News

Adventist Academy Cebu celebrated Global Youth Day with the theme "A Community Transformed." Students, faculty, and the local community united for an afternoon of generosity, education, and fellowship in the Junior and Senior High school cafeterias and the elementary school grounds.

The celebration included a special initiative to reach out to less fortunate individuals, with junior and senior high school students inviting people in need. Non-Adventist children and their parents, also invited by elementary students, attended the event.
Each guest received an invitation card that entitled them to a package of goodies. High school students prepared grocery packs, while elementary pupils distributed bags filled with fruits, school supplies, and rice. The program began with an inspiring message from Dr. Dan Ortiz, who emphasized the importance of listening to and following the word of God.

This was followed by a hands-on livelihood presentation conducted by AAC's junior and senior high school students alongside the TLE (Technology and Livelihood Education) teachers. The demonstration featured practical lessons on different crafts out of used materials and making fish balls and "egg kwek kwek," offering simple yet impactful ways for the attendees to generate income.

"By teaching these skills, we hope to empower our guests with the knowledge to help improve their livelihoods," Ma'am Wella A. Punay, a senior high faculty member and one of the event organizers, said. "It was a rewarding experience to see the students come together with a common goal—serving others with love and care."

Alongside the livelihood seminar, 75 residents from the Bulacao community and surrounding areas participated. They not only gained valuable skills from the presentations but also received grocery gift packs prepared by students and faculty. Additionally, 25 grocery packs were distributed to other recipients both within and outside the campus.

"I'm deeply grateful for the efforts of our students, faculty, staff, and the support from the AACIC community," Ma'am Punay added. "Their collective effort made this event a true success, and we are thankful for God's blessings in making it possible."

The day was equally impactful for the elementary school students. Saturnina Barlas, an elementary teacher, reflected on the excitement and joy that radiated from her students as they shared with others."It was amazing to see how excited the kids were to share! They were so eager and happy, and you could tell they really enjoyed giving to others. Seeing their faces light up was pure joy—both for those giving and those receiving. Events like this help shape their character, teaching them empathy, compassion, and the true meaning of kindness."

Global Youth Day at AAC served as a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact on both the giver and the receiver, ultimately transforming the community. The event not only provided essential resources to those in need but also fostered a spirit of unity and love among all participants.
As AAC continues to embody the values of service and compassion, the school looks forward to many more events that will unite the community and enhance the well-being of all.

Leah Salloman, Research Faculty at Adventist Academy Cebu