Focus Story

                                                                     LNK HISTORY

In September 1981, while visiting the different areas of the Parish, Fr. Patricio H. Lim, the parish priest of SMDS back then, noted that there were many young people in the parish who could not finish their high school studies because they could not afford it. Many of them wanted to go a step higher in their search for jobs, but because of their lack of academic requirements they had to settle for low paying jobs. Sometimes it gets worse they get no jobs at all. Fr. Pat decided to do something about it and gathered several young and enthusiastic people like Monchit Gutierrez and Nappy Navarro and people like solo parents. With their commitment and Fr. Pat’s guidance, the seed of the Landas Ng Karunungan Program was planted in the parish.

The Scholarship program adopted the Tulong Dunong Program of Ateneo de Manila University and the same time used it as a criterion for choice to whom they are going to give scholarships. It was decided that they would provide scholarships only for fourth year high school students. Another criterion for choice were the home visit by tutors and the solo parents. In time, scholarships were not only provided for 4th year students, but to those who excelled, wanted and were determined to excel as well.

The first summer tutorial was held under a big tent in the parish grounds. Graduation was held at the Balara Chapel. Former Minister of Public Works Vicente Jaime did the honors in handing out graduation certificates.

During the second batch, classes were held at the Maryknoll cafeteria and gradation at the Sta. Maria della Strada Parish church. Nest summer, classes were crammed into the Social Hall of the church. This became the permanent venue for classes as well as a year-long program. They also formed officers’ among students. NCEE review classes were conducted; the tutors donated CAT uniforms to the students. Other activities of LNK included fund raising, recollection, sport fest and the handling of awards during graduation. An interesting feature was added to the LNK program during the fifth batch was the Friday Moral Formation classes handled by Bro. Abel Andrada. These classes included spiritual themes.

Through all this time, the solo parents have been performing an important role in the program. They provided the logistics and funding for the scholarships. They were always there to give advice to the tutors whenever needed. The program survived and passing year saw the improvement in methods and activities. It thrived because of the commitment of the tutors and the students, the dedication of solo parents, and the continued guidance and spiritual support of Fr. Pat. But most of all, it thrived because of the faith, hope and love that insisted on keeping CHRIST the center of the whole program and instilled in all the spirit of selfless and wholesome service for the greater glory of GOD.