Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo paskuhan 2024: Celebrating love and community together

Last December, Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo hosted the Paskuhan 2024 event, a heartwarming celebration anchored on the theme: “Pagmamahal sa Lahat ng Nilalang” (Love for All Creatures). This year’s celebration brought joy and support to nine (9) GK–Ateneo partner communities: GK Payatas Trese, GK Del Rosario-Cox, and GK AAA Molave in Quezon City; GK St Joseph, GK Burakay, Sta Rita, GK Concepcion, and GK Kalikasan in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija; GK Kalayaan in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija; and GK Bayanihan Village, Dasmarinas Cavite — reminding everyone of the deeper meaning of the Christmas season.

More than just a festive gathering, Paskuhan is a tradition of solidarity and shared service. Students, faculty, and volunteers come together to prepare Christmas food packs, visit GK communities, and take part in meaningful kumustahan sessions that nurture connection and compassion. 

The days began with eager volunteers traveling from Ateneo to the GK sites. Upon arrival, the program opened with a prayer, the national anthem, and welcome messages from local partners, including representatives from the Local Government Unit (LGU) and community leaders. This year, we were honored with the presence of valued guests such as Fr Ben Nebres SJ (former Ateneo President) and Dr Leland Dela Cruz (AVP for SEEDS) who shared their insights on the significance of this occasion. 

The highlight of the day was the “Paskong Awitan at Pagninilay” segment which invited participants to pause, pray, and rediscover the essence of Christmas and the teachings of Laudato Si’ through music and a guided reflection. During Pasasalamat ng Kapitbahayan, residents shared stories of gratitude, deepening bonds across communities. 

The celebration continued with community members, especially the Kapitbahayan Youth, showcasing their talents through their lively performances; Volunteers from different Ateneo units (e.g. Ateneo Grade School, Ateneo Junior High School) facilitated fun activities and traditional parlor games for both kids and parents. 

Laughter and joy resonated, nurturing a spirit of solidarity and camaraderie. Volunteers then distributed Christmas food packs to families, a simple gesture that brings lasting warmth and reminds us of the joy in giving. A shared lunch followed, offering time for laughter, conversation, and fellowship.

As the event came to a close, participants bid farewell to the GK community, carrying cherished memories of love, compassion, and togetherness. The journey back to Ateneo allowed time for reflection on the day’s impactful activities and the importance of nurturing the spirit of service and solidarity in our lives.

GK-Ateneo Paskuhan 2024 is a beautiful reminder that love, especially during the Christmas season, is best expressed in service to others. Through this annual tradition, GK-Ateneo continues to nurture a culture of compassion, one community at a time.
To know more about and support Gawad Kalinga Ateneo’s work please email gka@ateneo.edu.

To see more photos, please visit the Gawad Kalinga Ateneo Volunteers Facebook Page.

Photos courtesy of GK-Ateneo.