seeds 2011-2012 - Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center

(Social Enhancement for Empowerment and Development Services)
The Official Newsletter of Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center
May 2011 - April 2012 Issue
Volume 10
What’s Inside
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SEEDS is the official annual news magazine of Mother
Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center (MINSAC), Inc.
with editorial and operational office at RVM Compound, 214
N. Domingo Street, 1111 Quezon City, Philippines.
Tel./ Fax: (632) 727-9521 (National Coordinator)
Tel.: (632) 413-8713 (Staff Office)
Website: www.minsac.ph
For copies, comments, and inquiries, please call, send an
email, visit our website, or send a letter addressed to The
Editor, SEEDS-MINSAC, 214 N. Domingo Street, 1111
Quezon City, Philippines.
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The views and opinions of contributors do not necessarily
express those of MINSAC or the Religious of the Virgin Mary
(RVM).
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Editorial Team in This Issue
Editor
S. Ma. Dolores D. Ferrandiz, RVM
Associate Editor
Josanna C. Abaigar
Consultants
S. Ma. Ceferina Bodiongan, RVM
S. Ma. Nicetas Dael, RVM
Contributors
MINSAC Sisters, Staff and Partners-inDevelopment
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Chairperson
S. Ma. Ceferina Bodiongan, RVM
Vice-Chairperson
Ms. Juris Soliman
President/Executive Director
S. Ma. Dolores Ferrandiz, RVM
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Editorial
Mobilizing Community Leaders in the Disaster Risk
Reduction Management
Empowering Tribal Leaders
Tying the Knot as One
Achieve People‟s Dream: Train the Leaders and Members
Travel of Success
Strengthening Leadership, Building Communities...
Building a Nation of Readers
Small Voices for a Brighter Tomorrow
TA Impression
TULOY-ARAL
TA Impression
Pagbabago Dahil sa MINSAC
Life As I See It
MINSAC Holds Aeta Youth Camp
The Road of My Life
My Memorable Experiences
Aeta Graduates
ALS for Aetas
RACT Graduates On the Go
Caught in Frames
Creation of Congregational Advocacy Desk
Working Towards the Formation of Christian Families
Social Worker‟s Challenge to the Pastoral Ministry
The Fury of Sendong
Embracing and Loving the Aetas is worth Living..
The Time Has Come…
Turn Over of MINSAC‟s Programs to the Community of
Barangay Nahapunan, Bacacay
A Message of Hope and Love for the People in Payatas
In Payatas, Ten Months After
Job Well Done
Giving Tribute to Women of All Times
Sino ba ang Taong Walang Pangarap
Pasasalamat Mula sa Aeta
Pasasalamat Laman ng Aming Pusong Nagagalak
A Journey to Remember
Where Go the Thoughts
Donation Form
Partner Agencies
Secretary
S. Ma. Delia Serviño, RVM
Treasurer
S. Ma. Rosalia Nacionales, RVM
Members
Ms. Zenaida Austria
Mr. Alex Flores
Honorary
Rev. Fr. Anton Cecillo Pascual
Seed (sld), n [pl.seeds] 1. Any part from a new plant
will grow; 2. The source, origin, or beginning of anything; 3. Social Enhancement for Empowerment and
Development, the most fitting description for MINSAC’s
initiatives in the attainment of its vision of sustainable
communities where people live with dignity. “Give a
person to eat; he/she will live for a day, give him/her a
seed and teach him/her how to sow it, he/she will live
for life.” As an organization, MINSAC commits itself to
community development by enhancing people’s
potentials and capabilities; active participation through
collective action for change and transformation; and
the promotion of people’s well-being and welfare.
E D ITOR IA L
A
s I was tinkering with my computer and pondering on what to write for this article, I asked myself, what will I
write?...my mind doesn‟t have any answer...But then, as I flipped upon the pages of our old issues and as I
read some of the articles recently submitted by our staff, recipients and beneficiaries, I was overwhelmed by their
sincerity and gratefulness. Their experiences and touching stories made me realize how lucky and special we are
in the religious community to be a part of God‟s plan for them.
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ruly, the Lord can‟t be outdone in His goodness and generosity. I felt so honored to be a part of this
community. I felt so blessed and happy to be chosen and to be used as one of His instruments to reach out
to His people and let His insurmountable blessings and awesomeness be felt by the least of our brethren. In my
thoughts ran His written words…”Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me”. With
this in mind, I can‟t help but pray out loud and say, ”Thank you so much Lord for giving me the chance to have
done my part and serve the least of my brethren. Thus, serving You too.”
B
ut the task is not easy. The road is not smooth; rather, it is rough and rocky. The role to lead the flock of
people mostly wounded and scarred by the harshness of life is a continuing challenge. It‟s a tough job to let
them out of their shells, help mend and repair their broken wings, and to let go of them to fly on their own, soar
high and make sure they won‟t come back spiraling down flat on their faces.
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his scenario was and still is the challenge for the service we have as a religious community. We know that
God, in His mysterious ways, has already chosen the people who will lead His flock in their quest for
success. It is just for us to work on and discover them amidst the throng of many. These are the people who like
rare diamonds are just waiting to be polished, so they can shine and unselfishly act as servant leaders & lead their
flocks just as Jesus led His. It is left for us to discover the people who are fully committed not only to serve but
most of all, they are the ones that will joyfully pass on to the next generations whatever they will successfully
achieve as an individual and as a community as a whole.
