By Lilibeth Tan

The Social Outreach Committee of the Parent Auxiliary in cooperation with the school's social action has continuously supported and adopted the depressed community of Tuberias, located at Barangay Batis and Barangay San Perfecto, San Juan City . The high 3 parents and the grade 7 parents spearheaded the first outreach. These two batches pooled their time and resources together to prepare for the outreach. Parents gave their full support by donating medicines and cash. The also volunteered their time to help, sort, pack and purchase some medicines for the big day which was on July 19, 2008.

During the outreach day, there were seven doctors who offered their services. Dr. George Co, Dr. Joe Jin, husband and wife Dr. Willy and Anna Ong, Dr. Earl Go, and two municipal doctors from San Juan. We were able to service 285 patients for medical consultation and 50 patients for eye consultation. Parents were there to help out and were assigned to different stations. This outreach was different from all the others because of the overwhelming response of the students. Both grade 7 and high 3 students were present on that day. They even outnumbered the parent volunteers. Some came on their own, without their parents to help out that day. I was truly happy to see these students help out in the registration, getting the patients' weight and height, organizing lines, dispensing medicines and accompanying the elderly and the sick to meet with the doctors. I would like to congratulate these girls for taking time out to attend the outreach. Instead of going out to the malls or staying in the comfort of their homes, they went out of their way to wake up early and join the outreach.

This outreach was successful because aside from reaching out to our less fortunate brothers and sisters, we were also able to educate our children and give them an opportunity to widen their perspective of the world they live in. Experience is the best way for our children to learn. This experience will help them to have compassion for others. This will develop their appreciation for all the blessings that they have received and also not to take these for granted. With this experience, they might learn to reach out to others, share their resources and talents and decide to make a difference in the world.

•  I would like to thank the parents who allowed their children to join this activity. I hope you may continue to allow your children to participate in outreach activities.

•  I would like to thank the teachers who encouraged their students to attend. Teachers influence our children in many ways. Your encouragement and good example to our children will help them become women for others.

•  I would like to thank the Chi Liam Tong Foundation and Dr. George Co. They have been present in many outreach programs of ICA and have generously supplied free eyeglasses to the patients

•  I would like to thank all the parents who attended the outreach. Your continuous presence, support and cooperation have really gone a long way in helping our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

I am truly happy for the success of the first outreach, and looking forward to the succeeding outreach activities of other levels.

Students who attended the outreach:

Riana Tan, Jo Arne Lee, Natasia Ng, Megan Ong, Keisha Lao of 7-Unity, Zoe Sy, Katherine Andujare, Chynna Mendoza, Althea Ng, Alexandra Ngo, Katrina Jao, Francine Tan, Carol Uy of 7-Courage, Andrea Tack, Marielle Choo of 7-Dignity, Angela Tan of 7-Harmony, Arianne Dy of 7-Goodness, Gyldaine Tan, Stephanie Grace Ong, Kristine Andujare of H3-Zeal, Danielle Tan, Joanne Chua and Jennifer Gaisano of H3-Justice.