Manila – Every year, the Guanella Center offers the same activities being conducted in “normal” schools to let special children and other persons with disabilities (PWD) feel that they belong. On July 19, 2013, Guanella Center staff and teachers from Non-school for Crippled Children-Guanella Center Annex planned a program called “Gutom at malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan,” (Together we can end hunger and malnutrition). One of the most important areas associated with the PWDs is their health and since July was Nutrition Month; programs were offered to raise awareness of nutritious foods that will help maintain a healthy body.
Hearing impaired adviser, Mr. Marvin Lava, and Physical Therapy intern, Ms. Haja Bansil, were the masters of the ceremony; kicking off the event with a costume parade. Bro. Solomon Raja, SdC led the opening prayer; followed by singing of the national anthem by Mr. Lava and the hearing impaired students. Presentations were given by Daisy’s Special Education class; by the Hearing Impaired class and a song from Christopher Pellejera of Gloria’s Pre-Vocational class were performed. Announcement of the top 20 candidates for Nutrition Month winners followed. The final performance came from the Guanella Home boys and caregivers from Dr. Carlos Lanting College.
Participants who competed for best costume were judged individually by Fr. Eduardo Cerbito, SdC and art teacher-benefactor, Ms. Jenny Villanueva. Among the twenty participants, five were given awards: Maricar Maravillas for Early Bird award, Darling of the Crowd to Marwin Ostras, Nicole Roux for Best in Costume, Most Creative to Richard Pamintuan, and Mr. and Ms. Nutrition Month to Joshua Cueno and Nicole Roux.
The newly elected officers for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) took their oath before the program ended. Fr. Eduardo Cerbito, SdC closed the program with a prayer. Food sharing capped the event by the snacks brought by the parents. The event was successful: everyone had a good time and the PWDs felt loved.
Servants of Charity 