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or quite a number of years now, MINSAC has been a part of these chosen communities; nurturing them,
helping them rebuild their lives and source of living; and most especially, rekindling and renewing their
faith in our God almighty through spiritual nourishments and formation. We have been chosen to be the wind
beneath their wings as they struggle to fight and win the battle of poverty which has haunted most if not all of
them all their lives. As the popular saying goes: “we did not just give them fish to eat but we helped them to fish
so they can eat”.
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n His own perfect time, our Lord chose people to be the leaders in their own communities. These leaders were
our pillars of strength during the times when our physical and mental capacities almost surrendered to the
pressures of our service to their communities. They were the ones who encouraged us to continue with our
mission even when the circumstances seemed to weigh us down. They were the ones who inspired us not to be
daunted by the tasks that lay ahead.
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ith the help of our partners in mission, the journey with them is now almost over. They are ready to once
again, face the world. But this time, they have an armor to protect them, the Armor of God‟s love which
He generously showered them. Their wings are now ready to fly with the leaders God has chosen for them. Armed
with the knowledge, expertise and strong spiritual formation, MINSAC & the RVM Community is hoping and
will continue to pray that the works that they have begun will continue to flourish and that they, as leaders, will
become good examples to others who one day dream to follow in their journey.
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s we look back, we can say that perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcomes hardships and achieves an impossible goal. The existence of these communities now show us dreams
that seem impossible, can be realized with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are. Vincent
Van Gogh once said:
”Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together”.
Yes, God has brought us together, the MINSAC and these communities so that our distant dreams can be realized.
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 3
Mobilizing Community Leaders in the
Disaster Risk Reduction Management
By: Ivy Capada, RSW
It is a fact that for the past decades the world
including the Philippines has been confronted with a
number of disasters. Indeed there is an exponential
increase in human and material loses during the events
of disaster especially if the vulnerable group in the
community are not well prepared on what to do during
events like this. There are studies that calamities and
disasters in particular can bring natural phenomenon
or human errors. Furthermore, the impact of disaster is
higher to the group in the community whose
vulnerability is high and resiliency is low. In order to
decrease the vulnerability and increase the resiliency of
the community in times of disaster, MINSAC- Easy to reduce risks. All pencils out as the community
Borongan conducted a Training Workshop on Disaster leaders draft a map for hazardous and safe places in
their locality
Risk Reduction Management last November 24, 2011
at San Jose Borongan City.
The seminar was attended by the community leaders of the three (3) barangays covered by the
center namely: Barangay San Gabriel, San Jose and Siha. The topics that were discussed include the
preparation before a disaster, things to do during a disaster, and the post disaster activities. Part of the
preparation is the formation of Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in the community whose
main job is to coordinate with other organizations within and
outside the community. The council is also responsible in
the education drive and in the execution of plans made by
the council. One of the preparation activities also before a
disaster is the hazard map making. The participants were
able to identify the hazardous and safe place in their
community in a specific calamity. Creating warning devices
were discussed also in the morning of the seminar
workshop.
Part of the activities during a disaster is the
evacuation and rescue activities. The leaders were given
some simulation activities on how to organize an evacuation
activity. An effective Rescue Techniques were also
discussed. After a disaster, relief and rehabilitation
activities are very important. The community leaders learned
on how to spend their budget wisely and how to establish a
strong coordination with and between Government and NonGovernment Organizations. Reporting Scheme was also
introduced to help the leaders in making a prompt and
complete picture of the effect of the disaster.
The best smiles ever! The community members
In the latter part of the day the participants made
during the simulation activity of their Disaster Risk
their own community plan on how to reduce the risks
Reduction Management Seminar
brought by a disaster. Both the training organizer and the
participants were happy for they were able to make some alternative steps on how to manage the
vulnerability of the community in times of disaster and at the same time strengthen their resiliency.
4 SEEDS
Empowering Tribal Leaders
By: S. Ma. Lilia Malimit, RVM
To empower and create a self-reliant community has been
the dream of MINSAC for the Katutubo in the village. It is now
the proper time to let the Ayta respond to their daily needs
according to their capacity, interest and strength. MINSAC
designed seminars to aid them in their quest to answer their needs
in a democratic way that suits their potentials and capabilities.
The seminars on Accounting, Community Management,
and Bookkeeping that were facilitated by Ms. Teresita Tejada of
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on
October 7 and 8, 2011 to Tribal Leaders were designed in order for
This is what it takes to be leaders. Some of the
the leaders to acquire more knowledge in handling the community
in terms of resources and assets. These activities serve as guide in Tribal Leaders prepare their group output during
their Leadership Training.
their daily living, just like if they want to venture into small
business or anything that deals with finances and how to handle the
budget. The Leaders were interested to learn more so as to be equipped and be confident in handling community
projects and resources without depending on others.
The Leadership Training was conducted by Dr. Angelito Manalili and University of the Philippines College of
Social Work and Community Development (UPCSWCD) students to Tribal Leaders in order to strengthen them and to
ensure oneness of purpose on October 5, 2011. They need each other in order to guide the community in relation to
education, health, livelihood, preservation of culture, and community development.
The Leaders will take care of all community development programs and related activities. They lead and will
be models in the Aeta community. As leaders, they work together for the good of all residents in the Katutubo Village.
