By: Aiko H. Iwata

‘Tis the season of giving!

During the previous year, Rotaract Club of SISFU (RAC SISFU) made the students from CAA Elementary School ‘Heroes’, and this year they have become ‘Champions’. Headed by Stephanie Lacuanan (Vice President), the SISFU Christmas Drive was held last 6th of December 2019 with the theme: Little Champs.

The chosen beneficiaries, 3rd and 4th graders of CAA Elementary School arrived in the SISFU Campus to have their breakfast sponsored by Gavin Ramos (SISFU Rotaractor) and his family, with the assistance of the food committee headed by Patrice Fonte (Secretary).

The event started at around 9am whereas the prayer was led by Aiko Iwata (Immediate Past President), which was followed by the Philippine National Anthem, and The Champion President (TCP) Celine Go had the opening remarks. As an ice breaker, Matt Mendoza and the ushers played ‘The Boat is Sinking’ with the kids before the talks.

The program comprised of four talks: the first talk was about Proper Hygiene – Hand Washing and Oral Care led by Ms. Lei Manansalang; the second talk, Study Habits, was discussed by Ms. Ailene Fulgencio; the third talk focuses on Financial Literacy with Mr. Fiel Evident and Cebuana Lhuillier as speakers; and lastly, the Super Munti Kids, which focuses on behavior and character development, was led by District Rotaract Area Representative (MunParLa) Vincent Naval of Rotaract Club of Miraculous Medal-Sucat with the collaboration of SISFU Cradle.

Each talk prepared by RAC SISFU and its chosen speakers fulfill different categories under Rotary such as Clean Water & Sanitation, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Education Literacy, Economic & Community Development, Peace & Conflict Resolution, and Public Image. Each talk had a special giveaway; books were given by Ms. Grace Chong (Author & SISFU Lecturer); piggy banks were from Mr. Jovit Clutario (Club Adviser); and hygiene kits from SISFU Students.

Towards the end of the program, the SISFU management and staff were invited to hand their gifts of school supplies to the students. In addition, RAC SISFU (with the help of other Rotaract clubs from Rotaract District 3830) prepared a Noche Buena package for the kids to bring home to their families.

The SISFU Christmas Drive was once again a success! This would not have been possible without the giving of generous donors, sponsors, and partners. With that, RAC SISFU would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to all of its donors, partners, speakers, rotaractors, club advisers, and of course to its mother club, Rotary Club of Makati Salcedo for the support and contribution to this event. The club would like to thank Gwen Arnoco (SISFU Student) for being the official host of the event.

Furthermore, RAC SISFU would like to acknowledge the presence of SISFU President, Dr. Melva Diamante; Vice President (Academic Support and Marketing), Dr. Jerry Aguilar; Senior High School Programme Head, Ms. Ailene Fulgencio; Executive Marketing Education Specialist, Ms. Annabelle Lesaca; Business Management Programme Administrative Head, Ms. Kim Pedge; and Rotary Club of Makati Salcedo’s Champion President, Ms. Miko Jimenez, for having the time to visit and join us in the event.