Tilipunan Community Center marks 40th Anniversary

by Marlyn Rose B. Marcelo

GIFTED TO GIVE HOPE. Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, together with the Zonta International Club of Iloilo City, Inc., commences the lighting of Belen at Iloilo Esplanade 4.

USA Pub Photo • Rotsen Agreda

With the theme “Kwarenta: Mga tuig sa padayon na pag-abyanay, pagbinuligay, paghili-usa, kag pagpinalangga-anay,” the Tilipunan Community Center commemorated its 40th anniversary at Tanza, Iloilo City, December 6.

In partnership with Zonta International Club of Iloilo City, Inc. headed by the Zonta President Ma. Amelita E. Lazarraga, the celebration was organized by the University of San Agustin Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO).

“One of the mandates of the university is to really provide outreach services to those people. We’re glad that through the years, we are able to continue this one and so we want to show our continued support and commitment to this purpose of Tilipunan,” highlighted Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, University President.

The Tilipunan, in its 40th year in service, commenced the celebration through a mass led by Comendador at the Tilipunan Community Center followed by the lighting of Belen at Iloilo Esplanade 4 that served as a torchbearer of hope to everyone.

“This is part of the vision of the University that we are for authentic human societal development. From the Augustinian perspective, we are promoting the value of charity that is about giving, loving, and being compassionate,” shared Comendador in his homily during the mass.

In the 40 years of service of the Tilipunan, it created a huge impact in the development of society, with the help of alumni, faculties, and students, as the following programs and services were made: Tilipunan Community Development Program (TCDP), Tilipunan Community Organization Volunteers’ (COV), fund raising campaign “Piso sa Puso”, Tilipunan Kiddie Center, Augustinian Teachers for Service Program, two pre-school centers in Oton and Alimodian, Agustino Para sa Tao Program, River Clean Up Art Exhibit and Pahampang sa Suba in Alimodian, Tilipunan Tiyangge, Tilipunan Wellness Project, Augustinian CARES (Calamity Action Response Efforts and Services) for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda, alcohol distribution in response for the COVID-19 pandemic, and many more.

“The purpose of the Tilipunan is to cater the needs of the people in the community because serving the less privileged is like serving the Lord,” highlighted Lazarraga during an interview with The Augustinian.

During the Presidency of Mrs. Ruth T. Jarantilla, former president of Zonta Club, and USA President Fr. Eduardo Perez, OSA on December 1979, the Tilipunan was

founded to provide its beneficiaries social welfare services, non-formal education for the out-of-school youth, health and child care, and livelihood programs.

Mrs. Teresita Gallardo, one of the beneficiaries of the organization, also expressed her gratitude, “Nagapasalamat gid kami sa ila nga ginbulig sa amon. Kabay pa nga damo pa gid sila nga mabuligan.” [We’re very thankful for the help that they have given to us. I hope that they could help a lot more people.]

Meanwhile, SACEO Director Maria Cristy E. Daguay reiterated the commitment of the Tilipunan in serving the out-of-school youth, making a difference in the lives of the people, and providing a focal point for the community.