Five Years of Service: Filipino News Sentinel Brings Joy to 103 Kindergarten Pupils in San Vicente ES Outreach

As part of the celebration of its 5th Anniversary, the Filipino News Sentinel (FNS) successfully carried out a meaningful Outreach Program for 103 kindergarten pupils of San Vicente Elementary School on December 12, 2025, in line with its strengthened advocacy for social responsibility and community service.

The outreach initiative was a continuation of FNS’s long-standing commitment to uplifting young learners, particularly those in public schools, through compassion-driven programs that support education and child development.

The program formally opened with a prayer led by Pastor Melchor L. Cuyajon, Chaplain, followed by welcome remarks from San Vicente Elementary School Principal Lillie A. Vinluan, who expressed her gratitude for choosing their school as a beneficiary. The introduction of the Guest Speaker was delivered by Kinder Teacher Joicee Liwas.

The inspirational message was delivered by Vice Mayor Atty. Faustino A. Olowan, who served as the Guest Speaker and representative of FNS Editor and Chief Operations Officer Mario D. Oclaman. Vice Mayor Olowan emphasized the importance of unity, service, and compassion in nurturing the next generation.

Messages of support were also shared by Ms. Jill L. Galario, Public Relations Manager of SM City Baguio, and Ms. Cherry Marie Arpilleda-Dulay, Regional Board Representative of GRACE Guardians, Inc., highlighting the role of partnerships in sustaining community-based initiatives.

The Filipino News Sentinel extended its heartfelt gratitude to all partners and sponsors for their generosity and unwavering support. Whether big or small, every contribution brought joy to the young learners and was considered a meaningful act of service and thanksgiving to God.

The outreach program is part of FNS’s annual initiative to “adopt” kindergarten classes in public schools, particularly those in remote areas, in close coordination with school principals and local government units. This year’s activity marked one of the largest single-school outreaches conducted by FNS since its first outreach, which involved four schools.

School selection undergoes a careful process in coordination with the Department of Education – Division of Schools, led by City School Division Superintendent Soraya T. Faculo, ensuring that assistance is extended to schools and learners most in need.

In her message, Principal Vinluan shared her appreciation, saying:

“We sincerely thank the Filipino News Sentinel for their kindness and dedication in choosing our school. Despite handling 103 kindergarten learners in two shifts—morning and afternoon—with only three teachers, FNS successfully fulfilled its mission. We are also deeply grateful to the sponsors who provided in-kind support. The children received multivitamins, toys, goodies, special bunny plushies from SM Baguio, and were treated to meals. This outreach has truly been a blessing for our young learners.”

Visible joy and excitement filled the faces of the children as gift packs and Mang Inasal pack lunches were distributed, with assistance from sponsor representatives, teachers, and FNS staff.

An acknowledgment of gratitude was extended to the individuals and institutions who supported the outreach program, led by City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino A. Olowan, Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan, PRO-CAR Regional Director PBGEN Ericson D. Dilag, and PDEA Director General Usec. Atty. Isagani R. Nerez, BCPO City Director, PCOL Ruel D. Tagel, Former PRO-CAR RD BGEN MAFFY BAZAR, CHSO Health Officer, Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, BENECO General Manager, Melchor Licoben, Hotel Supreme Proprietor, Peter L. Ng, CURAMED Pharmacy President, Ryland Yodong, Mang Inasal, BDO, Z-Radio, 98.7 FM with Tambalan Tatang at Lolong, Ms. Naty L. Kim, and Mr. Rogelio Aquino.

This year’s anniversary theme, “Steadfast Through the Storm: Five Years of Truth, Service, and Faith,” perfectly reflected the mission of the Filipino News Sentinel—remaining committed to truth-driven journalism while extending genuine service to the community. # Mario D. Oclaman // FNS