“Isang Kilong Bigas, Isang Buhay Ay Ligtas”: Yes Outreach Project Yields 40 Sacks For Caritas Manila’s Damayan Program
In the spirit of Lent, the Youth Eucharistic Society (YES) of San Beda College Alabang launched its first outreach project, “Isang Kilong Bigas, Isang Buhay ay Ligtas,” and successfully raised 40 full sacks of rice for Caritas Manila’s Damayan Program.
The campaign sparked a wave of generosity across the campus, with students from both tertiary and high school departments, supported by the Religious Education and Engineering departments, donating wholeheartedly. Parent-Teacher Councils from the Primary, Middle, High School, and Technical High School divisions also joined the initiative. Student organizations, faculty, staff, and personnel added to the collective effort, creating a true community movement of compassion.
The project was conducted in coordination with the Institutional Community Involvement Center (ICIC), reinforcing San Beda Alabang’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility.
During the turnover ceremony, Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila, received the donations personally and expressed deep appreciation. “These 40 sacks of rice are more than just food,” he said. “They are symbols of hope—lifelines for the families we serve.”
Caritas Manila’s Damayan Program provides daily nourishment to vulnerable families in Metro Manila. By contributing rice—a staple in Filipino homes—the YES outreach offered tangible relief to those in need.
Fr. Gerard De Villa, OSB, Rector-President of San Beda Alabang, commended the student body for their commitment to faith in action. “This is the fruit of a Eucharistic heart—one that listens, responds, and gives,” he shared. “Our YES members, together with the entire Bedan community, are truly pilgrims of hope.”
For many students, the project was a meaningful learning experience. “It’s heartwarming to see how one kilo of rice from each student could make such a massive impact,” said YES Vice President Keith Tiamzon. “We learned that no act of kindness is too small when done together.”
The project’s success inspired YES to pursue more service oriented activities in the future. With compassion at its core, the group hopes to continue planting seeds of hope—one act of charity at a time.
The seed of compassion has been planted, and the harvest has proven bountiful—not only in sacks of rice but in a strengthened community spirit and deepened faith.
Indeed, through “Isang Kilong Bigas, Isang Buhay ay Ligtas,” San Beda Alabang showed that when hearts and hands come together, lives are changed—and hope prevails.
(Want to make a difference?
To learn more about how you can support and donate to Caritas Manila’s life-changing charity programs, visit www.caritasmanila.org.ph and be part of a mission that brings hope to those who need it most.)
