Students from the National Service Training Program (NSTP) at Cebu Technological University – Tabogon Extension, Daanbantayan Campus, recently organized an outreach program in Brgy. San Isidro, Tabogon, Cebu. On June 17, 2023, they visited the community to distribute school supplies and nutritious lugaw to students and residents.
The event was made possible through the efforts of the NSTP Officers and the guidance of their dedicated instructors, namely Mrs. Amiel G. Sumagang, Mrs. Jessa Ann A. Veraces, and Mr. Ramel I. Colegado.
The NSTP students from various programs, including BSHM, BSIT, BTLED, BEED, and BSIE, raised funds for the outreach program by collecting donations from their classmates and professors. Their collective efforts enabled them to gather enough school supplies, including notebooks, paper, ballpoint pens, pencils, and rulers, to provide each student in the community with a complete set of educational materials.
Upon their arrival, the NSTP students were warmly welcomed by Brgy. Captain Hon. Junipher O. Garcia. The Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) students distributed the donated school supplies, reaching 116 sets for grateful students from Grades 1 to 6.
In addition to providing school supplies, the Literacy Training Service (LTS) students took the opportunity to conduct a brief orientation on the importance of education and the crucial role of the youth in nation-building. They encouraged the students to pursue their studies diligently and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.
Following the distribution of school supplies, the NSTP students and teachers shifted their focus to providing warm and nourishing lugaw to the barangay residents. They had prepared the lugaw, using rice, chicken, and vegetables, and served it in steaming bowls. The residents were grateful for the heartfelt meal, especially on a scorching hot day.
Helen R. Gepiga, one of the NSTP students organizing the event, shared, “We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community of Brgy. San Isidro, Tabogon. We hope that our small contribution will inspire others to do the same and that we can all work together to impact the lives of those around us positively.”
The barangay residents expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the NSTP students and teachers for their generosity and kindness. They acknowledged that the school supplies and lugaw would greatly assist the students and families, particularly those facing financial challenges.
This outreach program serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the spirit of community service. The NSTP students and teachers demonstrated that with a little effort and a compassionate heart, we can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Words by Romulo L. Rodrigo Jr.