IT was sunny but with a cool breeze, the Datu Lompipi Elem School learners are prepared and waiting to welcome the visitors with the Philippine and Japan flaglets in their hands while wearing their best tribal attires.
The stage has been designed with dried leaves and brushes.
The program proper was facilitated by Cora Jamila and Jeneliza Ferolino, school teachers at Datu Lompipi Elementary School.
The program started with an opening prayer, “Manama”, sung by six learners in tribal costumes. It was then followed by the National Anthem through community singing and waving the Philippine flaglets prepared by the learners.
Gracing the event are Toshi Ueda of Rise Asia Japan; Japanese visitors from Kariya Lions Club -- Kunio Fukaya, Yasunori Matsushita, Kenji Ishikawa, Sanomi Kokubo; DMSF IPHC; Maharlika Lions Club of Davao City; Tribal Elder and Sitio Leader Datu Oncao Lompipi; April Marie Dayap, Representative from Office of the Mayor and OIC of Davao City Investment and Promotion Center; Representatives from Councilor Bernie Al-Ag; Representatives from Councilor Sweet Advincula; CSUs Marilog; PNP PS 12; Teachers and students of Datu Lompipi Elementary School headed by Sandee F. Domingo; and Teachers and Students of Datu Lompipi High School headed by Sulfecio P. Ingay Jr.
Domingo delivered the opening remarks and acknowledged all the visitors and sponsors of Happy Shoes from Japan.
He expressed gratitude to all the sponsors of Happy Shoes -- Kariya Lions Club of Japan, Rise Asia, and The Earth.
In his message, Domingo said that they welcome all visitors with excitement and hearts wide open. He said everyone’s presence is a blessing to all. He ended his speech with a quote from Amy Carmichaeil, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving”
After his message, Datu Lompipi Elementary Students and their parents performed a cultural dance showing their farming activities from planting to harvesting.
Toshi Ueda of Rise Asia Japan proceeded to deliver his message. He introduced the Kariya Lions Club Japan, the Maharlika Lions Club of Davao City, and sponsors. He also explained that they failed to distribute Happy Shoes three years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said they will distribute 346 new shoes to the students. The shoes were locally purchased.
He also thanked Kariya Lions Club, Maharlika Lions Club, Rise Asia, and The Earth for their unending support for the project and also the DMSF-IPHC, teachers and students of Datu Lompipi Elementary School and Datu Lompipi National High School for the preparation and organization of the entire event. He urged the students to “study hard para sa pangarap.”
After Ueda’s speech, a poem was read by students Datu Lompipi Elem School students titled “I Love water and I Love Earth” followed by Idana dance by selected learners.
Kunio Fukaya of the Kariya Lions Club Japan thanked the community for taking care of the school building they donated. He said they will push through with a water project next year. Even during the pandemic, they continue to plan for the students despite suspending assistance for the school during the pandemic.
Dayap, who delivered the message of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, said the city extends its heartfelt thanks to Ueda and to all sponsors for all the projects that they gave to the school. The city also gave the assurance that the City Government of Davao will support partners in all of its projects.
Purificacion Suyco, Barangay Captain of Marilog, encouraged the children to take care of their shoes and thanked the sponsors who donated them.
The visitors were then presented with an IP dance from students of Datu Lompipi National High School. The performance showcased their daily farm activities.
For his part, Sulfecio Ingay, Jr., school head of Datu Lompipi National High School, said the beneficiary schools are very much happy and thankful for the return of Happy Shoes. Due to the pandemic, they thought that the support from the foundation had stopped.
"We thank Toshi Ueda for the love he gave to the learners that he did come back for us," Ingay said, adding that they are happy to see that it was not only Ueda who came but also other sponsors. PR