AT THE TOUGH SPOT

The training was tough but San Jay Maghanoy was tougher. What drove this 22-year-old Zamboangeño to top this year’s summer training or STOP for incoming first year was nothing short of amazing.

San Jay was on his third year in Electrical Engineering at Mindanao State University when he was forced to quit due to financial problems. He ended up running errands for his parents in their small tailoring shop in Pagadian City.

His desire to go back to school crossed his mind when a relative in Cebu took him in where he is now working after class hours to earn his keep. San Jay is taking up Electromechanics Technology and loves getting a big dose of Mathematics, a personal favorite.

“The course allows me to learn three trades. I could also enhance what I learned in college before,” San Jay said.

Adjustment with CITE life seemed like a breeze for this bookworm. Said he: “I read a lot, mostly Christian books such as God’s General and Prayer of Jabez. My tiyo told me it’s important to read to be able to communicate with anyone.”

Having skipped the school for two years, this chess and takraw enthusiast knows how to stay at the top. “I wanted to get good grades and learn skills which I can use when I’ll be working. I don’t want to disappoint my tiyo who is supporting my studies,” he added.

Knowing a good future is just three years away, San Jay is counting on CITE to prepare him for a tougher battle outside. “I’m always amazed at our tutorial system. I love the feeling that I can now have a teacher to talk to and give me advice when things don’t turn out well. It is different here,” he ended.]

LEADERS' TURN

First year class officers gathered at OK Coral, Busay for Leadership Seminar on June 28-29.

Student Affairs Officer Jun Langahin and staff Mr. Benjie Wong facilitated.

The seminar proper delved on the roles and responsibilities of a class officer, use of school forms, and issues concerning the students.

“Leadership is the cheapest success in life,” according to Sir Jun during his presentation. “Leadership is managing people and letting them cooperate with you even if you have different status,” he told the officers. The discussion on leading by example was very interesting and everybody was paying attention to it.

The cozy venue allowed spontaneity among the participants. A small get-together was held to break the ice.

It was not just a leadership seminar but also a personality development session. The activities were an eye-opener and made a great impact on their lives.

During the break, others spent their time studying their handouts while others enjoyed the view through binoculars.

MASTER IN THE MAKING

He is no Kung Fu Kid, but Junrey Limotan can definitely pick his way with a stick.

At 16, Junrey is a junior division arnis champ of the Philippine Team. Last March, he trained under his uncle, George Borces. He is also a protégé of Grandmaster Dionesio Cañete who is helping him with his monthly pledge in CITE.

He is a first year MECH student, a class secretary, an acolyte, and the eldest of eight siblings.

He won the silver medal in the “Quest for The Best” tournament in SM. He was fascinated with arnis and two of his younger brothers were also eskrimadors. Junrey said it requires discipline but still he continues playing

because he loves playing it and he looks forward to becoming a blackbelter.

Junrey is on a rigorous training for July 22-25 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Championship in SM. He will be competing against more than ten countries in the junior division. How does he prepare? “Pull-ups...I never liked push ups because it’s tiring. Don't force yourself if you didn't like to do it,” he answered.

Junrey strikes a balance between his practice and studies. “I write down my schedules and set my goal on my studies,” he said.

On his upcoming fight, he said, “I don't expect to win but I will do all my best to win.” ]

ACE OF ALL TRADE

While most students go to school before they learn the trade, Ace Balingit did otherwise.

Ace landed a job in Universal Robina Corporation as a machine operator after high school. Five months later, he was laid off. He applied as operator at Monde Nissin. When his contract expired, he worked as picker for tool department at Fairchild Semiconductors. Due to downsizing, Ace, now 20, lost his job. International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI) opened its door for him. Ace was hired as a machine operator in the F &B Department.

Unlike his previous jobs, IPI made him realize the importance of education to be competent in one’s job. He took a closer look at his life and made a decision one day—get out of IPI and go back to school.

So it happened. Ace is now in CITE taking up Industrial Electronics. He loves sharing his stories with his classmates hoping that they too would realize how important education is to secure a job and prepare for the future.]

IN THE HANDS OF THE SAMARITANS

Rey Adrian Batiansila, 17, always reminds us of one thing---that the world is still full of good Samaritans. True enough, he finds that goodness in people he least expected.

Adrian’s mother died of cancer when he was in high school. Escaping from mountains of bills, his father left him and his younger sister under the watch of a relative in Carmen. Adrian worked as a houseboy to earn his keep as he continued his schooling though a scholarship from Sec. Ace Durano.

