Established in 2013 by the MMCAA Board to engage the alumni community to participate in the school’s social action programs through the following:
- DONATIONS: Donating to individuals & national or local charities to support community programs covering qualified beneficiaries (e.g. charities for needy sectors, members of the MC Community & the Maryknoll Sisters) and assistance relating to calamities.
- VOLUNTEERING: Attending volunteer events without expecting anything in return (e.g. outreach programs to less fortunate communities)
- ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS: Taking steps to contribute to caring for nature and the environment (e.g. tree planting, animal care, and rehabilitation).
Project MMaria, the corporate social responsibility arm of the MMCAA has continuously served the needs of the MC Community. Through Project MMaria, financial assistance and canned goods were given to the Miriam College’s Miriam Identity, Spirituality, and Mission Office (MISMO), for MC stakeholders affected by Typhoon Carina. Financial support was also provided to an MC alumna in dire need of medical treatment. The Association contributed to the Maryknoll Sisters in Ossining, NY, and shall continue to support Sec. Patricia Licuanan’s Pag-asa sa Pagbasa nutrition and literacy program. Project MMaria is also exploring similar tie-ups with public schools and civic organizations.
Project MMaria
PAG-ASA SA PAGBASA
Board of Directors - Meeting
Saturday May 13, 2023
9:00 am| Via Zoom Teleconferencing
- An initiative of Dr. Patricia “Tatti” Licuanan, former MC President / CHED Chairperson / Ateneo VP / Chair NCRFW / CHED Chair
- A response to the disturbing findings of a 2022 WB study on the high rate of “learning poverty” among Filipino children.
- Intended to be a “catch up” program to improve and instill a lifelong love for reading among K to 5 school children.
- In partnership with select public elementary schools and higher education institutions
The basic elements of PPP include:
- Experienced reading teachers mainly from the Ateneo de Manila Grade School who will train student volunteers from participating higher education institutions;
- a corps of student volunteers who will conduct learning sessions on reading for children from participating public elementary schools;
- 3 levels of children i.e. grades K and 1, 2 and 3, 4 and 5;
- 10 learning sessions per season conducted on consecutive Saturdays.
The reading teachers have an average of over 25 years experience at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School (AGS). Most have served in administrative and supervisory positions and were consistent awardees for outstanding teaching performance.
The student teachers will come from those enrolled in the mandatory National Service Training Program (NSTP). Other students who wish to volunteer are welcome as well.
The children participating in the project will receive a complimentary set of books and materials and healthy snacks. Books are sourced directly from local publishing houses giving special rates. Each child receives at least 5 books per season. A donation of books will be made to the school.
For snacks, Mingo-infused merienda dishes are prepared. Mingo is a nutritious instant food made of rice, mongo (mung beans), and malunggay (moringa) developed by the NGO, Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC). Sessions for parents are being developed.
For the first season, PPP was conducted at the Balara Elementary School (BES) in Barangay Pansol, Quezon City. The volunteer student teachers came from Miriam College (MC).
Season 1 of PPP began March 18, 2023.
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan (Convenor of PPP Volunteers), Ambassador Laura del Rosario (President of Miriam College), and Dr. Melville Villegas (Principal of Balara Elementary School).
Funding Requirements for each PPP Season
Books and Materials
- Total for Season Php 70,000; or For each cluster of 15 children
- (3 clusters) PhP 24,000
Snacks for children during learning days
- Total for Season PhP 30,000
Snacks for Orientation and for Closing Ceremony
To include parents, volunteers, guests or 150 persons (@P40/ person for 2 days) Php 12,000
TOTAL Cost for each Season of PPP. Php 112,000
