by: Princess Sophia M. Estiñoso (BMC III)

The Zamboanga del Sur Chapter of the Silliman Alumni Association Inc., (SAAI) held its annual feeding and fellowship program on Aug. 23, 2015 in a small community in Barangay Kagawasan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The annual feeding program coincided with the Founders Week celebration of Silliman University in August. The chapter adopted the United Church of Christ in the Phiippines (UCCP) chapel in Barangay Kagawasan, Pagadian City, which is headed by a Sillimanian couple, Rev. and Mrs. Narciso, who are members of the board, as well.

According to Edward Sandiego, a Silliman alumnus and currently a registered nurse in the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, the feeding project beneficiaries are the 50 children of Barangay Kagawasan, where a medical mission was likewise previously held.

“The purpose of this activity is to rekindle our Silliman Spirit and share our blessings to the less fortunate. Since there are also alumni in the medical field (physicians and nurses), we also do free clinics or give free vitamins and milk samples to the children of the congregation,” said Dr. Andreli E. Farrales, a 1988 Biology graduate of Silliman University.

Objectives of the feeding project are to value the health of every individual in the community, to instill cooperation while giving food to others, and to educate the children about the basic food units.

Around 15-20 alumni participated with short programs and parlor games initiated by some of the members. In addition, a fellowship was also held with some of the parents of the 50 children who joined the activity.

“Through the feeding program, we are able to help people who are suffering from food scarcity…It also helps the child to develop good and proper behavior, like socialization, sharing their food, being kind to all, and to cooperate,” shaed Dr. Farrales..

She added, “We also have fellowship gatherings on occasions like Christmas and Valentine’s. We plan to do ‘Operation Tuli’ this summer and to sponsor kids for the materials and medicine needed.”

For the Zamboanga del Sur Chapter, the project was not only successful, but a fulfilling experience as well. Truly, the Silliman Spirit will always manifest itself in many different ways. (by Princess Sophia Estinoso, MassCom intern)