Smiles and gratitude from Lumad children permeated the air when the Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI), DOST XI Employees Multi-purpose Cooperative (DEMPCO), and the Hydrology for Environment, Life, and Policy Davao Network (HELP Davao Network) outreach group arrived in Sitio Upian, Marilog District, carrying school supplies, slippers, and treats as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility activity.
Dubbed as ‘Pasko sa Tribu’, DOST XI, HELP Davao Network, and other partner organizations have been providing care and support to rural communities during the festive season of Christmas to uplift the community and promote growth to society.
Over 300 school packages were given to the community containing paper, pencils, coloring pens, sharpeners, and ballpens. With support from DEMPCO, Davao City Science and Technology Center, Kinaiyahan Foundation Inc., Davao Food Safety Think Tank, Davao City Water District, Philippine Women’s College, Davao del Sur State College, the University of Immaculate Concepcion, and private donors, the children and their parents were also given slippers and clothes.
DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony Sales said that he is glad to return to the community after being unable to organize its outreach event in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have been doing this for the past 12 years and we are always glad that we can give back to the community to make them happy especially during the Holiday season,” he said.
The outreach group also conducted community games and shared meals with the community as part of the activity.
The community of Sitio Upian expressed gratitude and joy to the donors for the continued help every year and pledges that the help given will not be taken for granted
