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Light for Xavier Ecoville

Tuesday, 21 February 2012 01:32 |

Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 February 2012 01:30 |

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Turnover ceremony of the solar lamps From L-R: STEAG respresantives Jerome Soldevilla, Ghaye Alegrio and Dr. Carsten Evers, XU representative Fr. Eric Velandria, SJ, Hapinoy respresentative Bam Aquino and Xavier Ecoville partner beneficiary Anna Lisa Romer

Last Saturday February 18, 2012, the Xavier Ecoville residents warmly welcomed their visitors from different groups who came to give “light for Ecoville”, as that day’s program was titled.

Bam Aquino, the former chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC), was one of the guests who were present that morning. He introduced the Hapinoy sari-sari store program as one of the possible livelihood projects the residents of Xavier Ecoville could engage themselves into. The Hapinoy Nanays namely Jane and Tisay stirred up inspiration as they shared their personal testimonies about the program. The two women had similar rough experiences as the Xavier Ecoville residents. But they tried venturing into the sari-sari store business and eventually participated in trainings that led into bigger opportunities for them.

From the light of hope shining through the stories of Hapinoy, came the physical light from STEAG. Dr. Carsten Evers, the power plant manager of STEAG, gave a brief talk then turned over their donated solar lamps to Xavier Ecoville. A quick demo on the proper use and handling of the new solar lamps was conducted with the residents.

In support to their former chairman, the present NYC representatives also came with gifts- underwear for the youth in Xavier Ecoville.

The program ended with a thank you message from Orlando Dela Calazada, a partner beneficiary of Xavier Ecoville and with closing remarks from Engr. Elpidio Paras, chairman of the board of trustees of Xavier University.

With the bright smiles taped on their faces after the program, it’s not so hard to see how light is finally shining back into the lives of the Xavier Ecoville residents, thanks to the supports of partner organizations that ever-willing to extend their helping hands.

Monday, 20 February 2012 02:15 |

Last Updated on Monday, 20 February 2012 02:20 |

February 17, 2012- The first year level of Xavier University High School invited Xavier Ecoville kids aged 6-9 to a puppet show featuring the different stories of the famous Filipino folklore character Juan Tamad. This activity was done in in line with XUHS’ annual English month celebration. The XUHS freshmen served the kids some snacks and gave each one of them a pack of school supplies. Games followed after the puppet show and gifts were distributed to the enthusiastic bunch of tots.

Friday, 17 February 2012 03:57 |

Last Updated on Friday, 17 February 2012 04:02 |

From L-R Ana Oliveros (Pres. of Social Housing Finance Corp.), Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ (Pres. of XU), Fr. Antonio Ledesma, SJ (Archbishop of CdeO) and Robert Calingo (Executive Director of PEF) behind them are the board of trustees of PEF

Xavier University (XU) president Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ signed a memorandum of agreement with the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) at exactly two months after the Sendong tragedy. The MOA is basically about PEF’s support for Xavier Ecoville’s community development and livelihood components. After the signing, the Lumbia Resettlement Project Chairman Roel Ravanera gave a report about the current conditions of Xavier Ecoville. Then a brief discussion between XU and PEF followed.

Friday, 17 February 2012 03:41 |

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 00:32 |

Yesterday February 16 2012, the fourth batch of families was transferred to Xavier Ecoville, a resettlement project in Lumbia led by Xavier University (XU) in partnership with the LGU.

The newly relocated group comprised of 26 families from 4 different evacuation sites around the city namely Macasandig, Camaman-an, Barangay 24 and West City Central School. The transfer of families started at 1PM. It was a success despite of the heavy downpour later that afternoon. This batch of beneficiaries occupied the bunkhouses built by International Organization for Migration (IOM), a partner of XU. There are now 130 families residing in the Xavier Ecoville.

Photo by: Carlou Odchigue

Wednesday, 15 February 2012 00:45 |

Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 06:52 |

Hearts on fire

The Xavier University (XU) community celebrated the day of love with a mass of thanksgiving and remembering. Sendong survivors gathered at the Immaculate Concepcion chapel to thank God for the gift of life while others came to remember their loved ones whose lives had been taken away by the typhoon. After the mass, 57 sky lanterns were lighted in the XU soccer field to symbolize the 57 days that have passed since Sendong has struck the city. As the lanterns floated into the air, everyone was asked to pray and remember the souls of those who have gone ahead.