Amid the festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the joyful hum of holiday melodies, the spirit of Christmas extends beyond the exchange of gifts and cheerful merriment. It encompasses a heartfelt tradition of reaching out to the less fortunate, sharing the joy and magic of the season with those who may be facing challenges. Xavier Ateneo, through the Social Development cluster, once again shares in the Christmas spirit of generosity and compassion as it served as the local partner of the Tanging Yaman Foundation Inc (TYF) in the conduct of its Christmas for Others Project 2023.
More than 100 individuals gathered at the XU gym for the Christmas for Others Project: Noche Buena pack distribution. To ensure a smooth flow of the distribution, the Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD) led the activity.
The morning of 19 December 2023 was filled with laughter and smiles as Noche Buena packs were distributed to the recipients from select barangays under District 2C: barangays Puntod, Macabalan, Consolacion, and numbered barangays 1-20 in Cagayan de Oro City. In simple ceremonies, the Noche Buena packs were given to 180 individuals from marginalized sectors: persons-with-disabilities, senior citizens, and solo parents, who expressed their gratitude for the project. The distribution of food packs was led by the Xavier Ateneo Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Department.
Gleaming with joy, Rubelyn Lumbab, shared her gratitude as the President of the Brgy Consolacion Solo Parent Association, “Magpasalamat ko nga nadala nako akong mga kauban diri sa ginagmayng pahalipay thru sa gihatag sa XU, TYF, ug CSWD, og kami muuli nga nay dala. Ngpasalamat pud ko sa Ginoo kay dili ni mamahimo kung wala siya nagguide sa amo”. Rubelyn desires to keep her holiday celebrations simple yet meaningful as she wished for good health, unity, and love within their family amidst challenges and trials.
Beneficiaries of the Christmas for Other Project 2023 joyfully receives their Noche Buena packs
CJ Daitol, a resident of Brgy Macabalan, also shared how thankful she is to receive a gift this Christmas. The feeling of being seen and included in the gift-giving fills her heart with joy, as she affectionately remarks “Magpasalamat ko sa gihatag sa Xavier karon, kalipay para sa ako ug sa among pamilya para sa Pasko.”
The project beneficiaries were identified by the CSWD team Satellite Office-District 2C. The CSWD team was present during the gift-giving activity to assist in the registration and distribution. Mr Prox Almeda, CSWD Social Worker Officer for the sector on persons with disabilities, expressed thanks that the marginalized sectors were considered for this year’s Christmas for Others project beneficiary, “Salamat kaayo nga aduna kita’y in-ani nga programa, nga luyo pa man sa kalisud, naa nagpaluyo ang Xavier University ug Tanging Yaman Foundation. Labi na gyud sa akong sektor sa Persons-with-Disabilities nga lipay kaayo sila nga naa silay nadawat nga Christmas gift.”
Xavier Ateneo faculty, formators, student volunteers, and the CSWD led the gift-giving activity.
Faculty, formators, and student volunteers from the Social Development cluster are also present to assist in the gift-giving activity. The Christmas for Others project is a humble contribution of the TYF to help fellow Filipinos rise above poverty and reclaim their dignity as God’s natatanging yaman. Xavier Ateneo also shares in this mission as it has been a local partner of TYF since 2021, bringing gifts and sharing smiles to families in need. The Christmas for Others Project calls to celebrate the joy of giving, embrace the spirit of compassion, and work together to create a brighter, more inclusive world for all.