Tying the Knot as One
By: S. Ma. Mila Ortega, RVM
When Southern Mindanao became a Province, Sentrong
Pangkabuhayan ni Madre Ignacia (SPMI) was established. For
more than six years, they operated with its Programs and Services
as an independent entity. They tried to manage well their limited
resources, both human and materials without the assistance of
MINSAC main office in Quezon City. Within those years they
came to realize how important it is to belong and be counted again
as one branch of the social services of the RVM Congregation. For
five months, from July to October, 2011, SPMI staff worked hard
for its dissolution process, to cease using the name SPMI and
The promise of a new beginning. S. Ma. Dolores and
Mr. Aragua facilitated the Program Orientation to the
return to its former name Mother Ignacia National Social
community members of Isla Suerte in Davao.
Apostolate Center, as MINSAC branch in Davao. So, last October
26, 2011, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finally
dissolved SPMI and we are now tying the knot again with the MINSAC Main Office. At long last the strands are tied again
and we could now align our programs with them.
As we aspired of reconnecting back with the Main Office, S. Ma. Dolores Ferrandiz RVM, our MINSAC
National Coordinator and Ritchie Aragua, came last March 17-20, 2012, to help us start anew. They introduced to us the
different MINSAC programs namely; 1) Education (Day Care Services, Tuloy-Aral and e-Skills for Out-of School-Youth);
2) Livelihood Support Program (Alternative Saving System and Cooperative); 3) Health Services; 4) Family and Life
Program 5) Advocacy and the Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM).
S. Ma. Dolores gave more emphasis to Livelihood Support Program (LSP) which caters our partners in
development (PID) with financial help to support their little business for their livelihood. Ritchie gave an actual 2-day
seminar, 2 ½ hours daily to the Isla Suerte community including the MINSAC Davao staff to learn, and observe what was
the LSPCT (Livelihood Support Program Compulsory Training) is all about as it will be introduced here as one of the main
Programs. We all hope that this will be the start of working together as one in our social services to people who need our
love and support. May it be in social, financial, but the most important is their spiritual growth and development as one
community in our respective area.
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 5
Achieve Peoples‟ Dream: Train the Leaders and Members
By: Almira Villaflor, RSW and Noeme Delmigues, RSW
Banawag Consumer‟s Cooperative continues to shine
throughout the year. It stands by its name which means a ray of
hope. The cooperative has helped its members in terms of uplifting
their economic situations and live with dignity as individuals. Its rays
do not just end on its members but radiates to the whole community.
The store that they have established continues to serve them with
reasonable price for prime commodities. The members also play
important roles in the realization of some of their projects, such as
their community water system installed last 2010.
The Board of Directors of the Cooperative believe that the
success of the organization does not only depend on the leaders but
also with the cooperation of the whole assembly. In order to equip
the leaders and members with proper knowledge, skills and right
attitude on managing the cooperative, the Center provided several
training and seminars for the past year. Seminars like Small Business
Management and Financial Management & Analysis Seminars were
conducted to members who are interested to start a small income
The rays of hope shine through their hands. The
generating business and for the Board of Directors and other leaders
members of Banawag Consumer’s Cooperative during
respectively. The latter is to help the officers and leaders have a
their Small Business Planning Seminar
better understanding and analysis of the Financial Status of their
cooperative.
One of the goals of the cooperative this year is to have a clear plan on where the cooperative would be going for the
next five years. A strategic plan was made and a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan was also formulated. These two instruments
will guide the cooperative in their journey and at the same time facilitate an easier evaluation process.
To complete the technical support given by the Center, a Servant Leadership Seminar was also conducted for the
leaders. The said seminar opened the mind and hearts of the participants on what is expected of them as leaders. They were able
to realize that to be a leader is to follow the steps of Christ which is to serve and not to be served. They verbalized that an
organization needs a leader who will think first the welfare of the majority and not the personal interest of a few.
The Center is very much hopeful that Banawag will continue to radiate its rays of hope not only to its members but also
to the entire community of Borongan.
Mrs. Lydia Ponteras sharing her
success story
By: Mr. Ritchie Aragua (LSP Staff)
For many years, the people in Payatas and nearby communities dreamed of having a good
future and a better life. They longed for people or organizations that will help them realize their dreams
and lead them closer to God.
MINSAC is one of the organizations that help educate and open the minds of the people that
lacked information particularly in managing their small businesses. One of the Programs in MINSAC is
the Livelihood Support Program (LSP). They offer various training and financial assistance that
contribute to the needs of the community and their small businesses. The trainings such as massage
therapy, soap-making, food processing, and many others gave more options for livelihood. The small
financial assistance thru loans also helped out in adding capital to their business.
One recipient of the LSP Financial Assistance, Mrs. Deodelyn Tambalilid is a good example.
She is 37 years old, married, with three children, and a resident of Kaunlaran St., Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City. She keeps a small rolling cart business selling plastic wares and other household
materials and needs. She has been doing this for many years but she went bankrupt for a while
because she has no permanent stall. It was confiscated by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) again because she lacked the
necessary permit. When she finally got a legitimate stall for her business, she found new hope in MINSAC that offers livelihood services to
women who has entrepreneurial desires and capability to run a small business. Her project proposal was approved and this marked a new
beginning for her. Again, she borrowed capital from MINSAC LSP and started her business. For her, this new venture has given her family a
brighter future especially to her children who aspires to finish higher education.
