Tulong Dunong Opens Second Season in Calabanga

by Pat Ursua

The Center for Community Development (CCD) of Ateneo de Naga Univeristy in partnership with Dominorog Elementary School and members of the Barangay Council once again conducted the Tulong Dunong 1 Season 2 last 20-26 April 2009. The program aimed at accomplishing the following goals: 1) to increase the knowledge, skills, and attitude in reading and comprehension, sciences, mathematics, and physical abilities; 2) to provide a venue for school children with opportunities to deepen their social, physical, and spiritual abilities; 3) to provide a venue for the student organizations’ volunteer work in the university; and 4) to actualize the teaching-learning experience as a live performance of human interaction.
 
Over 30 Ateneo student-volunteers and 200 pupils from the elementary schools of Dominorog, Balatasan, Balongay, San Bernandino and Punta Tarawal participated in the activity. It was led by a core group composed of the Ateneo student-volunteers, Larry Sucatre, Aldrin Belmes, Leo Borras (CCD Field Coordinators) and Elmer T. Sto. Domingo, Jr. (CCD Director). With them were Ana Rosana (teacher-in-charge of the Dominorog Elementary School), Yolanda Asuro (PTA President of Dominorog Elementary School) and Barangay Captain Seth Belencio. The principals and teachers-in-charge from other elementary schools and Barangay officials were also present.
 
The week-long activity was a great opportunity for the pupils to learn the important concepts in the core subjects and help them cope with the demands of the next grade level. The pupils were given the chance to learn other skills such as taekwondo, arts and crafts, singing, and dancing. The activity’s highlight was the culminating activity which showcases the pupil’s learning from their student-teachers.
 
Truly it was a good and meaningful way to spend a summer break. The kids and the community of Dominorog as well as the Ateneo student-volunteers hope to spend their next summer activity in another Tulong Dunong program. It was simple yet concrete manifestation that the real meaning of Magis is alive!