By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Mary Rose Somera Cadiente and Romano Franco C. Talaga join representatives of Kiwanis clubs, QNHS Batch 2...
By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino
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| Mary Rose Somera Cadiente and Romano Franco C. Talaga join representatives of Kiwanis clubs, QNHS Batch 2001, Coefficients, and partner organizations during the Little Heroes Celebration at Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City. (Rosiey Cadiente) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Hospital days for children are often measured in medication schedules, medical checkups, and long hours spent away from the familiar comforts of home. Yet even amid illness and uncertainty, a simple toy, a beloved mascot, or an afternoon of laughter can offer precious moments of childhood happiness.
Smiles and laughter brought a welcome change to the hospital routines of approximately 100 pediatric patients at Quezon Medical Center (QMC) in Lucena City during the Little Heroes Celebration on October 29, 2026. Organized by Coefficients and Class IV-BCA of Quezon National High School (QNHS) Batch 2001, the outreach initiative was spearheaded by Mary Rose "Rosiey" Somera Cadiente.
What began as a modest undertaking among former classmates developed into a wider community effort supported by businesses, civic organizations, volunteers, and individual donors. Their combined contributions provided essential supplies and recreational activities, highlighting the importance of community involvement in supporting hospitalized children and their families.
The celebration was the fourth community service activity organized by the group ahead of its 25th anniversary reunion. Cadiente said it was also their largest project, reflecting the classmates' decision to mark their milestone by helping others.
“Our class is celebrating 25 years since we graduated from Quezon National High School, and we were already planning our reunion. We asked ourselves why we could not share our blessings with the community instead of keeping the celebration to ourselves,” Cadiente said.
Young patients received rice, grocery packs, vitamins, toys, activity materials, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies donated by participating sponsors. The program also featured a Jollibee party and mascot appearance, offering the children entertainment and an opportunity to enjoy familiar childhood activities despite their medical circumstances.
The hospital setting was new to Cadiente's group, whose previous charitable activities had involved visits to orphanages and homes for older people. Assistance in coordinating with QMC allowed the volunteers to extend their efforts to children receiving medical treatment.
“We have been conducting outreach projects every year, visiting orphanages and homes for older people, but we had never organized an activity like this. This was our first time reaching out to hospitalized children, and fortunately, we were given the opportunity to hold the celebration,” Cadiente said.
Cadiente initially sought additional assistance through personal contacts and group conversations, reaching out to friends, relatives, and even Coefficients clients overseas. The response exceeded the organizers' expectations as contributions arrived from individuals, businesses, and civic organizations willing to support the activity.
“When we started planning, we only had a budget of twenty to thirty thousand pesos, so I approached friends and family for help. I was surprised when businesses, organizations, and other supporters responded, and we were truly overwhelmed and grateful for their generosity,” Cadiente said.
Participating sponsors included Lucky Bookstore, Jollibee Lucena Quezon Avenue Branch, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Uberkinder Learning Center, and several Kiwanis clubs. Connected Women Quezon Province, Sentinel Times, QNHS alumni, local businesses, and individual donors also provided assistance for the celebration.
Romano Franco C. Talaga, executive assistant to the governor of Quezon Province, encouraged the children and their families to remain hopeful throughout their treatment. Kiwanis leaders Fiscal Lan Baldeo and Mhegz Apolinar, together with MSEUF-Lucena community extension head Milagrosa Lawas, also conveyed their support for the young patients.
Dr. Agustina Cabangon, head of QMC's Pediatrics Department, and the hospital's pediatric staff assisted in facilitating the celebration. Cabangon emphasized the importance of attending to children's emotional needs alongside medical treatment, particularly during prolonged periods of hospitalization.
Beyond the donations and festivities, the celebration gave young patients an opportunity to experience moments of happiness and encouragement while facing the challenges of illness. Cadiente expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make the gathering possible, particularly those who contributed without seeking recognition.
“Support came from our classmates and friends here and abroad, including anonymous donors from establishments who were willing to help without seeking recognition. When generous hearts come together, something beautiful, something meaningful, and something impactful can come out of it,” Cadiente said.
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