Another recipient, Mrs. Lydia Ponteras, is also a partner of MINSAC LSP. She has a sari-sari store in Mayon St., Payatas B, Quezon
City. She used to sell frozen foods to her neighbors and nearby communities. But when her sister who owned a small sari-sari store moved to
another place for good, she bought the stall and borrowed a capital from MINSAC. She is very much thankful because her store is doing well.
The abovementioned women are just two of the partners of LSP who benefited the program’s services. The trainings and financial
support they received from the organization were a big help for their families as well as to their communities.
6 SEEDS
Strengthening LEADERSHIP, Building COMMUNITIES
Experience that Sustains Community of MINSAC Cebu Partners
By: S. Ma. Elizabeth Dejan, RVM
Savings educate our partners about certain enthusiastically and full dedication, then we
alternatives and regularities in life. Being inspired by contribute much in shaping ourselves with common
an understanding of a new positive image of change sense and emerge as effective collaborators in our
in their lives, an exceptional stream of creativity bursts struggle to build a better character, and relationships
onto the scene of economic endeavour that improves in our communities and the world in general.
the mindset of our partners.
Journeying in our life as community alongside our
Our partners are able to sustain themselves partners enables us to achieve self-determined lives.
with a genuine and acceptable source of influence and Indeed Savings and Livelihood project are so
strength to understand what they want to be able to designed to help our partners in the improvement of
lead now and for life as whole. They begin to see the living conditions that direct them to initiate processes
source of their dynamism to create with full of social and economic transformation.
consciousness and responsibility – ground-breaking
We are guided by the following Values in our
progress of an emerging Community. Appreciation of journey with Communities: Honesty and Integrity are
the value to save is a means that one can now attach two of the most important values that one needs to
this awareness to overcome seemingly “impossible possess to be truly successful in life and gain selfobstacles” of poverty to deep collective change and esteem and peace of mind. Honesty is a value that will
advancement leading to
find its expression even
the emergence of selfin the smallest detail.
conscious intelligence. As
True success is a state
a result a resourceful life
of happiness and wellof our individual partners
being. Courage directs
may fully comprehend,
a person to love and be
practice and live out their
compassionate; make
acquired values and
commitments and be
principles of cooperation.
accountable. It takes
The insight and practice
courage to believe in
of our active partners
our dream and take
inspired others in the
positive actions to fulfil
community to join and to
them. Creativity, which
save through this system
is another important
and eventually become
value, also requires
members
of
t h e The MWCC members during the Cooperative Training facilitated courage to do someMAKABAWI Women by a representative of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) thing. Self discipline is
Consumer‟s Cooperative
the ability to take action
(MWCC).
regardless of our emotional state. Best intentions
In our dealings with communities and journey accomplish nothing. Self-discipline is requisite in our
with them we also gain self mastery that make us daily living. With this value, procrastination is overmore confident. We are impelled to walk our talk come leading us to achieve our goals. Self discipline
specially in effecting changes in the shaping of is like muscle training. The more we practice the
events towards our quest of dignified and significant stronger we become. Love and compassion are such
human existence. From our conscious repeated wonderful and divine values that change our focus
practices and trainings we and our partners have high from our own self to others. Jesus Christ is great not
hopes to eventually create a character that shapes us for the reason that He is Son of God, but because he
in attaining the dream future that we want thereby has love and compassion for all. Obviously if we do
empowering us together in a corporate endeavour. If not have love and compassion in our heart, helping
we want to do something, and pursue it other people cannot be attained.
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 7
By: Noeme Delmigues, RSW
It is a fact that the interest of children in
reading is now being diverted to different kinds of
computer games. Internet Cafe has proliferated
even in some remote Barangays. Children also
devote more time in viewing telenovelas and other
cartoon programs rather than reading fables, fairy
tales, legendary stories and others. Indeed the new
generation is trapped by the new technology which
hinders them to be more creative and imaginative.
What is more threatening is the fact that these
offers them different value reorientation which
eventually leads to confusion on the real meaning
of life.
This is a far cry from what I remember
when I was a little girl. I learned a lot of good
values, Filipino values in particular through the
stories of Juan Tamad, The Dog and the Cat, The
Lion and the Mouse, and many others. Those are
stories which enhanced my imagination and became the foundation of my values. These
phenomena were the reason that MINSAC
facilitated the “Reading program for Grade 4
pupils” through the help of Childfund Japan and Sa
Aklat Sisikat Foundation.
The first to be benefited by this noble
program were five (5) schools in Borongan, Samar
namely; Calingatngan Elementary School, Eugenio
Daza Pilot Elementary School, San Jose
Elementary School, San Gabriel Elementary School
and Surok Elementary School. In these five (5)
schools, MINSAC have sponsored children.
The program started with a two-day Workshop for Grade 4 Teachers and school heads where
in 18 teachers from Borongan participated the
training. The teachers were trained on how to make
a simple reading lesson plan, new strategies and
new techniques on how to motivate the children to
read the books. At the end of the training the
participants brought with them 60 kinds of books to
be shared to their pupils.
The reading program runs for 30 days in all
grade 4 class. The school allotted one (1) hour
everyday for the reading activity. The activity can
be a silent reading, read aloud, storytelling,
partner reading or group reading. After each
activity an evaluation is made and children are
8 SEEDS
Every reader is a writer. The photo shows the writing
activity of the children during evaluation . They were
tasked to write something on what they have read.
made to write something on what they have read.
