DSG Engineering unite for a cause: A memorable encounter with PDIC kids
FROM the slogan “Once a leader, forever a leader”, the Alumni of the Departmental Student Government (DSG) of the College of Engineering, University of Mindanao, Davao City successfully launched a back to back event in partnership with the City Government of Davao thru the City Social Services and Development Office which catered the DSG Alumni get together re-union and a Community Service extended to kids at the Paginhawaan Drop In Center for Children (PDICC) located at San Pedro St., Davao City on June 29, 2019.
The said activity became an opportunity for some of the members who are now leaders of different engineering professions, to show and use their talents, skills and leadership abilities that inspired forty young boys and girls ages five to sixteen years old to dream and work for their aspirations despite of their background who came from streets, abused, neglected and abandoned children of the community.
The program started with a Zumba exercise which envigored the interests of the children followed by the Spiritual Engagement activity initiated by Engr. Gideon G. Tolentino, DSG Governor, 199798 where the children’s spiritual side was focused and they were reminded to put God first in all their undertakings and rely on his grace as to what they can do to their lives. In the said occasion, I, as the DSG Governor, 1999-2000 showed some video clips of some childhood experiences relative to bullying and its laws which taught them good moral values and educate them about it’s consequences and how to deal with it specially to kids with the same age.
Mr. Vengie B. Sesaldo, DSG Governor, Batch 1996-97 took advantage of sharing his past experiences as one of the street children who became part of the center, worked hard, finished his studies and became successful despite his past while, Engr. Joseph Darren Claire S. Solicar, DSG Governor Batch 1995-96 motivated them and shared the advantages of working hard, reached his ambition and became successful in his chosen career. He said, he was able to help other students by sharing his skills & knowledge. Engr. Alexander T. Mendiola also shared his past experiences as one of the frequently bullied student and a poor kid who lost his father at a very young age, used his weakness to achieve his goals where, he was able to outwit some of the brightest in their class during his school days.
Some other activities include giving away of Jollibee food stuffs, DOLE bananas and pizza as meals & snacks of the feeding program while Ms. Aida T. Pendatun-Tolentino, DSG
Governor, 1998-99, Engr. Ryan B. Varona, DSG Governor, 2000-2001 & Engr. Jimwell L. Bonguyan, DSG BOD 19992000, spearheaded some team building activities by way of some parlor games which instilled team work, cooperation and the spirit of sportsmanship values to the children.
In the afternoon, guest speaker/teacher, Johoana M. Maloon, wife of Engr. Joel I. Maloon, DSG Auditor- 199899, taught the children of the basic values education and grooming which encouraged good ethics and importance of personal hygiene to maintain good health. And at the end of the said session, the children became more patient and attentive.
The activity concluded with the formal turn-over of goods like individual hand towels and slippers, basic personal hygiene and grooming kits, school supplies, used clothes, sports gears and other basic game facilities, and basic vitamins and medicines. While Engr. Ithamar Jose B. Juson, DSG Auditor 1989-91, in his speech, suggested to tie up with other organizations in the future activities and Mr. Rolando Ian Madolora, RSW, represented Ms. Malou Bermudo, Head of CSSDO gave a very positive remark in response to the said endeavour.
Other present & contributors that led the success of the activity were as follows: Rosemarie Ang- Arabejo (P.I.O 1999-2000), Engr. Jenny Rose C. Gilla (B.O.D 2000-02), Gay Lihaylihay-Valledor (Treasurer 1996-97); Rachelle S. Handa (B.O.D 1999-2000), Amita Salac (Dept. Rep. 1998-99), Maylyn Duran- Delostrico (B.O.D 1998-99), Engr. Razel ZamoraEsmalana (Treasurer 1997-98), Patrick Henry C. Gilla (Dept. Rep. 1999-2000), Arnold L. Bacalso (Auditor 1998-99), Engr. Greg S. Badiang (B.O.D 1998-99), Engr. Mervin B. Rapisora (Secretary 1996-97), Engr. Jesse C. Talavera (Auditor 1999-2000), Shiela L. DuropanKong (Treasurer 19992000), Engr. Grace E. Galindo (Dept. Rep. 1999-2000), Geramalyn E. Galindo- Aranaydo (Dep. Rep. 1998-99), Grace Limosnero- Desamero (Secretary 1998-2000), Engr. Emilie Soriano- Bulosan (B.O.D 1999-2000), Anthony Dormile (B.O.D 1997-98), Engr. Jessve D. Daypuyart (Vice Gov. 199798). Next lined up activity is the Mural Painting Project in PDICC which is scheduled during the Kadayawan Festival on August, this year. (Engr. Sharon Angelica Gilla- Bonguyan, M.P.A/ DSG Governor 1999-2000)