UST Student Volunteers Bring HAPAG-ASA to Children

by: Danielicah Cruz

This academic year, the members of the Community Development Committee (ComDev) of The Political Science Forum adopts the slogan: “I HAVE AN OPEN HAND.” Being the only existing Committee of the Forum that is wholeheartedly service-oriented, ComDev is devoted to various projects not only contributing to different areas of the society but also promoting the sense of volunteerism among its more than 100 members. Today, with its head Ms. Katrina Grace Ongoco, a graduate of the NCA Leadership Journey program, ComDev is directed towards contributing to the promotion of health and well-being of the youngest members of the society which is encapsulated in their main project called the HAPAGASA. ComDev’s involvement in the feeding program for the children, which happens weekly at Sto. Domingo Parish Church, started during the early days of September this year. The Committee not only focuses on raising monetary donations for this activity but also engage in the preparation for different interactive learning activities for the children.

Ever year, despite the change in leadership, ComDev carries out its tradition of adopting a particular community and arriving at a responsive project that will contribute to its development. Last year, a small community in Florentino Street, Sampaloc City was able to receive books and toys through the donation drive of ComDev. There were also a weekly feeding program and tutorials for the children. This year, in addition to HAPAGASA, ComDev also has also organized a ‘Book Dive for a Library’ campaign for a community in Bataan called THE FLYLEAF PROJECT early this year in fulfillment of the Committee’s vision.

ComDev consolidated its resources and efforts in helping out the victims of the most recent typhoons   Pedring and Quel in Bulacan. As the Committee with ‘an open hand’, ComDev also realizes its goal in rendering its service to its very own Political Science community, by being the body which organizes a help system to the members of the Forum who are in need of assistance and help in all aspects possible. It reaches out to every student and binds them in unity with the sense of accountability towards one another.

Volunteerism is the core value of ComDev. Nothing is forced upon its members but everything is done out of willingness and passion to make a change. In the 18^th of August, ComDev organized an exhibit for the event ‘The Last Journey of Ninoy’ in honor of one of the greatest inspiration to the youth- Ninoy Aquino. Through its partnership with the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, ComDev has been able to expand its awareness and enrich its goals and maximize its potential as a youth group. The very message of hope which Ninoy has given to the Filipino youth has continually given fire and passion to ComDev in moving the nation forward.. 

For the Political Science Forum, ComDev is a realization of duty and rights of the youth to participate in nation-building. It is has not emerged merely by virtue the Forum’s Constitution nor by propaganda but out of a mutual sense of leadership, compassion and responsibility among its members. It does not only represent the working hands of the Forum, but it sends the message of volunteerism with their hands open and reaching out.