Cavite State University-Carmona embraced the holiday season with its heartwarming gift-giving activity, “Beyond the Wrap: A Gift of Shine,” held on December 17, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Campus Audio-Visual Room. This event marked the culmination of a month-long donation drive, conducted from November 11 to December 12, during which faculty, staff, students, and community members came together to contribute gifts, essential items, and financial support. The initiative aimed to extend assistance to selected communities and participants from previous extension activities by providing essential items and thoughtful gift packs, while fostering continuous engagement in the campus' extension programs.  

The program began with registration and an audio-visual prayer presentation, setting a reflective and joyful tone for the day. Mr. Antonino Jose L. Bayson, extension coordinator of the Department of Management – BM/BA, delivered a warm and inspiring welcome message. Messages of gratitude and hope followed, shared by other department extension coordinators, including Prof. Ron Erik C. Frontuna, Mr. Jhumel C. Ignas, Dr. Joan L. Fortuna, and Mr. Ronlie RJ A. Espeleta, as well as the non-academic staff representative, Mr. Joseph E. Cuarez.  

Adding excitement and cheer, the event featured lively parlor games and an engaging intermission number performed by Ms. Jenelyn B. Espiritu, a BS Information Technology student. 

The highlight of the event was the gift-giving session, where faculty, staff, and student leaders distributed presents, leaving recipients with smiles and a sense of gratitude. The program concluded with a thrilling raffle that delighted lucky winners, followed by heartfelt closing remarks from Ms. Janine B. Bacosmo, campus extension services coordinator.  

Simultaneously, a dedicated program for children was organized, led by Dr. Regene G. Hernandez and Dr. Carlo Emil B. Mañabo, with support from faculty extensionists from the Department of Industrial and Information Technology and the Department of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Central Student Government headed by Mr. Andy L. Balmaceda. This parallel activity ensured that the young participants experienced the same joy and engagement. 

Supervised by Dr. Cristina M. Signo, campus administrator, “Beyond the Wrap: A Gift of Shine” embodied the campus’ dedication to generosity, unity, and meaningful community engagement. It served as a powerful reminder of the joy and impact of giving, fostering Support, Hope, Inspiration, Nourishment, and Empowerment among all participants, especially during the holiday season.