When getting a college edu-cation seemed impossible for this teenager, a high school teacher came to his rescue. A certain Mr. Jian stood in for his parents to support his transportation and meal needs in CITE. As time went by, support had come few and far between. Adrian had to work as a motorcycle driver on weekends to support his sister and himself. With a little over P160 every week, he was always in a tight corner. “I tried to quit. I had some difficult times adjusting to being a student and the man of the house,” Adrian revealed. What he lacked in some aspects was compensated with his people skills. Adrian was a star player of a basketball team which he organized back home. He gets his share when his team wins a competition. Much of his time was devoted to organizing sports activities for the youth in Carmen. He almost won as Sangguniang Kabataan chairman last election. “I considered my pastime as the best way to forget about my own problems and help others because I am the adviser of our SK Chairman,” said he.

Now on his second year in EM Technology, Adrian receives support from Charity Fund Drive of the school, a program which he said has helped him get through his day-to-day ordeal. Though times are still tough, he believes that with CITE and some true friends around, he is definitely in good hands.]

WE ARE BEARERS OF CITE SPIRIT

“….And our tutees have to see concrete models in us,” emphasized Executive Director Ruben Laraya as he opened the Seminar for Tutors on June 6-7 at the Mountain View Nature’s Park in Busay.

As a “distinctive flavor” to the program, said Laraya, the tutorial performance needed a shot in the arm to reach a 100% target every month: a tutors’ seminar every month. Said he: “The tutorial is what makes our program effective...we have to be true to what we say we are.”

The tutorial system allows formation to take root in a personal level. During regular chats, the student discloses himself in confidence to his tutor who in return, actively listens and gives options to his tutee to go about his problems or concerns. “The tutor establishes the link between CITE and the student,” Laraya added.

The seminar included a talk on how to chat, which Academic Director Carlos Cornejo summed up in three words: “Be a friend.”

Formation Director Mars Hamoy in his talk on Character Formation underscored on the importance to form what is inside. Student Affairs Officer Jun Langahin reminded those in attendance on “professionalizing the tutorial” and gave a workshop on active listening.

Finally, CITE chaplain Fr. Roy Cimagala wrapped up the two-day seminar on Spiritual Direction as he reminds the tutors of life’s rule of the thumb: “We have to put order in our lives first before we can attempt to put order in the lives of others.” In so doing, one can truly keep the CITE spirit alive. ]

SPEECH OF TESDA RD MA. ROSANNA URDANETA

Here's the full transcript of the speech given by Regional Director Ma. Rosanna Urdaneta of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority during CITE's 4th Commencement Exercises for Industry Skills Training Program graduates on May 25, 2008.

Executive Director, Ruben Laraya, PESO Manager, Bonifacio Mercado Jr., graduates, guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

I feel privileged to be with you today to share in this exciitng occasion of your graduation.

This is a defining moment for all of you who now stand at the crossroads of your future. Whichever road you decide to take, the fate that awiats you at the end is a choice that is entirely yours to make.

If you care to look around you, you see a world full of people with great potentials, incredible skills, and unique talents. Yet sadly, many of these so called promising individuals have become a burden to their communities, their friends, and their families. Reputation and credentials alone by itself does not guarantee a bright future. You've gotta work!

And to prepare you to be in a position to compete for work in this competitive world is the business of this institution! I tell you, you couldn't be in a better place than to be here right now!

I think you know what I mean. Outside of the confines of this training center are a myriad of temptations that can cause you to slip and slide if you are not careful.

Your mentors, instructors, and this veritable institution have brought you to a position where you can make a name for yourself. They have taught you the skills, the discipline, and the ability to discern maturely which path to pursue.

WHat you will become in the future serves as a mirror to this institution, a gauge whether we have succeeded or failed in our mandate.

Maybe it has not yet sunk into your minds but I tell you, all of you are now vastly different from who and what you were when your first set foot in this premises. You have been transformed, empowered and given wings to fly by the virtue of the Industy Skills Training Program under the auspices and collaboration of CITE and TESDA.

You are a product of an educational system that smartly combines the theories learned from a classroom environment and the application of those learned theories by exposing each one of you to "actual and live" scenarios in the various industries who unselfishly extended their facilities as training ground.

The distinct advantage of this kind of educational system is that it allows students to experience work in a real setting. It gives a student a foretaste of the actual world so that when the time comes whent they are hired as "real" workers, they assimilate and adapt to the work environment much faster.

