With great enthusiasm, the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) community had its second day of celebration of the 73rd Fiesta Week and Founding Anniversary on September 10, 2024, focusing on environmental stewardship.
The day began with a sixth novena mass presided by Fr. Ricky Peñalosa, DCD, and concelebrated by the school chaplain, Fr. Jasper V. Alfeche, DCD. In Fr. Peñalosa’s homily, he reminded the whole HCDC community always to be hopeful in the journey of being a Christ-centered evangelizer.
The second day of the Center for Integral Evangelization (CIE) Days, one of the main highlights of the celebration, featured a catechesis on the integrity of creation and an art workshop with an output on environmental stewardship and caring for God’s creation.
Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, Resource Speaker Engr. Charleo H. Modequillo emphasized the importance of deepening spirituality, caring for the environment, and understanding the interconnectedness of all creation.
Engr. Modequillo delivered a powerful message in Cebuano, stating “Kita ang mag amuma sa kinaiyahan, kay basin mubaot ang panahon, wala natay puluy-anan (We are the ones who should take care of the environment because if we will not do it, time will come that we might lose our common home).”
After the catechesis, students and teachers shared their insights and experiences and their questions about environmental stewardship and the need to protect the planet for future generations. The event ended with a prayer for the environment and a community singing “Kanlungan.”
In the afternoon, sixteen (16) 4th Year – Fine Arts student facilitators from the University of Mindanao spearheaded a drawing workshop to restore and save Mother Earth.
With the guidance of CIE, Religious Education teachers, and Social Action personnel, the students expressed their ideal image of the planet and explored ways to contribute to its preservation through their drawings.
Their artworks will be displayed on the bulletin boards on the 4th to 6th floors of the HCDC New Building.
The event concluded with a symbolic pledge of stewardship and commitment where administrators, teachers, volunteer catechists, student leaders, and participants placed their thumb marks on a canvas with an outline of a tree. The activity signifies their commitment to caring for the environment and becoming good stewards of God’s creation.
HCDC President Br. Noelvic H. Deloria, S.C., Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Teresa P. Fabiania, and the Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff attended the event.
Students and visitors enjoyed the fun and interactive activities held at the Gym Lobby and Student Lounge, such as the Mini Games and Open Mic Performances. (Angeline B. Estillore, BSEd – Val. Ed. Cat. 4A)
