By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPUK students are making a difference by bringing their donations to support the Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.
On November 15, 2024, the ĢƵ Kindergarten (CPUK) marked the United Nations celebration in a unique and creative way, departing from tradition by having students wear costumes representing various countries. This yearĢƵs event is anchored on its theme, ĢƵOne Common Future, One Common Agenda: Leaving No One Behind- Acting Together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.ĢƵ
The event took place at the Rose Memorial Auditorium and focused on the initiative ĢƵChildren Helping Children,ĢƵ which drew inspiration from Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger. The event began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
ĢƵInstead of dressing up in costumes today, weĢƵll be learning how to make a real difference. We want to help you, our young ones, understand that you can be helpers in GodĢƵs big world – sharing love and kindness with others,ĢƵ Prof. Praise E. Glory, CPUK Principal, said in her opening remarks.
Afterward, CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy also extended his message, offering his greetings to everyone present. He highlighted the departmentĢƵs initiative in promoting peace, security, and the well-being of the community. He specifically commended the department’s efforts in organizing a donation drive to support the victims of Typhoon Kristine, in collaboration with the Iloilo City Government.
ĢƵThank you, our CPU Kindergarten School, for participating in this event. May you have a wonderful time here today especially as you also gather to pray for others, but more importantly may God be glorified in everything you do here,ĢƵ Dr. Dagohoy said.
A series of video presentations were shown to provide a thorough explanation of the United NationsĢƵ Sustainable Development Goals. Following the presentations, Pastor Louvel Edson Leysa-Caspe shared an inspirational message with the attendees.
ĢƵGod wants us to be kind and to help others just like the good Samaritan did. Even if we donĢƵt know them or theyĢƵre different from us, we can show love by helping people in need,ĢƵ Pastor Caspe said.
The highlight of the event was the offering of donations and prayers by the CPUK students, who generously contributed goods to support those in need. Lucas Mortel, from Kindergarten Gentleness, led the Prayer for the Needy. Darra Eighleen Ardales, from Kindergarten Mercy, offered the Prayer for the Sick. Liam Cedric Araneta, from Kindergarten Goodness, then led the Prayer for the Hungry and the Thirsty. Finally, Kathalina Mavie Cura, from Kindergarten Kindness, led the Prayer for Children at Risk.
The collective efforts of CPUK made a meaningful contribution to those in need, embodying the true essence of the Centralian community in reinforcing the importance of helping others in times of crisis.