC-ADNU) ran interactive games in between sessions, and assisted each group in their needs throughout the program. Lastly, the Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyong Pilipino (STEP) ended with a storytelling session about St. Ignatius while the children enjoyed their warm cup of goto. Aside from these, the children also each received a hygiene kit and school supply kit, sponsored by ANSA and the Office of the University President respectively.
On the other hand, the Ateneo Sarong Bangui Junior Eagles, Anduyog Junior Eagles, and Uswag Junior Eagles were in charge of the packing and distribution of donated clothes for the families. Through the generous donations of the formation offices and individuals, food packs were also given to the parents who went through the recollection facilitated by the FSSO members.
The semestral outreach activity contributes to the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals namely SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 4: Quality Education. Coincidentally, August 9 is also the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.
Text: MJ Reyes
Photos: Kokoy Almoneda