An Ibong Adarna paper feather was used in
writing their insights and it was pasted in the
mural of the Ibong Adarna that was displayed in
an open space in the school.
The 30 days reading activity helped a lot in
reviving the interest and love of children in
reading books. Children had verbalized their
gratefulness for having such beautiful program.
The program culminated with showcasing of
talents presented by the pupils based on the books
that they have read. Some children verbalized
that they have learned a lot of good values on the
story books they have read. They even shared
their dream of having plenty of books in their
library.
In response to the clamour of children for
more, ChildFund Japan donated additional books
for the children. Each school received more than
200 books depending on the number of pupils in
each school. During the turn-over ceremony, the
pupils all wore smiling faces and armed with
hope that the books provided for them will be a
start for them to build a nation of readers.
By: Nelinda Bulan
“I am but a small voice… I am but a small dream…” (Author: anonymous)
So goes the Graduation Song that the Mother Ignacia Learning Center (MILC) pupils sang with all
their hearts and voices during their graduation ceremonies last March 24, 2012 at St. Benedict Chapel,
Payatas A, Quezon City.
Another school year has passed and I cannot help but feel the joy and pride for these small children
who, in one way or another, have taught me time and again, the value of patience, understanding, and love.
Indeed, it was a fruitful journey full of surprises and challenges yet also full of camaraderie, laughter and
accomplishments. Accomplishments and success that come in tiny steps and little ways but very profound
and meaningful to them.
“Small voices for a brighter tomorrow!” these words signify tiny milestones in the lives of these
children. Small as they are with little voices and dreams, the learning and experiences they gained from
MILC will hopefully serve as their stepping stone for a brighter future and will help equip them to face the
challenges they will encounter later on in their lives.
Small dreams that hopefully will become big later as they continue their educational journey and
will bring pride to their humble beginnings. Small voices indeed that hopefully will become stronger as
they gain confidence and lessons to face
and experience life with its failures,
difficulties as well as successes.
Our sincerest congratulation goes
to the parents and guardians who
nurtured and reared these children. We
salute you as you are their first teachers,
the ones who taught them tiny steps of
learning about themselves, their families,
their beliefs and the world around them
with unconditional understanding and
love. MILC is thankful to be a part of the
journey in molding and educating them.
What a joy indeed to see them
grow and experience life to the fullest with
contentment wherever their future may bring them. The values and formation they learned from MILC will
hopefully help them become better and happier children, confident and strong in their ideals and beliefs,
giving generously of themselves, and most of all service and people oriented.
Malaki ang naitulong ng Tuloy-Aral (TA) sa aking pag-aaral. Hindi lang sa pag-aaral kundi pati na
rin sa pagkilala sa aking sarili. Ako at ang iba pang katulad ko na bahagi rin ng TA ay tinulungan rin nila
kung paano maging mabuting mag-aaral, leader, anak, at iba pa. Sila rin ang tumulong upang matustusan ko
ang mga gastusin sa aking pag-aaral katulad ng mga proyekto, matrikula, workbook, at iba pang gastusin sa
paaralan.
Malaki rin ang pasasalamat ko kay S. Ma. Elizabeth Dejan, RVM dahil marami siyang itinuro sa
amin tulad ng pakikipagkapwa, pagpapakumbaba at higit sa lahat ay ang pagkilala sa aking sarili. Nahubog
pong mabuti ang aking pagkatao dahil sa mga naituro sa akin at higit sa lahat kung paano kami maging
responsableng mag-aaral.
By: Lovely Micon R. Sumagang
(TA Cebu)
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 9
By: Mrs. Liberty Albaniel (a mother of one of the TA partners)
T unay na pagsasalaysay sa aking karanasan
ng mapasok ang aking anak
Unampisa
si Jansy Saj Albaniel sa paaralan
L alo kong ipinagmalaki ang pagbabagong
naibahagi nila sa paghuhubog ng mabuti sa aking anak
O
o, masasabi kong isa itong kayamanan
na dapat kong ipagmalaki, kahit na isang hamak
Y umabong sa kagandahang-asal
at marunong makipagkapwa-tao,
kaibuturan ng puso’y di mawawasak
A t mapanatili sanang sa pag-aaral ay magsumikap
R angya ng buhay sana’y makamtan
sa buhay naming payak
A ng aking panalangin sa ating Poong Maykapal
L alo pa sana kayong makatulong sa kapwa at
maging Santa si Madre Ignacia...sambit rin sa
araw-araw kong dasal.
Maraming, maraming salamat po!
Joining the Tuloy-Aral brought many changes
in my life. I learned how to become a better citizen in
my community. I learned how to be a nice person to my
neighbors. Moreover, by the activities they conducted
to us, I learned how to conquer my fears in life.
Tuloy-Aral really helps me in my studies
because of the financial assistance they provide for my
school needs like projects and other contributions.
I really am lucky to be one of its recipients
because it gives hope and opportunity to poor people to
achieve their dreams.
By: Lovely P. Balbona , TA 4th year partner-Cebu
10 SEEDS
Pagbabago Dahil sa
MINSAC
A Recollection of
the TA scholars
facilitated by S. Ma.
Janet Bayron, RVM
“…now and
forever… Amen.”
Ang tugon ni S. Ma.
