Reaching Out To Children In Need Part I

Going up to Cabug overlooking the island of Cebu

The green mountains of Cabug

The limestone road to Cabug Primary School

The main room of Cabug Primary School

The happy students, teacher and parents with me

The Familia Sauza-Berenguer de Marquina for more than 2 centuries in the Philippines has proven its family legacy of helping people especially the indigent communities from places far away from the center of trade and communication. Two of the 12 Corporate Values of Familia Sauza-Berenguer de Marquina Corporation or FSBMC are Pro-Media and Pro-Social Services that support the programs of our Bohol Unit in the Philippines.

On 25 June 2012, I take almost 7 kilometers walk to Cabug Primary School, a public school that is halfway from the cool mountain top of Loon to the national road. It is the last elementary school of the place. The road going to this school starts from the cemented one to a rough limeston one. Along the way going to this school is the long stretch of woods rich in flora where a traveler can surely take a cool place to relax. Part of this as well is an open area where a traveler can experience a scorching heat of the sun. Before reaching the school, we can see green mountains and possibly a traveler can recall The Sound of Music of the Von Trapp Family. We can view also the blue mountains of the historical island of Cebu resting on a blue-green blanket of the sea of Bohol. There are also rich species of birds of various colors. Of course, this is also a perfect recommended place of bird watching for such hobbyist.

Upon reaching Cabug Primary School, honestly, my body is overflowing with sweats and tiredness almost tells me to take a nap because of the cool wind touching my face. But, my tiredness is gone because of the warm welcoming smiles of the school children, teachers and parents. They are so happy because someone is visiting them. This school has 34 pupils in call. 12 in Kindergarten, 12 in Grade I and 10 in Grade III. Watching and talking to these school children make me realize the beauty of life and innocence in them. Many of them walk almost 4 kilometers just to attend their school during weekdays from their respective homes almost at the top of the mountain. Their regular travel give them almost 8 kilometers of walking to school a day! They are not tired of walking because for them they have dreams to reach. At their young age, their perseverance is worth saluting for.

The main purpose of going to Cabug Primary School is the feeding program on 06 July 2012 as the program of Familia Sauza-Berenguer de Marquina Corporation - Bohol Unit under the servant leadership of its President Nestor Lasaca y Sausa from the House of Don Miguel Juan Santiago Sauza y Berenguer de Marquina, the 7th child of Don Santiago Sauza and of Doña Ysabel Berenguer de Marquina y Sumulong, the only daughter of Doña Demetria Sumulong y Lindo and of Señor Felix Berenguer de Marquina y FitzGerald, the 55th Governor-General of the Philippines from the Royal House of The FitzGerald of Ireland. The feeding program promotes the importance of good health and nutrition. We promote organic food consumption.

After talking with them, we take pictures! They are so happy to have pictures. Then, I walk almost three kilometers down to talk to their principal in Pig-ot Elementary School about the feeding program. Upon reaching Pig-ot Elementary School, the school principal is so happy about our program. She approves. I walk back to the house of cousin Alex Sausa, where I stay in Bohol, by taking a trail going to the national road. Along the road are native houses worth relaxing for. The tranquil coastal area is so cool. The denizens are so friendly.

Honestly, I don't feel tiredness at all because of the good memories and new friendships from these good people. Believe it or not, almost 14 kilometers of walk I make this day. Finally, thanking God in the 1700's church of Loon is my purpose!