SLU president Rev. Fr. Jessie Hechanova led other university officials and guests in the blessing and inauguration of the center located inside the SLU main campus, Thursday, which was officiated by Baguio City Bishop Carlito Cenzon.

Fr. Hechanova welcomed all those who attended what he defined as a historic occasion for SLU and also thanked all those in one way or another helped in the realization of a dream of putting up a center that would respond to the need of neglected children which was conceptualized about two years ago.

“Indeed this is another milestone in the history of this university, which continues to accomplish its mission to transform the lives of people,” Hechanova said.

SLU’s Sunflower Children’s Center director Fr. Geraldo Costa also stressed that with the center, they hope to make a difference in the life of people in the community, especially to the life of abandoned, neglected, and abused children that they are going to give shelter to.

According to Fr. Costa, the center has a bed space for 20 children, which, aside from giving temporary shelter, could also help in the schooling, psychological assessment, psycho-therapy, spiritual formation, and sports and recreational activities, among other interventions for the children.

The said center is a complete facility which includes bedrooms, study area, including computers, kitchen, bathrooms, and play area. The center also has two social workers (one permanent and one volunteer) and three house parents.

Fr Costa also stressed that after the establishment of the center, they will now work to build up its sustainability. Thus, he also called on the people and the community to partner with them in building a network of community donors.

SLU is the oldest and biggest university in Baguio City. Founded in 1911 by Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae missionaries, to further the Christianizing of the northern Philippines, it grew as one of the largest and quality educational institution north of Manila. Together with many of its alumni in and out of government, they continue to work together to share their blessings with the communities to transform lives. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)