Talipao, Sulu — February 22, 2026
Student leaders of the School Parliamentary Government at Upper Sinumaan Peace Formation and Learning Center (PFLC) transformed their competition prizes into a blessing for others, leading a meaningful community outreach in Sitio Kantaran, Upper Sinumaan, Talipao.
Guided by Bud Mana volunteers of the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission, Adventist-Muslim Relations, the students put servant leadership into practice, showing that true leadership is measured not by awards, but by the lives they impact.
“Community service gives young leaders a safe space to practice servant leadership,” said a Bud Mana volunteer. “It shifts their mindset from ‘What can I gain?’ to ‘How can I help?’ Through service, they learn that their abilities are not just talents to display, but tools to bless others.”
Most of the student volunteers are active officers of the School Parliamentary Government at the Peace Formation and Learning Center in Sitio Banglut, Upper Sinumaan. They regularly attend Bud Mana training sessions on natural farming, wellness advocacy, and community engagement.
The outreach initiative grew from a team-building program organized by Bud Mana at Man’s Beach in Luuk, Sulu, on December 30–31, 2025. The program included activities and challenges designed to strengthen students’ physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Instead of keeping their prizes, the students dedicated them to a community project.
On February 22, 2026, the student leaders carried out the Student Volunteers Outreach in Sitio Kantaran, reaching 80 children through a feeding program and values formation activities including prayer, singing, and storytelling.
The students personally prepared plant-based burgers—from purchasing ingredients to cooking and organizing the feeding area—demonstrating teamwork, creativity, and responsibility under the guidance of Bud Mana volunteers.
“We were very happy because we made the plant-based burgers ourselves,” one student shared. “It was our first time learning how to make them. Everyone worked hard and helped each other, but we didn’t feel tired because we were excited to give them to the children. There is a special joy in giving something that came from our team effort.
Through this initiative, the student leaders showed that true leadership is not measured by the prizes one receives, but by the priceless treasures and profound joy found in giving.
Bud Mana Volunteer
