by: Mr. Bonifacio B. Cordova; GS Social Involvement Moderator
On April 11, 2024, the Blue Plate Project culminating activity became a vibrant celebration focused on health, nourishment and community spirit. Pupils from Cubacub, Pagsabungan and Casili Elementary Schools enjoyed the bus ride to Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu. It was a joyful conclusion to a year of service and companionship with our partner schools—Cubacub, Pagsabungan, and Casili Elementary Schools—in the tradition of Ignatian compassion, generosity and cura personalis.
The day opened with the cheerful greeting of Grade School Principal Mrs. Lea P. Amores, who spoke of the school’s mission to form persons for others in love and service. Then, Grade School teachers led a high-energy Zumba session, which helped create a joyful atmosphere for the rest of the day.
Pupils then participated in engaging talks: Mrs. Rachel Deriada emphasized the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, while Mr. Jonemel Alforque discussed about good hygiene practices like handwashing and tooth brushing which are both essential to the children’s health and well-being.
Every pupil had the opportunity to learn, express, and have fun in age-appropriate ways throughout the celebration’s breakout sessions, which were carefully planned for each grade level..
For Kinder and Grade 1 pupils, the sessions were about playful creative exploration. The kids dove right into coloring, molding clay, and dancing. Crayons and clay helped them create and develop motor skills; the dancing was also a way to get moving and explore rhythm.
The Guidance Team also enthusiastically facilitated Larong Pinoy for the Grade 2 and 3 pupils. Games like Patintero, Piko, and Kariling were played anew amid laughter and cheers. Such games, in addition to requiring teamwork and building camaraderie, expressed Filipino culture through play.
Dynamic hands-on workshops for grades 4 to 6 included dance, taekwondo, volleyball, basketball, arts and crafts, and computer literacy. They nurtured creativity, confidence, teamwork, and curiosity, all while having fun and honing skills.
As pupils pursued their interests, nanay-volunteers, feeding coordinators, and teachers took a break for a calming yoga session taught by Miss Mimey Abapo, a modest way of thanking them for all their support throughout the year.
The day ended with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Fr. Michael Pineda, SJ, our Father President, who, in his homily told us to be grateful, hopeful, and generous. “We see hope when our pupil beneficiaries are doing their best.” That was his uplifting message after a day of growth and joy.
The children went home with food packages and lootbags. They smiled at the joy of having visited the heart of Jesus and experiencing His nourishing love through the Blue Plate Project.
The success of this event was made possible through the collaboration of the Grade School Principal’s Office, faculty, Campus Ministry and Social Involvement Office, and the continued support of the school administration.
