Expanding its outreach program beyond the borders of the city, the Makati Hope Christian School travelled the seas and visited Mangyan students in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro last February 17-18.
Headed by the Early Childhood Department teachers, the 10-man delegation brought food packages and school supplies to the students whose school is located on top of a mountain, requiring the learners to trek the dangerous area for more than an hour just to listen and grow in their education.
“We thought that the only challenge we would face going to Lagutay Elementary School was carrying the school supplies and goods that we packed for the Mangyan students. And the one-hour trail with continuous ascend going to the Mangyan Community was what we least expected. We thought that it would be an easy trek but we were wrong. Some of the volunteers were not used to climb mountains or walked on the trail that we passed through.
And I am so proud of them that they push through with the mission and was able to reached the school. We were able to accomplished our mission to share the blessings to the less fortunate students and were able to put smiles on their faces as well as smile on our faces too. The emotion that we felt when they sang ‘Pasasalamat’ was indescribable. It was MHCS who wanted to share the blessings to them but I felt that I was the who was blessed during that moment,” shared Dianne Villacampa, one of the volunteers.
“It really was a heart warming and life changing event that truly celebrated the faithfulness
of God in our lives,” teacher Pat Habala added.
“This outreach program has been an eye-opener, for sure not only to me, but to other par-
ticipants, as well. I am blessed to be part of this meaningful activity where we were able to
share God’s blessings to others. Not only the program flow, but the entire trip went really
smooth. We didn’t encounter any problems at all. It was a fun and a touching experience.
Hoping there will be more activities like this in the future,” teacher Cha Pardo stated.
Nurse Raquel Pardo shared that she had “a wonderful experience in Mindoro! The Mangyans’ children were absolutely adorable and happy. Though the time was short, the learning from them about their culture, their hopes and their dreams, made it all worthwhile. I shall continue supporting this work wherever I will be.”
“The program went well as planned. It’s a humbling experience, especially seeing the teachers giving their best to provide education to the kids,” Belle Alvero quipped.
Manibeth Maramba, the project leader, said that the outreach activity was a “completion of my desire to help communities in need by sharing what God has blessed me with. This event will not be possible if the Lord has not touched the hearts of the donors and everyone who helped make sure that this will be successful.”
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