The Tarlac State University Non-Academic Staff Association conducted an outreach program at the Tarlac Lingap Center for Boys in San Juan de Mata, Tarlac City yesterday (October 16) in celebration of the university’s foundation week.
TSU NASA officers and members, led by Hon. Cherie Lyn Onia, donated cleaning materials, sacks of rice, water gallons, clothes, books, and toys to the social service facility under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region III.
“Your decision to spend your time, resources, and care in this place is a powerful affirmation of our mission to nurture, protect, and uplift the children entrusted to us,” Ms. Jasmine There Anne G. Obenza, Social Welfare Officer II, said in her opening remarks.
“Your generosity does more than you think—it sends a message to the children that they are seen, valued, and that they matter,” she added.
The Tarlac Lingap Center provides social services, temporary shelter, and rehabilitation to children in need of special protection and those in conflict with the law.
Presently, the center houses 57 boys aged 7 to 27, many of whom were rescued from non-accredited facilities in the National Capital Region and referred by local government units and non-governmental organizations.
Apart from the donation drive, TSU NASA also distributed food and organized a mini game with cash prizes for the children.
The children, in turn, entertained the guests with short dance performances.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa TSU NASA dahil malaking tulong po – hindi lamang 'yung simpleng outreach kung hindi nakapagbibigay din po ng unforgettable memories sa mga bata, especially sa mga nagkaroon ng hindi kaaya-ayang experience. Isa po itong parte ng recreational nila at pati na rin sa kanilang social function,” Ms. Jobel Maria M. Palma, Social Welfare Officer II, said in an interview.
Last June, TSU NASA also conducted its first donation drive at Caritas Tarlac Inc. and Cardona Elementary School in Gerona, Tarlac. (jlm-OPA)
Photo: Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
