By Jaren Marr Jaco

CPUES Principal Prof. Janet P. Jaco( in blue shirt ) and CESL Director Engr. Levi De Los Santos(standing behind her) with victims of Typhoon Paeng.

On December 1, 2022, Central Philippine University Elementary School (CPUES) and Community Engagement & Service Learning Center (CESL) traveled to the Municipality of Libacao in the Province of Aklan to conduct a rehabilitation project for affected victims caused by Typhoon Paeng.

CPUES Principal Prof. Janet P. Jaco and CESL Director Engr. Levi De Los Santos, together with the EMC Crew, was greeted and accommodated by members and facilitators of the First Fundamental Baptist Church of Libacao and was also later joined by the presence of Kagawad Rose Maria Sabiaga of Brgy. Ortega, one of the barangays that were greatly affected by Typhoon Paeng.

The facilitators Pastor and Mrs. Baldimor, set up a program for the recipients of the rehabilitation project, 12 of which were from Brgy. Ortega and the rest from Brgy. Pinonoy, summing up to a total of 20 recipients from both barangays. The program started with opening remarks from Mrs. Baldimor, followed by encouraging words from CPUES Principal Prof. Janet Jaco, sharing how the caring spirits from CPUES donations prompted the project for Libacao.

Pastor Rehum Baldimor preached about the message of giving and salvation through Christ, followed with teary speeches of gratitude from Kagawad Sabiaga of Brgy. Ortega and a representative from Brgy. Pinonoy. It was a moving gesture as they were skeptical of help ever coming but were overwhelmed with CPU answering the call through donations from CPUES.

CESL Director Engr. Levi De Los Santos gave a brief message of thankfulness for the opportunity to help the recipients, highlighting the Central Spirit and the gift of giving. Pastor Palermo also shared words of gratitude, telling his experience about the ocular visit. He and his wife Mrs. Cecel Palermo went to the affected area of Libacao and saw the situation of the people with washed away houses.

The program concluded with all the recipients coming together to say a heartfelt and joyous thank you to Jesus and Central Philippine University Elementary School. The program closed with a prayer led by Mrs. Baldimor, bringing all the glory back to God. CESL, CPUES, First Fundamental Baptist Church of Libacao, and the recipients posed outside the classroom for picture taking, which was then followed with the giving of tracks from the church and help from CPUES. Each recipient received a kilo of nail for the set of 8 pieces of plywood and another kilo of nail for another set of 12 CIN roofs.

The Community Engagement and Services Learning Center continuously promotes development and support to the communities, and educational institutions in coordination with Central Philippine University.