Olive Students Initiate Change One Project at a Time
In line with the school’s mission and vision to raise socially aware Christian leaders for the 21st century, MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) Olive students initiated projects for their Empowerment Technology (EmTech) subject that promote social change by supporting foundations in need and addressing societal issues.
Each year, Grade 11 students are challenged to go beyond their academics by organizing social impact projects for their EmTech subject. From helping cancer patients to restoring marine ecosystems, this year’s projects encouraged students to use their talents, skills, and resources to create a meaningful and lasting impact on those around them.
MGCNL STEM Bee 2025
Aiming to connect several private schools in the National Capital Region, the MGCNL STEM Bee 2025 was an interschool science and math competition held last November 8 for students from Grades 8 to 10. The event gathered teams of four from various schools to compete in three rounds: individual, team, and final. Saint Jude Catholic School emerged as the champion of the first-ever MGCNL STEM Bee.
Project Pamayanan
Partnering with broadcast journalist Kara David’s scholarship project, Project Malasakit, Project Pamayanan brought hope and support to 180 families of the Aeta community in Sitio Malipano, Batiawan, Zambales, last November 8 through the distribution of solar-powered light bulbs, grocery packs, and school supplies. The program included praise and worship, testimonies, and solar light demonstrations, allowing the community to not only receive light but also hear about the true Light of the world.
Tiny Steps Foundation
The Tiny Steps Foundation has taken big steps in supporting Safe Haven, an organization that supports underprivileged children by providing shelters for abandoned, abused, and malnourished kids. Through this initiative, the team renovated the orphanage’s playground and organized an outreach program on November 22 for families in the surrounding communities. They played games, fed the children, and showed them what real love and care is all about.
Run For New Life
As one of the largest events of the year, Run For New Life brought together around 1,000 runners to raise funds for Bahay Aruga, a halfway house for pediatric cancer patients. The fun run was held on November 22 at the Philippine Army Grandstand, encouraging runners not to run just for their health, but for the hope of a new life. MGCNLCA students, teachers, parents, and alumni all came together to participate in this event.
MGSeas
Scheduled last November 22, MGSeas restored marine ecosystems in Anilao, Batangas, by replanting corals in nurseries anchored to the ocean floor. In partnership with Portulano Dive Resort and marine biologists, MGSeas’ long-term mission is to see these corals grow into thriving reefs while inspiring broader awareness and action for ocean conservation.
Bonded in Christ ‘25
Bonded in Christ ‘25 was a two-day father-and-child retreat held on November 22 to 23 at the Rizal Recreation Center in Laguna. The retreat featured a variety of engaging sports and team-building activities that aimed to strengthen family ties and nurture deeper relationships. Through this initiative, the attendees created lasting memories with one another that they will carry with them for years to come.
Ate & Kuya Day
First implemented in 2022, Ate & Kuya Day has become an annual event that honors the hard work and dedication of the school’s ates, kuyas, and guards. Scheduled on November 29, the celebration brought them together for a day of games, praise and worship, shared meals, and fun activities, complemented with goodie bags and raffle prizes.
ACOTA Collective
The ACOTA Collective transformed a portion of Jose Magsaysay Elementary School into a vibrant study hall and mini-library. Through book, toy, and board game donations from the MGCNLCA community, along with funds raised from selling leche flan and kangkong chips, the group furnished and enhanced the space to invite young students to read and learn more.
FoundIt!
FoundIt! is an initiative designed to help the MGCNLCA community recover lost items found within the school campus more efficiently through a user-friendly, report-based website. The group behind this project plans to turn the platform over to the Information Technology Department for further development in the coming years.
Chinese Club
The Chinese Club is dedicated to supporting Junior High School Chinese teachers and students through the creation of a lasting digital educational resource. Created by students who excel in Chinese, this aims to serve as a hub for review materials, learning resources, and enrichment content that will help improve students’understanding of their lessons.
Project Pambata
Project Pambata is an educational effort in partnership with Museo Pambata aimed at teaching children about waste pollution and the importance of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle). This was taught through informative materials such as pamphlets, posters, and a video, as well as the donation of trash cans to support proper waste management.
Each project is a showcase of how students can use technology to make a difference in society. Subject teacher Kenrick Chua said that his goal is to show that “technology is just a tool to achieve your dreams,” as these projects gave the students a chance to pursue their passions and see how technology could amplify the impact they make in society. “I hope they will realize that, even as young as they are, they can do so much good and… experience what it feels like to change a person’s life in a way they will never forget,” he added.