Marieta Caimoy,
RVM sa pagbati sa
kanya ng mga
Tuloy-Aral (TA)
Scholars. Kaming
scholars na malaki
na ang ipinagbago
buhat nang mapasama sa mga
benepisyaryo ng
proyekto ng RVMMINSAC na TA.
Kami ang mga
kabataang posible sanang nahinto sa pag-aaral dahil sa
kawalan. Mga batang dati‟y walang muwang sa mundo
ngayo‟y napakalaki na ng pagbabago.
Katulad na lamang ni Allyanna. Dati‟y hindi siya
palasimba ngunit ngayo‟y, linggo-linggo nang laman ng
simbahan. Si Angelita na dati‟y mahiyain, ngayo‟y mayroon
nang malaking tiwala sa sarili. Si Juvylyn naman na walang
pakialam sa komunidad noon, ngayo‟y kabilang na sa
napakaraming miyembro ng isang Organisasyong
Pangkabataan. Si Melanie na dati‟y puro lakwatsa tuwing
Sabado, ngayo‟y sa mga sesyon ng TA mo makikita. Si Colyn
na ultimo rosaryo ay hindi alam hawakan, ngayo‟y kabisado
na ang paggamit at ang mga dasal sa pagrorosaryo.
Ito‟y ilan lamang sa kabataang malaki ang
pagbabagong naganap dahil sa MINSAC. Dahil sa mga Values
Formation na isinasagawa nila, marami sa aming mga TA
scholars ang lalong naging magalang, mapagmahal sa
magulang, mapagbigay sa kapatid, at natutong lumapit sa
Maykapal. Ang mga workshops na isinagawa nila ay naging
daan upang mas matuklasan namin ang aming sarili; na kami
ay may kani-kanya taglay na galing. Ang tulong pinansiyal ng
MINSAC ay malaki ang nai-ambag upang kami ay makaranas
rin ng maraming makatuturang bagay tulad ng mga
educational fieldtrips na ginanap sa aming mga paaralan.
Marami rin sa amin ang hindi na humihingi ng pera sa mga
magulang para lang makabili at maipasa ang mga proyekto
namin sa eskwelahan o makapagbayad sa mga ibat-ibang
bayarin sa paaralan gaya ng Parents-Teachers‟ Association
(PTA) fee at workbooks. Ito ay malaking kabawasan sa
pinansyal na obligasyon ng aming mga magulang. Laking
tulong at pagbabago talaga ang hatid ng MINSAC.
by Anna Bianca Mendoza
3rd year college Tuloy Aral partner of MINSAC Cubao
Life is difficult. Who will argue that it’s not? But the truth is, we can still be
joyful amidst all the difficulties if we’ll put Jesus in the center of our lives.
God is gracious. He knows what we need. It’s been six (6) years since I
became one of MINSAC’s Tuloy Aral partner. Transportation allowance, tutorials,
recreational activities, weekly values formation sessions, recollections, camping
and other outdoors, community service, teambuilding, youth seminars and leadership activities are the many benefits of a TA partner, all in exchange of our hard
work in studies, cooperation and attendance in different Center’s affairs - this is not
too much to ask.
I remember one recollection activity where my mother and I get to talk
about things and settle some matters. The session was very short but considered
very precious because it provided a venue to mend our broken hearts and shatter
the wall that set us apart. As a result, our relationship was strengthened as we both
realized the value of communication. Well, I know this is not merely about me. This
is not just about MINSAC either. This is about the Living God who has been good to
us both.
God is good – always and eternally will be. He works for the good of those
who love HIM, those who are called according to HIS purpose. I believe that the
opportunity to be chosen to receive MINSAC’s educational assistance was laid
down to me for a greater purpose - that in His own perfect time, I will be able to
share with others the same blessing given to me. I am taking the challenge
seriously because I know the opportunity offered to me is indeed a privilege.
Life is for sharing and giving. Aside from the financial support, my
experiences in life became
more meaningful especially
MINSAC Holds Aeta Youth Camp
when shared with other
By: Aiza Santos
Tuloy-Aral partners. Throughout the years, I have met
The twenty-two (22) Tuloy-Aral with other youth in the
different people in every Katutubo Village had a Team Building and Youth Camp
camping and seminars. We facilitated by the College of Social Work and Community
shared stories of our lives, Development (CSWCD) students of the University of the
learning, and experiences, Philippines on September 11 and 24, 2011. It aims to build up
and in all those occasions, self-confidence, foster unity and solidarity among the youth,
encouragement flows in thus, strengthen the youth organization and reinforce spirit of
every line spoken. All that perseverance and responsibilities.
has been and will still be
would always serve as my
Keep it
inspiration in the years to
rolling… TA
come. Life is difficult. But
Partners with
God is good. Isn’t that a
CSWCD
more-than-enough reason to
students in
be thankful and joyful? Let’s
their Youth
Camp and
stop airing complains and
Team
rather begin counting our
Building
blessings.
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 11
Jennifer A. Jotojot (TA graduate of MINSAC Davao)
“My life is worthless!” That‟s what I thought before.