More than that, the actual experience, (with the guidance of the mentor or supervisor) allows the student to identify what areas he is strong and what areas he is weak in. Then the trainer supervisor prescribes remedial action to make him or her a more competent worker.

Your graduation today is a certification that each one of you is now equipped with an acceptable level of competence needed in your particular field of industry to produce an acceptable level of proficiency. The skills you have acquired are very powerful tools. They are in fact assets that can never be taken away from you! Yet those are transferable skills as well that you can pass on from one generation to another.

You are our new breed of ambassadors. Wherever you go you wear the "brand" of this institution and I am sure you will make us proud someday. Go then and fulfill your destiny and make your family and your country proud of you.

In closing, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to those who in one way or another contributed to the success of this endeavor, your families and loved ones, for the individual support they have given you.

Kudos too to the officers, staff, and faculty members of CITE! May God bless you and continue to prosper the work of your hands!

Press Release: CITE FETES SCHOLARS, GRANTORS

The Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE) welcomed 856 scholars for school year 2008-09 during the 17^th Scholars’ Day Rites held May 24. This year’s batch is composed of 388 first year students, 272 second year students, and 196 third year students. The scholars were presented to the CITE board of trustees in a simple ceremony.

Some students also received certificate of merit for having obtained the grade point average required for honor students. The ceremony also recognized the efforts of the benefactors who have poured in their support through educational aid to the less privileged students. Their assistance may be in the form of perpetual scholarships, tuition and fees subsidies, or meal/board and transportation allowances to help underprivileged students get by as they finished their three-year industrial technician program at CITE.

This year, CITE continues to receive support from the following individuals, civic groups, private companies, local government units, and NGO’s here and abroad. They are A.B. Soberano International Corporation, Alejandro T. Escaño, Atty. Federico J. Jarantilla, Benjamin and Carmela Du Foundation, Don Julian Teves, Don Lorenzo Escaño, F.A. Realty Corporation, Guillermo and Rafaela Du, Hiroshi K. Natori, ITP Alumni Scholarship Fund, Jose Ben R. Laraya, Jose Cupino, Juanito I. King, Luther D. Bersales, Mariano Pilar G. Saberon Foundation Inc., Mel and Delsey Borja, Meralco Foundation Inc., Prof. Hideo T. Yamada, Aloguinsan Municipal Council, Department of Science and Technology-Science Educational Institute, Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 (Lapu-lapu City), Mandaue City Government Scholars Society, San Remigio Municipal Council, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Private Education Student Financial Assistance-Asian Development Bank (TESDA-PESFA-ADB), CITE Multipurpose Cooperative, Enfant Du Mekong, HCS Foundation Inc., Japanese Scholarship Assistance Inc., Marubeni Scholarship Foundation Inc.,PASAR Foundation, Inc., Penton Clan, Rotary Club of Mactan, Rotary Club of Mandaue-North, Saint Peter Academy Foundation Inc., SOS Children’s Village, United Families of Northern Cebu for Genuine Development, JM/Universal Feedmill Corporation, TMX Philippines, Antonio R. Moraza, Arturo L. Espinosa, Berame-Leyson-Sabanal, Bishop Julito B. Cortes, Elisa-Vabby Payod, Erramon I. Aboitiz, Friends from Germany, Garces Realty, Jens Funk, Julieto B. Ardiente, Jundryl S. Oplado, Hon. Mariano R. Martinez, Klaus A. Schreiber, Leonardo G. Arriesgado, Marie Magdalen B. Soronio, Mitch M. Bacus, Mr. and Mrs. Junee Mar C. Aguilar, Mr. and Mrs. Mirardo C. Malazarte, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Gonzales, Rosa A. Laraya, Sabas T. Cabahug, Sabiniano M. Laraya Sr., Stephen G. Paradies, Wally O. Ong, and Winfred Rogelio R. Blardony.

As the school takes in more scholars this year, CITE relies heavily on the generosity on its grantors to carry out its mission of providing opportunities to those who have less and give hope to those who have lost it.

Find out how you can help more students by visiting cite.edu.ph or discuss the program with Scholarships Officer via e-mail at capuyan.ed@cite.edu.ph.

Press Release: OSY RECEIVE DIPLOMAS

Graduates of the Industry Skills Training Program (ISTP) of the Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE) received their diplomas during the 4th ISTP Commencement Exercises held on May 25.

About 250 graduates of CITE’s job preparedness program from different batches who finished the 6-month course in Industry Assemblers Course and CADD (Computer-aided Design and Drafting) Operators Course were present during the ceremony. Graduates of one-year program in Production Technology were also in attendance to join the rites. Most of these graduates are now gainfully employed in different plants of Lear Corporation and other industry partners of CITE.

