Text by Sr. Cathy Urgello, FMA
The Laura Vicuna Training Center Palawan is located in Barangay Macarascas, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, half way to the world famous Underground River in Sabang.
To date, the Salesian Sisters are managing and operating the center where it accommodates 75 high school students coming from far flung communities in Palawan, some of them are from indigenous communities from the poorest areas. The Laura Vicuna Center boarding school/learning facility ensures protection, safety and continuous education of its students.
In order to sustain the daily operation, the community maintains a farm where everyone plants vegetables and rice and takes care of hogs, chickens and ducks. At the center, the learners are encouraged to learn gardening and farming which enable them to appreciate the love for nature, value sustainable living and acquire skills which will be used later as source of their income.
Its vision is to give HOPE a HOME. It’s mission is to empower children, families and communities to be self managing. The foundation’s goal is for the integral formation through education, development and protection of children and youth.
Inspiring Story
Ellen May G. Abia, 16 years old
Ever since I entered the Laura Vicuna (LV) Center Palawan in 2018 at Level 8 and living independently from my parents, Edwin and Jennifer Abia and my five siblings, I have had a lot of self discovery experiences through the help of the LV Center’s sisters and the staff . I got to know myself better, discovering my potentials and talents in order to achieve my dreams and be able to help my family. God willing, I will be graduating this school year, 2021-2022 in my Junior High School.
Farming is one of the enriching activities I enjoy doing here at the LV Center. It is one of the sources of our food for our daily needs and also sustains our community. Our way of farming here is different such as the double digging of the plot and putting in seven kinds of organic fertilizer.
The most important thing of my formation that I can take with me when I go out of the center is that I have learned here in the LV Center is prayer, nourishing my spiritual life and faith thru the Holy Mass and ending the day, praying the Holy Rosary.
I will cherish all of my experiences here at the LV Center because they serve as my inspiration to continue the battle of life and achieve my dreams, as the hashtag says, #goforyourdreams, despite all of the challenges, struggles, and difficulties.
Thank You Note from Sr. Cathy Urgello, FMA of the Laura Vicuna Center Palawan to Sponsor Rachel Hansen of Sweden
Happy Easter to you and your loved ones. Our whole community wishes to thank you for your generous donation. We wish we can meet or much better you can visit us herein our small paradise, Palawan. We wish also to thank the untiring efforts of Betsy, Becky, Marizel and the Team of Roots & Wings for connecting us with generous people like you.
Assuring you of our daily prayers. God bless you always.
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Support the dreams of a deserving student of Laura Vicuna Training Center today! Connect with our Social Entrepreneurship Team - Becky Torres and Marizel Arambulo at: rawmags.sponsor@gmail.com