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.