Present during the ceremony were CITE executive director Ruben Laraya, Public Employment Service Office manager Jun Mercado, representatives from Lear corporation and the training center faculty members. Regional Director Ma. Rosanna Urdaneta of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-7 was invited as keynote speaker. Urdaneta noted that the graduates are the new breed ambassadors wearing the brand of the school and TESDA. With their newfound skills and competence, Urdaneta added, the graduates are now empowered to produce outputs of acceptable level of proficiency. These powerful tools can be passed on from one generation to another, she told the graduates.

The ISTP program of CITE is aimed at helping male and female high school graduates to acquire entry level skills needed in the workforce. The beneficiaries are less privileged youth but deserving ones who can’t pursue college education after high school. The trainees are assisted through scholarships, strong partnership between the school and the industries through the dual training system (Dts), and through a viable learning support which hones them into workers with good work attitude. Graduates of this program has reached more than 2000 as of this year. For more information, log on to cite.edu.ph or call (032) 346-1611 for the admission test schedules.

A LEGACY OF THEIR OWN

The class of 2008 had left a good count of memories after they officially stepped out of the threshold of the school last Saturday, May 24, 2008

It was befitting that they were sent off with heavy downpour and strong wind during their graduation rites. In the first place, these185 alumni took the school by storm three years ago.

Say, who could have thought of forming a group of dancers and cunningly named it as CITE Maneuvers? Or braved the perils of Bawgo during their weekend treks? What about Ecotone’s and Rotaractors’ mangrove planting in Naga and Lilo-an or the frequent long bike trips of Exite Omnis to explore the countryside? Only this batch, to this writer’s recollection, has traversed the academic boundaries to blaze a new trail.

These graduates were brimming with talents and when they come in packs, impossible is nothing. Who could forget the groundbreaking installations of CITE Palette during school programs or their pastel paintings and tattoo designs during Sinulog Mardi Gras? They were a work of art, indeed! Trust a bunch of IT whiz kids called Xyberguild to raise the bar of computer literacy among high school students. Their pilot project, “Share an E-skill,” left good reviews in public schools who benefited from the training. It also held true for Catechism Club when it took a full blast through the efforts of its members. And speaking of talent, who can’t resist livewire Jammy Dayon whose stage performances were nothing short of amazing?

Among the brightest emerged true leaders. Rotary Club of Mactan Rotaract president Kenneth Sotto has proven that he is one when he was hailed as the most outstanding rotaract president and rotaract council chairman this year—a first in the history. CITE Palette president, Dave Ryan Sanz also became the Academic Excellence awardee along with Elex grad Jeffrey Jake Cutos and Andrew Esber of EM department.

The graduates of 2008 will always leave a mark in the hearts of the people whom they have touched. They will become a beacon of hope to those who come after them. They may have left the school for now but their legacy surely stays forever.

And in the words of batch representative, Jeb Saldariega, braveheart is all they are after all. We salute you and thank you for all the memories.

THE SCHOOL FOR THE POOR

At the crack of dawn, 16-year-old Dodong wakes up to his usual morning chore. He walks 100 meters from home to fetch water for household use. When he returned home, his five younger siblings were getting ready for school. His mother was busy preparing for breakfast with his 2-year-old brother in tow. On the table were shreds of dried fish soaked in vinegar and some rice leftover barely enough for three.

Disheartened at the sight, he had to give way to his younger brothers and sisters who were already crowding the table. This was not the first time that he skipped breakfast. When his father lost his job last month due to economic slump, the situation got even worse. His sickly mother had accepted more laundry to augment the need of the family. As he left for school, he bid his parents goodbye and said a quick prayer for strength to get through one more day.

The depressing situation of Dodong's family is common and many have learned to accept this "common situation" as a chronic disease of society that cannot be healed. Many have accepted defeatism but CITE. When the Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE) was put up in 1990 through the inspiration of Opus Dei's first prelate, Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, the people behind the institution believed that the battle against poverty is literally and figuratively an uphill climb.

Located on the elevated suburbs of Cebu City, CITE found a simple solution from the view at the top: quality technical education for the less privileged youth. If young people like Dodong were equipped with functional skills, they could easily find jobs or start a business and thus improve their living condition.

