The Volunteer Service Program (VSP) WILFREDO “Kulas” S. GARINGA, JR.
Ateneo de Naga University, BS Psychology 2012 Kulas was assigned as a Guidance Counselor and English Teacher at the Divine Child Academy of Lawaan in Lawaan, Eastern Samar. Through Kulas’ work, Students had a safe venue to talk about their personal issues, problems, and concerns. Students with disciplinary issues were made aware of their misdeeds and were given guidance and help. Parents/guardians were informed of the students’ scholastic performance and behavior in school. Students gained confidence in speaking English. All members of the staff had active roles in the school paper and yearbook and students learned basic journalism skills. Students were able to practice their social skills, boost their self-confidence, and celebrate their accomplishments with their parents.
STEFANI NICOLE “Nikki” D. ALCANTAR
Ateneo de Manila University, BS Management 2012 Nikki was assigned as the President’s Assistant for Special Projects at the Loyola College Culion (LCC) in Culion, Palawan. Through the Discernment Committee which Nikki was part of, the different committees were able to make better decisions about the school. As a teacher, only 1 student dropped out of her College Algebra class after exceeding the number of allowed absences and 9 out of 11 students passed; in Trigonometry, 16/18 passed; in Chemistry, all passed (17/17); in Management Accounting, all passed (2/2). Three of the First Year AB Literature majors became Dean’s Listers. The pictures she took were used as promotion materials and in the website design. Hotel operations have stabilized and there is a steady inflow of guests. The staff continues to be enthusiastic about their work. Hotel Maya was able to host its first wedding with foreign guests.
YNEZ YSABEL “Ynez” V. ALCID
Ateneo de Manila University, BS Legal Management 2008 Ynez was assigned as a Community Enterprise Development Facilitator with Uma Republika in San Vicente, Sumilao, Bukidnon. Ynez worked with the women in the community to explore potential value-added products and services. With her help, the women’s committee of PANAW-Sumilao Multi-purpose Cooperative explored potential products and enterprises, particularly farm eco-tours, hand-knit coasters, knit bags made from “up-cycled” sacks, brooms, and cornick (crispy corn snack). Through Ynez’ work, Networks were established to promote the local enterprises. There was a marked increase in farmers’ participation. Twenty-five PANAW women were trained and at least 3 women expressed eagerness to continue with the cornicks enterprise. Skilled women gained supplemental income from handknits. There was a reported increase in household income by 25%-35% in the last 3 months of implementation. Several product batches of handknits (including test marketing batches) have been produced with increased production volume, improved design, and improved quality. The cooperative’s operations: data management, monitoring and evaluation were in place thus PANAW-Sumilao was able to comply with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and members can avail of loans and program benefits.
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