I have to stop studying for one year after I graduated in high school because my parents cannot afford to
send me to college. I tried to look for a part-time job but unfortunately I wasn‟t able to find one, so I have no
choice but to stay home and help my mother. Her source of income was making cargo shorts and I was tasked to
deliver it to the vendors of second hand clothes. Since we were experiencing financial difficulty that time, I have to
walk from our house to Claveria where I deliver the said garments. There were times when I wished to find a big
amount of money while walking on the street so that I can enroll in college. I was so disappointed and I pity myself
of not being able to pursue my studies but was left with no choice because of our situation. Every time I see college
students, I couldn‟t stop myself from crying. One day, my aunt told me to apply for an educational assistance at
Sentrong Pangkabuhayan ni Madre Ignacia (now Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center), an
organization willing to help out of school youth. I went to MINSAC Office and submitted my requirements. I never
thought that I would pass, until I received a text message telling me to report to MINSAC Office and that I have
been accepted as a grantee. I was so happy that finally my parents will not have difficulties in looking for money
for my tuition fees and most of all; I could already continue my studies.
From my experience, I would say that college life is indeed not easy. I had to submit projects, do my
assignments, study our lessons in order to pass the exams, and adjust with my professors. If there was one thing
that made college life so wonderful, I would say that it was finding true friends who helped me become more
mature and responsible.
After four long years in my tertiary education, I have finally reaped the fruits of my labor. I was so happy
to see that my parents were proud of me. Everything that I achieved were made possible because of God, my
parents and the two (2) organizations which molded me become the person that I am today – MINSAC and the
Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. Being a grantee has been a big help for me not only financially but most of all
emotionally and spiritually so, I share my success with S. Ma. Nancy Lao, RVM, S. Ma. Mila Ortega, RVM, all the
MINSAC staff and my co-grantees who journeyed with me „till the end of my college life.
Not long after my graduation, I started my community service with MINSAC. I am very grateful that I am
given the chance to know them better and become a part of their “family”. I am learning more lessons that the
school wasn‟t able to teach me - experience a life working in a community of people I do not even know. I will take
this privilege because I know, not all are given the opportunity to help others.
Now, I could see a clear way toward my future - a life that is full of success bounded by love and guidance
by my parents, friends, and most of all by God.
By: OliverGuab (A Tuloy-Aral partner graduate in Llorente)
MINSAC Llorente started its programs and services with Tuloy-Aral for poor but deserving students studying in the public
high schools. This organization helps and promotes better lives of the children and I am one of it.
When I was in elementary, my parents decided to look for a sponsor so that they can send me to school. A friend, who is a
TA partner in MINSAC informed me of the Program and encouraged me to apply. I tried and thank God I was accepted. S. Ma.
Bernardita Humbid, RVM was the Local Coordinator at that time. Then she was followed by S. Ma. Gemma Navidad, RVM and S.
Ma. Marieta Caimoy, RVM.
My new life started with the help of MINSAC. I was able to join the Spiritual/Values Formation given and conducted by
the Sisters, tutorials, and many others. I still remember that whenever we have Values Formation, I always felt nervous when it is my
turn to share my life’s experiences. But as time passed by, I learned to express myself and gained the courage to face the people around
me.
For four years (4) of being a scholar of MINSAC, I gained more friends, my spiritual life was strengthened, and I learned
how to go along well with others. I became an altar server during mass and I served as lector and joined the choir during sponsored
mass every 3rd Sunday of the month.
I am very grateful to God that I already finish my high school with the everlasting support and guidance of my parents and
MINSAC. I can say now that I am ready to face new challenges and obstacles in life with the nourishment I got from my 4 years stay
in MINSAC. Even though I am already a graduate, it is where my heart remains. I hope that I could get a good job in the future so I
could help my family and others especially the unprivileged.
To my fellow scholars who I will leave behind, I hope that you will still study hard and continue to live the values that we
learned. Do continue with the same respect and gratitude we give to MINSAC and other people. We must also be thankful to God
for all the blessings we received and will be receiving. Remember that in everything we do “all will be well”.
For all the Sisters, thank you very much and I am praying for your safety always.
12 SEEDS
AETA GRADUATES
ALS for Aetas
By: Rita Ocampo
By: Rita Ocampo
Education is one of the valued programs and
services of MINSAC-Porac. Aside from twenty six (26)
tuloy aral, MINSAC sent twenty four (24) Aetas to
Technical Education Skills & Development Authority
(TESDA) - Porac for the following courses: Automotive,
Building Wiring, Electronics, Dress Making, and Industrial
Sewing Machine Operation.
The Aetas who took automotive did not persevere
because they said “it is very hard to memorize the different
parts of the machines” as per requirement of the said course.
They started their TESDA classes on January 8, 2011 and
only 16 graduated on July 30, 2011. Graduation was a very
important event for them since they received their
certificates as a sign of their success in gaining knowledge
and skills learned in their studies.
Through the partnership of MINSAC and Mena
Foundation their school needs were provided. To date, these
graduates are working in the different companies nearby and
in Manila. This was a great help augment their family
income.
There were twenty-two (22) Aetas who availed in the
Alternative Learning System (ALS). This program was designed
in partnership with the Department of Education. These Katutubo
are encouraged to study for their own consumption and welfare.
They took the exam at San Fernando, Pampanga on October 6,
2011. The results will be released on April 2012.
On January 15, 2012, there were thirty-two (32) Aetas
who enrolled in ALS. They
have Saturday classes and they
were given assignments for
home study. This is to ensure
that the students will be
prepared for their exam on
October, 2012. 70% to 80% of
them persevere in this program.
The school supplies
used by the ALS students
were provided by Mena School is cool! ALS Students as they
are all ears to their instructor during
Foundation.
their Saturday classes.
