With the theme “Kwarenta: Mga tuig sa padayon na pag-abyanay, pagbinuligay, paghili-usa, kag pagpinalangga-anay”, the Tilipunan Community Center celebrated its 40th anniversary through a mass graced by the USA President Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, OSA held in the center at Tanza, Iloilo City.
The 40th anniversary celebration of also commemorates the partnership between the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. and the University of San Agustin Community Service Center – Tilipunan, now called Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office “When you serve, you always serve with love,” emphasized Mrs. Ruth T. Jarantilla, former president of Zonta Club, and was seconded by Fr. Comendador, “Gifted to give.”
The Tilipunan on its 40th year in service continues to be an embodiment of commitment to “share with others and serve with love”, and to be an opportunity in improving the quality of life of the people in different aspects.
“The purpose of the Tilipunan is to cater the needs of those who want to be helped, those who are less privileged in the community because serving the less privileged is like serving the Lord,” highlighted current President Ma. Amelita E. Lazarraga.
The Tilipunan center was founded on December 1979 during the Presidency of Jarantilla and University of San Agustin President Fr. Eduardo Perez, OSA and was established in March 1980 to take care and make a difference in the lives of the out of school youth.
Engr. Manuel Arguelles and Architect Jose Hortillos, then both faculty of the University of San Agustin, provided their services for free during the construction of the building.
“This is part of the vision of the university that we are for authentic human societal development. From the Augustinian perspective, we are promoting the value of charity. Charity is about giving, about love, about being compassionate to those who are in need,” said Comendador during his homily.
SACEO Director Maria Cristy E. Daguay re-affirmed the center’s commitment to partner with the club in their advocacy to serve the out-school-youth and provide its beneficiaries with the opportunities to improve the quality of their lives in different aspects.
“One of the mandates of the university is to provide outreach services to those people. We’re glad that through the years, we are able to continue this one and so we want to show our continued support and commitment to this purpose of Tilipunan,” added Comendador.
Nonetheless, Mrs. Teresita Gallardo, beneficiary of the Tilipunan, was thankful for the services of Tilipunan as she expressed, “Nagapasalamat gid kami sang madamo sang ila nga ginbulig sa amon. Blessing gid man na guro sa ila kay damo sila sang nabuligan kag kabay pa nga damo pa gid sila nga mabuligan.”
The mass was followed by the lighting of Belen at Iloilo Esplanade 4. Iloilo City Councilor Love Baronda represented the city mayor in the event. (Photos courtesy of Tricia Aguirre, Communications Officer, OTP, University of San Agustin)
