A Solidarity Day Celebration in the Year of Faith

Photo courtesy of Joselito Labrador, Jr.

After months of planning, preparing and waiting, the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos successfully celebrated the Solidarity Day 2013 last March 1 – 2, 2013 at the University Amphitheater.

For the first time in its twenty-year history, the event was held as an overnight activity in order to integrate and celebrate the spirit of the Year of Faith (2012-2013) and Recollect Centenary as an Order (1912-2012). The theme, “Pamatan-ong Rekoleto: Magtubo kay Kristo, Ibantala ang Pagtu-o” gave the inspiration and set the direction of the activity.

More than 2,000 participants attended this religious youth gathering which again reaffirmed the hope and confidence of the Church in the young people. “She hopes in them and in their energy. She needs their vitality in order to continue living the mission entrusted to her by Christ with renewed enthusiasm,” Pope Benedict XVI stated.

Photo courtesy of Kirk Steven Debulgado

Academic Activities formally opened the Solidarity Day 2013 in the morning of March 1.  A number of Religious Education (REED) students participated in Essay Writing Contest, Poster Making Contest, Photo Contest and Quiz Bowl. Rev. Fr. Cornelio E. Moral OAR, the Chair of Solidarity Day 2013 welcomed the invited guests and participants. Among the special guest who graced the opening program were Bacolod City Councilors Hon. Em Ang and Hon. Caesar Distrito and members of Bacolod City Host Lions Club who co-sponsored the prizes of Academic Activities.

The different winners of the academic events were announced and awarded during the evening activities. The second year Mass Communications student, Norman Baldomar bagged the first place in the Essay Writing Contest, while Iris Barbara R. Mission and Laurice Angelica H. Dagcutan won second and third places respectively. Meanwhile, Ismael M. Jallorina Jr. bested fourteen other participants in the Poster Making Contest as the first place winner, while the second and third places went to Jan Karen T. Jaranilla and Cherrish Mae D. Flor respectively. For the Quiz Bowl, Jariz J. Oebanda won the first place, besting twenty-one contenders while Jastine Breathe A. Pacurib and Eve Angelie Bingco landed on the second and third places respectively. 

The winners for the Photo Contest were awarded their prizes and certificates last March 8, 2013 at the REED Office. The following are the official winners of the Photo Contest:

A. PEOPLE CATEGORY

1^st Jestine Irish M. Quillo

2^nd Ma. Erin Gail R. Divinagracia

3^rd Michael John Claridad

4^th Richard Castro

5^th Michael John Claridad

6^th Angie M. Robles

7^th Patricia Q. Debulgado

8^th Kirk Steven R. Debulgado

9^th Aarchille G. Ponce

10^th Richard Castro

B. PLACES CATEGORY

1^st Kirk Steven R. Debulgado

2^nd Nestly L. Mondejar

3^rd Kirk Steven R. Debulgado

4^th Richard Castro

5^th Ma. Erin Gail R. Divinagracia

6^th Richard Castro

7^th Angie M. Robles

8^th Jestine Irish M. Quillo

9^th Aarchille G. Ponce

10^th Michael John Claridad

C. EVENTS CATEGORY

1^st Jestine Irish M. Quillo

2^nd Richard P. Castro

3^rd Nestly L. Mondejar

4^th Jestine Irish M. Quillo

5^th Richard P. Castro

5^th Angie M. Robles

7^th Kirk Steven R. Debulgado

8^th Angie M. Robles

9^th Aarchille G. Ponce

The entries were judged in two parts (elimination and final judging) based on the following criteria: Thematic Relevance (40%); Creativity and Originality (30%); and Technical Excellence (30%).

The preliminary judging was done last March 5, 2013 at the Campus Ministry Office, while the final judging was held last March 6, 2013 at the University Lobby.

The Preliminary Judging were facilitated by Jazelda de Jesus-Madrigal, Joey Jolito, Freddy Junsay, Isidore Vincent Adolfo, and Elvie Tonogbanua as jurors. Meanwhile, Bro. Jaazeal Jakosalem, OAR, Gerard Dacles, Brian Jay Lumauag, Rexel Viaje, Reymund Sabay, Avelino Kalalang III, and Fernando Flores did the final judging of the finalists per category.

Photo courtesy of Kirk Steven Debulgado

The Walk for Faith kicked off the afternoon celebration. Participants wearing their white shirts paraded the streets of Lacson-Lizares on their way to the University Amphitheater. The solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided by the University President, Rev. Fr. Emeterio Buñao, OAR with Recollect priests as concelebrants, followed around 6:00 in the evening.

Photo courtesy of Michael John Claridad

Catecheses on faith, group sharing, faith-testimonies, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, screening of the featured film, “Vestido”, Solidarity Day Bread Sharing, and Faith Concert were among the highlights of the evening activities.

Photo courtesy of Richard Castro

To enlighten and inspire the youth participants, Rev. Fr. Jorge Peligro, OAR, the University’s Vice President for Academics and Rev. Fr. Peterson Tieng, LMRS gave a moving catechesis on faith and the theme.

Photo courtesy of Richard Castro

The Religious Education Department Faculty Members and Campus Ministry Staff composed the Solidarity Day 2013 Organizing Committee with Rev. Fr.  Abraham Latoza, OAR as Executive Director and Rev. Fr. Cornelio Moral, OAR as Overall Chairman.

Photo courtesy of Joselito Labrador, Jr.

To God be the greater glory.

See you in 2015 for the 17th Solidarity Day!