Invited children participating in an activity during the event. Photo by Charlotte Billy Sabanal

“It is to extend our hearts to the less fortunate children, those who are abandoned by their parents and are left by their family. To see their smiles and faces of happiness make me realize that charity is pleasurable”.

These were the sentiments SAMAHAN Welfare Committee Head and Children’s Hour main organizer Janna Magbanua. As part of the university’s tradition to give back to the less fortunate, the event was held at the school’s Miguel Pro Conference Room last Aug. 12.

The main participants of the event were 45 children from various marginalized sectors. There were also over 70 student-volunteers who took part in facilitating the event.

Michael Israel and Lilibeth Ortillano, street educators and representatives from the City’s Social Services and Development Office, also participated in order to encourage awareness about the street children of Davao.

“This is one-way para mashare niyo sa mga bata ang happiness from the efforts of the students. And this event is also a reminder na mayroon pa palang mga tao na gustong magextend ng help sa mga bata”, Israel said.

Student-volunteers also shared their experiences with the children and the lessons they learned.

“Nakakagaan ng feeling ang pagtulong sa iba. Our efforts are paid by the happiness we saw from the face of the children. Isa ito sa mga experiences ko na hindi ko makakalimutan,” second year BS Social Work student Bai Tahlia Sinsuat said.

During the event, Magbanua also stated that students must be more critical to the needs of others.

“This is our way of breaking boundaries, this is a point of encouragement where one is called to be an instrument of serving others. We have to instill to these children that it’s not too late to have ambitions, and from these ambitions, we can be more successful,” Magbanua said.

The event was organized by the SAMAHAN Welfare Committee in cooperation with the city government and members of the Badjao community.