From Her Journey as a "Batch 75 Scholar"
To Our Journey as "Batch 75 Missionaries".
By Alex A. Valdez
A. Scholarship From "Batch 75 Members"
Mariet Javier obtained her Masteral Degree because of the strong support and motivations by batchmates - proudly "Baguio City High School - Batch 75" members.
Her scholarship grants came from:
- Edgardo Casayuran for the payment of two(2) semesters Tuition Fee.
- Batchmates from the U.S., Jojo Manlongat, Josephine Reyes and Anonymous Batchmates paid for her one semester and thesis defense plus other expenses for copyright registration of her book at the National Library.
- Jojo Manlongat for One laptop computer.
During that exciting day, there was an instant "memory-recall" of her past. She remembered the batchmates that generously provided her needed assistance. She made them as her inspiration to the next chapter of her life. An "inspiration of generosity" she believes that can be multiply by extending it to others in need. Now she faithfully believe, that it is her turn to extend the generosity that she learn from her batchmates by having a Mission.
B. The Feeding Mission
1. Her Early Feeding Mission
Mariet committed herself to a Feeding Mission to show her gratitude to our batchmates who helped her to become what she is today.
From 2002 though 2012, she, being a graduate of BS Food and Nutrition, initiated the San Vicente Elementary School Feeding Program which was then supported by four of our batchmates - Juliet Almacen and Federico Vargas with 1 month support each. Isidro "Jun" dela Cruz donated two volleyballs for children to play with. Joan Tan and her Rotary Club also sponsored in the Feeding Program sometime on 2007.
On October 2013, she transferred her teaching career to Lindaoan Elementary School.
From 2015 through 2016, Mariet partnered with “Gateway Religious Group” and Jae-Ann Banez, a director of “Goshen Feedhope”, for a daily feeding activity for one year.
2. Enter Batch 75 and Friends
On June 2016, she proposed a feeding program for Brgy Lucnab. Mariet then obtained the necessary permit by accomplishing all the necessary bureaucratic red tape by the government. An accountant from Las Pinas shouldered the 6 months (July-December 2016) feeding and our batchmate Ramon Alimbuyao provide additional funds.
On June 2016, the Lucnab Feeding Program was launched. While on its infancy, it attracted more donors. More funds were added by Silver Montano (co-teacher now based on Canada), Kimberle Magpali (OFW from Saudi), Orlando Caranto (OFW – Saudi Enginner), Ronie Mercado (for the fresh milk) from Pampanga, and Aberlado Canuto a rice dealer in Lucnab with half cavan of rice.
On January 2018, a multi-"Florence Nightingale Awardee" Luther Garcia infused additional funds to be used for 3 months (January – March 2018) feeding.
C. The Documentation starting January 27, 2018
On Jan 26, 2018, Joan Tomas-Tan and I planned to attend the feeding program. However, we have two Missions on that day so she went to the other Mission and sent me to the feeding Mission. I have to do the documentation myself on January 27, 2018. It was on that faithful day that my heart melt. "Kasla ice cream nga narunaw sa ilalim ng araw".
Since then, I started the weekly documentation of the feeding program. I dubbed the activity as "Batch 75 and Friends" Community Feeding Program because I witnessed funds and supports that were coming from members of Batch 75.
Funds, foods and other materials for 2018 were given by the following batchmates: Luther Garcia, Marilyn De Guzman, Orlando Caranto, Alejandro “Jun” Vallejo, Corazon Relox-Solomon, Rodney Oliganga, Gie Samson, Joan Tan, Romeo Manaois and Clarita Dacumos-Sampang.
I was a witness to those young children being feed by members of Batch 75. We developed a ritual that started by washing of hands (by Clarita Dacumos-Sampang), prayer (by me), food distribution (by Mariet Javier and Brgy Volunteers), motivation to eat (by Corazon Relox-Solomon and Rodney Oliganga), and finally the brushing of teeth (by everyone).
It reminded me of my youthful days when someone has to feed me because my parents and my relatives could not afford. This time, I and my batchmates were serving the youth.
D. Support from other Alumni Members of Baguio City (National) High School.
We also acknowledge services of our friends from other BCHS batches. They too play some big roles in making the Feeding Program a success. Salamat po.
(Batch 1988) Mrs. Gerlynne K. Perez, BNAO - Brgy Nutrition Action Officer
(Batch 1988) Mrs. Maria I. Pacis, Brgy Health Worker
(Batch 1993) Mrs. Cayonila Esteban, BNS - Brgy Nutrition Scholar
(Batch 1973) Mrs. Femy Rimando
(Batch 1974) Edmund Panganiban
(Batch 1981) Jose Walitang
Thank you for joining our mission.
