asmsi-iloilo gift for FR. AL

he Alumni of the Sisters of Mary Incorporated (ASMSi) - Iloilo based graduates made their first Community Service Activity last June 1, 2008 at Barangay Bikil, Tubungan Iloilo. The Community Service Activities were teaching catechism, cleaning the Barangay plaza, feeding program, giving bags, books, clothes, medicines and school supplies and games for the children, as was decided and planned during the ASMSi - Iloilo monthly meeting last May 18, 2008. The said activity was proposed by the Tubungan subchapter led by Marites Longuino as President, they made a committee on every activity to ensure that every alumnus had their own duties and responsibilities.

The Community Service Activity started with our journey from Iloilo City to Tubungan together with Irish May Palomo and Marites Longuino, a 14th batch and 10th batch graduates respectively. Reaching Barangay Bikil after 2 hours we were welcomed by a 12th batch graduate who also happen to be the First Kagawad of the said barangay.

Then we leave and proceed to the house of Marites at Barangay Victoria, along the way we cross rivers and climbed mountains and big rocks, we walked slowly and rest sometimes to breathe the fresh air and appreciate the beauty of nature that surrounds us. Despite the difficulties it did not hinder us to reach our objectives.

The following morning we woke up early, prepared all the things we needed and be ready to begin the activity with enthusiasm. The activity was started by prayer led by Mark Tom Tamisen, a 12th batch graduate and VP of the Tubungan subchapter, followed by opening remarks of the President of the tubungan subchapter Marites Longuino, she introduced the organization and its officers to the people of Barangay Bikil. Then was followed by the welcome address of the First Kagawad of Barangay Bikil, a 12th batch graduate of the Sisters of Mary. After the opening program the committee set out to work by cleaning the barangay plaza and teaching the children catechism. The closing remark was delivered by yours truly.

After the Activity we were tired yet happy and satisfied to see the smiling faces of the children and parents, we hurried to eat our lunch and head back to the terminal before the last bus leaves for Iloilo City.

The Community Service Activity in Barangay Bikil, tubungan is just the beginning of the many outreach programs of the Alumni of the Sisters of Mary Incorporated Iloilo based graduates. We will continue to bear the spirit that the Sisters of Mary taught us. LET US SERVE THE LORD WITH JOY!