Service Learning at San Agustin Church

Service Learning has been a wonderful and one-of-a-kind experience to me. Last September 21, 2013, my Sociology Class and I went to San Agustin Church in Intramuros to experience this. A month of preparation, indeed, paved way to the success of the event. Even Dra. Sevilla was very much happy to the result. In addition, we all appreciated the snacks prepared by Bro. Dante and the free museum tour he has offered to us. I was glad that I finally experienced being at San Agustin Church and the Museum. That was my first time to visit such heritage. I am really thankful.

The Service Learning that happened last Saturday taught me the following things:

1. The students were very appreciative of the giveaways and the food. However, I noticed that some of them didn't eat the snacks because they saved it for their siblings or their parents. They showed FAMILY-LOVE and FAMILY-CONCERN at a very young age which actually diminish their right to enjoy being a child. I said that because it must be the other way around. The parents should be the one providing and not the children. However, I am happy because those children already know the virtue of sharing.
2. Some students are very mature and intelligent for their age. They can immediately think ahead of their years. It was shown in the game part (paper dance) of the class where some students were thinking of not folding the newspaper because the group cannot fit in a folded one. I even asked the student why did he fold it, she only replied, “Di po kami magkakasya.”
3. Only one student cried when parents were asked to leave their children for the class. When I was still young, I remember that most children cried when left by their parents in school. I think that children nowadays are more independent. Separation Anxiety were lessened among the younger generation.
4. Mothers tend to hoard the goods we were giving them. I think they were futuristic in that sense because they think that saving more could prolong their state of having more than expected. If they did not get more, the goods may only last from 2 to three days but if they get more bags it could make them last for a week.
5. It is really good to help other people.
6. Everyone was helpful.

The Tour happened last Saturday taught me the following things:

1. San Agustin church has a museum and a seminary. And Bro. Dante was actually going to be ordained next year. I did not know that.
2. Filipinos are absolutely hospitable. Bro. Dante showed that. He really assisted us in every step of the way. He even prepared a meal for us and extended the opening of the museum to accommodate us all. He also acted as our tour guide.
3. There’s a beautiful scenery inside the San Agustin Church. It is as if I am in Europe.