CITE's 3-year flagship program called the Industrial Technician Program (ITP) simply does that. The program which sings almost its title aims at providing top-notch training to male high school graduates in any of these specializations: Mechanical Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology, Electromechanics Technology, and Information Technology. The ITP curriculum answers the rallying call of industries for highly skilled technicians.

ITP trains students for one year and a half in the school for theoretical subjects and laboratories related to their fields, and they are immersed in different industries for another one year and a half with corresponding allowance to help them defray their meal and transportation needs.

While in school, students benefit from strong support system that almost overshadows its main program. Apart from a curriculum that focuses on skill specific education, CITE gives emphasis on formative activities. Students are provided with one tutor each whom they can freely confide in their problems and seek for professional advice as regards their academic preparation.

Guided with the teaching of St. Josemaria Escriva, CITE ensures that the spiritual aspect of the students are never left out. Recollections, doctrine classes, daily mass and confession, and spiritual direction are within their reach for spiritual nourishment. Active student clubs, sports activities, and outreach projects also honed them into physically fit and socially active young individuals.

Another component is the scholarship assistance. Students enjoy either full or partial scholarship grants from alumni, civic groups, government units, and private companies and individuals. To sustain the program for the next generation of scholars, students are asked to give back to the school through its flexible sponsor-a-scholar-later scheme. Parents also take part in the education of their children through their monthly shares.

During their in-plant training, students are able to put their skills into real-life action under the watch of their supervisors. Students are protected by legalities due to the trainees. Their training is guided by a well-defined training plan aimed to use the students' potential to the fullest. Regular plant visits by the class adviser or tutor are conducted to ensure that training-related concerns are immediately addressed.

CITE's unique way of education is naturally inclusive. It deems the family and the faculty as important people in the holistic formation of the students. The active involvement of the parents in monthly parenting seminars and recollections helps them build a healthy relationship with their sons. Through the advisory meetings, parents get the opportunity to discuss with the teachers the scholastic performance of their sons and allow them to exchange notes with other parents. Teachers, on the other
hand, constantly undergo formative activities and programs for professional development to carry out their challenging task of forming their students into responsible adults and morally upright citizens.

The odds are really few for a CITE student not to land a job after three years. CITE graduates are noted for their competence and working values making them marketable in companies whose entry level requirements live up to a world-class standard. CITE graduates excel in their fields and continue to advance their career by pursuing higher education. Some have put their skills to good use by venturing into business. But one thing is common for sure---they all have put a better food on the table.

CITE's vision to see many of them rising from rags has always become a beacon of hope to many young aspirants like Dodong who just started his journey to CITE. Their stories have continually inspired the people behind the institution to remain faithful to their commitment to provide opportunities to those who have less and give hope to those who have lost it. (gowc2007@gmail.com)

SKIM THE WAVE

Summer is finally here and the best place to hang around is the beach- where the soothing breeze and cold water erase all our ranting about how hot these days are. People from all walks of life couldn't miss a single summer without going to the shore and spend a relaxing day there. But we do not go to the beach just to swim - we skim.

THE BOARD. Literally, to skim means to travel quickly on the surface of water; and to do this on the beach, a skimboard is needed. This may not be new to other people. They might have seen people going around town or near beaches carrying flat, wooden, two-meter long boards. These things are called skimboards, and the sport is called skimboarding.

THE SPORT. Skimboarding, also conveniently called skimming, is much like surfing, but only much smaller. It is done on shallow waters. Normally, a skimmer (a person who skims) runs parallel to the shoreline. He throws the board to the thin layer of water, and rides on it. When he meets the wave, he can then maneuver the board to the wave and do some tricks.

THE ROOTS. This sport dates back to the 1920s when the lifeguards of Laguna Beach, California used to skim of pieces of wood. Today, skimboarding has evolved immensely, while continuing to be one of the smallest sports in the world. It has found its way to Asia and to the Philippines. The skimming capital is in Tanauan, Leyte, where the perfect waves and fine sands are conducive for skimming. Here in Cebu, the famous skimming site is in Lilo-an.

THE GROUP. We started skimming late last year, when a fellow IT student taught us the basics. Now, we go to the beach almost every weekend to skim. "Nindut man gud kaayo tan-awn (It's nice to watch it) so I decided to learn the sport. "Dili man sayun magkat-on ug skim, naa nako'y pi-ang sa ti-il tungod sa skimming (It's not easy to learn how to skim, I got feet injury because of skimming)," said Ronald Campana when asked about why he liked skimming.

