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Manila, 16 December 2023 – The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni Overseas Chapter Manila visited the Don Bosco Pugad Center at St John Bosco Parish, Makati City, Philippines as part of its NUS Cares activities. The term 'Pugad' translates to nest, symbolising a refuge or shelter. The chapter tends to focus its support on Filipino children who have less in life, and this year’s beneficiary is no exception.
Don Bosco Pugad Center is an institution that welcomes underprivileged youth from various provinces in the Philippines. It provides spiritual formation, educational activities (including vocational technology courses like automotive, electrical, and ref/air-conditioning), livelihood workshops, sports, and educational field trips. These holistic activities empower the youth to rise from poverty and become dignified, productive agents of change in their families and local communities.
The chapter surveyed the immediate and/or urgent needs of the centre, where Fr. Patrick Villasanta SDB, Pugad Center Director, requested new fitness equipment to replace the broken and worn-out equipment in its activity center. The chapter donated two stationary bikes, one table tennis and football table each, two dumbbell sets, and four table tennis rackets with six balls. These items were received by Ms. Issa Manigbas, Program Coordinator and Social Worker at Pugad, and Bro. Antonio Caspellan, SDB. The total cost for the fitness equipment amounted to PhP 33,000 (about SGD 791), which were the proceeds collected by the chapter during its Christmas Party earlier this month.
After the formal turnover, the management of the Pugad Don Bosco gave a tour of the centre premises to the chapter representatives present.
