“Mawawakasan ang kahirapan, kung lahat ay tataya para sa bayan.”

This was the resounding call of the 28 students from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. as they participated in Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. Bayani Challenge 2023, held in New Lucena, Iloilo.

Dubbed as the country's biggest volunteerism event, the Bayani Challenge aimed at uplifting communities and ending poverty from June 8-12.

In an interview, Community Extension Services (CES) Officer, Mrs. Mirazol D. Dionson lauded the students' active involvement, highlighting the institution's deep commitment to community development.

"They have proven that the youth are really the backbone of our nation as they selflessly contribute their time and skills to this initiative," she added.

Throughout the five-day event, Lacsonians participated in various activities such as Kusina ng Kalinga, House Build, Paraisong Pambata, Kalinga sa Kalusugan, Sports Program, Kalinga sa Kalikasan, Kalinga Night, and Disaster Preparedness.

"The connections I have made and the impact we have created together have inspired me to continue serving my community and be a catalyst for positive change," said Mark Jolian Boltron, one of the Lacsonian volunteers.

JBLFMU-Arevalo, through its strong Community Extension Services (CES) and the involvement of its students in initiatives like Gawad Kalinga's Bayani Challenge, continues to make strides in fostering a culture of volunteerism.

Earlier this year, the university collaborated with Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project (ABC+) and different volunteer groups to pack and distribute school supplies to affected Typhoon Paeng victims.

The provisions of cleaning materials, teacher's kits, and learning kits are estimated to reach 135 public elementary schools, benefitting 800,000 teachers and 25,000 learners in Region VI.

 by: Mdpn. Francis C. Baldemor

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