We started in a small beach in San Fernando. We then transferred to Coral Reef in Brgy. Elaya, Mactan. It is not really an expensive hobby; we can spend a day at the beach with only 100 pesos in hand. "Sulit ra pud kaayo ang board kung paliton (Skimboards are affordable) ," said Emil Francis Clave when asked about the price of skimboards.

THE LESSONS LEARNED. Aside from getting jeered at because of our scorched complexion, we learned balance and improved our stamina. There are several injuries due to slips and slides, but it made us face the fear of falling, and it challenges us to get back on our feet, and skim again. In our desire to learn the complexities of the sport, we developed patience and perseverance. One can also make friends with other skimmers on the beach and the most important thing - it also strengthens our bond of friendship. As graduating students, we also learned how to make most out of what's left of our time here in CITE. This sport has been gaining more popularity over the years. The euphoric feeling of riding the waters and the artistic sprays of the waves made it more interesting to young and old people alike. Skim the wave! (Contributed by Marlo Gestole)

Log on to cite.edu.ph for more stories. (gowc2007@gmail.com)

A VIEW FROM THE TOP

He was poor with numbers and he had a hard time coping with his majors before. But never did it stop him from getting to the top. Rodjie Obsequias believes that skills alone don't make a good worker, it's the work values which count the most. His six years in a metal stamping company, Mactan Parts Technology Inc. proves it.

"I started as a trainee doing filing and because of hardwork, I became a member of the maintenance team and got promoted as the general class leader in the Die Maintenance Section of the R&D Department," said he.

He is now heading a staff of 8-10 in the upkeep of dies used for producing cassette deck mechanism and other audio-visual parts such as CD changer. Despite being young for his position, this 26-year old Mechanical Technology graduate knows when to push the right buttons.

"I had problems with some of my staff especially the older ones who sleep during their shifts or those who play computer games, but all I did is to communicate with them. Everyday we set a goal for our team. It takes a lot of self-discipline to reach that goal," he intoned.

Rodjie does not consider himself uptight with his new position. Being a doting father to two young boys, he understands when to crack the whip and when to keep it low.

"We are expected to make very few mistakes and to look for ways to improve. Our Japanese employers demand the best from us. How I got promoted ahead of others? They know that even if no one is looking, I always give my best shot," he said.

Rodjie has trained in die maintenance in Japan for one year. He also became a technical trainer for the same expertise in China for three months and an offer to replicate the training in Czech Republic is underway for him. Judging from his looks, no one would think that this small wonder has eight cost-saving Kaizen (ideas for improvement) awards tucked under his belt.

Any piece of advice to spare? "Mr. Ardiente (his adviser) used to tell us : what you are now is what I am before. I'd like pass on the thoughts. Work hard, have faith, and have patience," he ended. (gowc2007@gmail.com)

Log on cite.edu.ph for more success stories.

REACHING OUT

I once wondered why this student often goes in and out of my class until one day he told me the reason: he had to drink water to fight against his hunger.

He has been skipping lunch for two weeks and to him drinking some water reduces the hunger pangs. Hearing his story, I realized just how cruel poverty is that it has indiscriminately devoured even the weakest among us.

One time I ran into another student curled up in the corner of the comfort room on the second floor. He was suffering from ulcers and could barely stand up. His classmate told me that he had always stayed there during lunch breaks. The next year, he quit school. Reality bites. While some of us were feasting on our food, wasting them away when we lost our appetite, some of our students were enduring the pain brought by an empty stomach.

As we sit comfortably in our cars, how many of our students have to bear walking a kilometer or two to reach the school or suspend themselves in a jeepney because their money is not enough for the fare? When “An Hour a Month Charity Fund Drive” or AHMCFD was introduced in October 2006, I just knew that it would go a long way. A simple e-mail plea from our Scholarships Officer for an hour of our monthly take-home pay to support these needy students prompted 21 staff members to respond. Whether they pledged P50 or P500 a month, it made a difference. It was overwhelming. The program encouraged the staff and even some students to take part in its cause to reach out to those who have less. The beneficiaries were assisted through meal or transportation allowance given on a daily basis. Prior to grant, the committee interviews the students and parents to check for veracity of the assistance needed. The program has helped seven students already since it started.

Said one: “I am far from my family and there are times that my allowance is delayed. I am thankful to God that there are generous persons who heartily share their grace to us.” The program however discourages the probability of dependency. But for now, it may be necessary to hand the fish over, just to save a student who may be the only hope to his family. In that way, he will have all the time to fill his mind with knowledge rather than fill it with worries on what to eat for lunch. Log on to http://www.cite.edu.ph/ for more of these stories