Alay sa Belen is a Christmas outreach program of the University of La Salette held annually to

convey joyfulness and hope to our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the City of Santiago. This
outreach program aims to spread optimism and benevolence to some of the members of the
community. It also gives the students and teachers as well the chance to know what’s happening to
some people around us and not only focus with just our own happiness but rather involve ourselves into
some social, political, economic, and cultural situation of our society among the indigents. It also aims to
provide opportunities to establish relationships with them, camaraderie and make them feel that they
are our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Last December 16, 2017, the student volunteers as well as the teachers of the College of
Accountancy Department conducted the Alay sa Belen outreach program at the Victory Norte, Santiago
City. It was started with an opening prayer led by Mr. Benedict Santiago. After the opening prayer, he
delivered an inspirational speech talking about Jesus and how He wanted us to celebrate Christmas
season which is to always share our blessings and show just love with one another. Furthermore, Ms.
Clarence E. Gamboa, Dean of the College of Accountancy also shared her thoughts about Christmas
season, that it should not just be celebrated with a particular date but instead show love, care and
thankfulness everyday because those are the true essence of Christmas, to make an every ordinary day
special. It was followed by an intermission number from Mr. Wynster Aniceto and Danica Domingo in
which they dedicated a song for the guests.

Afterwards, the parents were called inside the hall for a seminar to educate them about some
programs, rights and benefits they can claim within their community. The kids were then left outside
and we began to conduct the games we’ve prepared for them. Games like Hep Hep Horray, Trip to
Jerusalem, Bring me, and some intermissions from the kids like dancing and singing happened. The smile
on their faces gave us chills as well as the laughter that came out of their mouth naturally. They were
very cooperative and almost all of the children have participated in the games and activities we have
organized. We really can experience the enjoyment and bliss they could feel that time just by watching
them from a distance. Subsequently, the seminar for the parents was finished so we’ve also set up some
games for them like bring me and funny questions and answers. After a long wait, teachers started to
mention the surnames of the family assigned in our department and the student volunteers started to
distribute the goods and some commodities to our guests which were willingly provided by the students
of College of Accountancy. Giving of prizes to the winners and gifts to children occurred and it was
followed by the talk of the LSPC President and awarding of Certificates to teacers. The activity was
successful and was ended through a prayer.

We never knew that helping those who are in need will give a big blow into our hearts. As we
grow, things change our perception, our mindsets, and our passions. If there is a time to receive, there
should be a time to give too. The sweetest gift we could give is that gift which we give to a person we
have not met. I think that is so special because normally, we only give gifts to persons we know in order
for that person to reciprocate and give us gifts as well. But if we give gifts to persons we do not know,
we are not sure to expect a gift in return. This is an example of an `unconditional love', which I think is
the sweetest gift one could ever receive from another and this is what Jesus really wants us to do and
carry out not just for Christmas but everyday.