By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Photo courtesy of Gwynette Merano | The LANCE
Letran-Manila Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and Cultural Performing and Arts Group (CPAG) participated in Paskomunidad 2025: Kasama ang Pamilyang Letranista to celebrate Christmas by having community service held at the Quezon Garden on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Hosted by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) in partnership with Letran Student Council (LSC), The LANCE, Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), Cultural and Performing Arts Group (CPAG), Student Assistants (SA), and Academic scholars, the annual Paskomunidad activity gathered Letran students alongside teachers and students from Hermenegildo J. Atienza Elementary School.
The program opened with remarks from Fr. Patricio Hiwatig, OP, who underscored that the true meaning of Christmas is hope.
In his opening remarks, he also acknowledged the presence of the RSOs, CPAGs, and the partner community highlighting the shared celebration of faith, service and solidarity.
Various student organizations set up interactive booths designed to engage children through games and prizes. The Letran Filipiana Dance Company (LFDC) featured a booth inspired by a fiesta-themed concept with a Christmas touch, making use of the group’s existing props.
Meanwhile, the Letran Tourism Society (LTS) prepared a game booth where children shot balls into cups, conceptualized through coordination meetings held days before the event.
The Letran Engineering Society (LES), introduced a booth inspired by “Paskong Pinoy,” combining the nostalgic feel of traditional sari-sari stores with familiar Filipino Christmas elements that the children bought in their childhood.
Another collaborative booth for the Letran Legal Management Society (LLMS) which featured six different games with corresponding prizes, complemented by festive decorations.
For the significance of the event, LFDC Vice President Josh Warren Bal highlighted the event as an opportunity for students to give back. “Yung Paskomunidad na ‘to ay time for giving back to others po kasi itong Letran yung nagbibigay samin ng scholarships, ‘yung mga need namin, so parang ito ‘yung way namin mag give back sa others.”
Similarly with LLMS Vice President Glennis Glimpse Calacday who emphasized the meaningful impact of the activity on both students and partner community. “I think sobrang ganda po ng initiative ng Paskomunidad ngayon compared last year… this is a significant improvement dahil aside sa nag-cooperate lahat, nag-collaborate ang lahat ng RSOs and CPAG.”
Meanwhile on the collaboration and implementation, LES President Andrew Junald Cubacub noted that coordination was largely done online due to finals week, with responsibility related through committees and clusters.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized the commitment of officers and members to participate, linking their involvement to Letran’s ideals, particularly Patria.
“Pagdating sa community service, ‘yun din naman yung naging vision namin na kapag kaya ng lahat, o kaya ng officers, ng time nila, let’s enjoy and join the event. Kasi una, di naman kami mag-oorgnaize ng event and pangalawa, very fulfilling na you do something for the community and not just for Letran lang, ourselves. Syempre committed tayo from our ideals ng Letran, yung Patria,” Cubacub said.
Additionally, LTS President Ralf Justin Jamias stressed that the event’s success relied on collective efforts.
“Without everyone’s presence ngayon, siguro magiging empty, magiging dull event. Thankful din na lahat ng RSO, CPAG, even the LANCE, LSC, and DSA ay nandito rin sila para ma-make sure na yung kids mag-eenjoy ngayong pasko.”
From the administration, Asst. Prof. Leo N. Bernadas, DSA Director, described Paskomunidad as one of the office’s long-standing community service initiatives.
He said the activity mainly taps RSOs, CPAG, SA, and Academic Scholars, and remains one of the best practices of the office as it allows students to actively participate in community service aligned with their integral formation.
Representing the partner community, Ms. Rizza N. Llaguno, Grade III Reading Coordinator and Partnership Focal Person of Hermenegoldo J. Atienza Elementary School, shared that the celebration symbolized happiness, hope and love for others.
Ms. Llaguno also explained that the students invited were part of their Aral-Tutees program, composed of learners who need additional guidance.
The event featured a series of games prepared by the participating organizations, followed by a shared meal for the participants and representatives from RSOs, CPAG, SA and Academic scholars.
Paskomunidad 2025 concluded with the distribution of gifts and loot bags for the students, capping the celebration with a moment of joy and gratitude for the partner community.