By: Mr. Alfonso Manansala, Jr. (e-Skills Instructor)
MINSAC (e-Skills) school‟s objective is to provide avenue
for the graduates to gain employment after their training through our
In-shop training or On-the-job training (OJT). Our products have
really proven their worth and our sacrifices of preaching and
teaching them had paid off. We are full of pride that we have
produced excellent and productive home grown graduates.
After their five (5) month In-center training, they will
practice it outside for a month or the required number of hours. We feel proud and blessed that our graduates exhibited
excellent work and are easily absorbed in their In-shop training specifically, our Refrigeration and Air-Conditioned
Technician (RACT) graduates.
Rubenson Zacate, a graduate of RACT in the year 2008 had his OJT in Chee Puck Refrigeration. He was
absorbed by the company as their technician and now considered one of their best in his field. In his fourth year now
with the company, he is able to support the education of his older brother who‟s in college and his other siblings.
John Kilven Tebelin, another 2011 graduate of RACT also had his OJT in Chee Puck Refrigeration. He was
also absorbed by the company and he is now doing well into his first year in service. He is now able to help his family
in their daily needs.
Mark Anthony Iniego, a recent graduate of RACT, also practiced in Chee Puck Refrigeration. He just
completed his three hundred twenty (320) hours of training and recently, he was called by his supervisor for
employment.
Jun Jaba, Rolando Batas, Mervien Bugna, Josepher Daquera, graduates of RACT in 2009 all took their In-shop
training in Mid-air Refrigeration Company owned by our trainer, Mr. Elpidio Baguioso. They were successfully
absorbed by the said company as its resident technicians.
Ric Besmonte is now working with Coca-Cola bottling company while John Paul Pacate was hired by Manila
Doctors Hospital. Mr. Besmonte is a graduate of class 2006 and Mr. Pacate of class 2007 were immediately absorbed
by the said companies after finishing their OJT.
Refrigeration and Aircon Technician graduates who took the National Certification Level II Exam had all
passed. These are just few of the success stories of our graduates. To this we can proudly say, “Produktong MINSAC
yan!”
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 13
Eye operation of Aljean Lagarto, a recipient of
SJH Pondo ni Madre Ignacia
Graduation of Aetas in
TESDA
Visit of Mr. Marc Barylo in Payatas
Father Ching giving first Communion to the Aeta children
In Hagonoy, Bu
Oath-taking of the Tuloy-Aral Parents during
the Acquaintance Party
Recollection of the TA students in CDO
with S. Ma. Meriam Bauzon, RVM
Tuloy-Aral
Tutorial Sessions
During the MINSAC Bazaar on October 1416, 2011 at the RVM ground
4 SEEDS
BRH, Tagaytay
BRH, Quezon City
Malate Catholic Schoo
Ms. Juris Soliman
Mother Ignacia Healing C
RVM Congregation
RVM Educational Assistance
Salesian Sisters of Don B
St. Mary’s Academy of Sta
St. Mary’s Academy of Sto
St. Mary’s College of Meyca
Urban Agriculture Training to the
Livelihood Support Program (LSP) partners
with speaker from DOST
A pose during the 12th Foundation Day
celebration held on October 25, 2011
LSP partners during the Massage
Therapy Training
Photo taken during the Nutrition
Month Celebration in MINSAC
Camarin
Evangelical mission of S. Ma. Adora de
Guzman, RVM with the children in Brgy.
San Jose, Borongan, Samar
Kinder Graduation in Payatas B. In the
photo are the Local
Coordinator and the staff
ERPAT Session conducted to fathers
of TA with Fr. Leroy Geli
Graduation Day of the Kinder in
Cagayan de Oro City last March 27, 2012
ulacan
In CDO
ol
Center
Program
Bosco
a. Ana
o. Niño
auayan
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 15
CREATION OF CONGREGATIONAL ADVOCACY DESK
Advocacy is defined by the Center
for Development and Population
Studies as speaking up, drawing a
community attention to an
important issue and directing
decision makers towards a
solution. As an
or ganization,
Mother Ignacia
National Social
Apostolate
C e n t e r
(MINSAC), the
Social Service
Arm
of the
Congregation of
the Religious of
the Virgin Mary (RVM), envisions a community of persons
who live with dignity. While working towards the realization
of the organization‟s vision, they continuously work hand in
hand with people and actively involve and educate them with
the current issues affecting their community and society as a
whole. This is to empower them until they understand the
issues well and be capable to stand on their own to fight for
their convictions and principles.
Fiscal Year 2011-2012 marks another milestone for
MINSAC as they were mandated to spearhead the establishment of the Advocacy Desk with concrete services that would
respond more comprehensively to the people‟s cry for a more
decent living bounded with justice and peace. For its
preliminary step, the group composed of S. Ma. Dolores D.
Ferrandiz, RVM, S. Ma. Lolieta C. Ariza, RVM and Ms. Jeanet
Bagares discussed a framework for the Advocacy Program and
later presented for review to the MINSAC Chairperson,
S. Ma.Ceferina Bodiongan, RVM. During the gathering of the
Social Ministry Sisters and lay staff in Cagayan de Oro City
last February 23, 2012, the discussion primarily focused on the
proposed framework. Every suggestion, comment or proposal
was taken into consideration until the final guidelines
materialized and conveyed to the RVM Council by S. Ma.
Ceferina.
After a thorough deliberation, the RVM General
Council approved the guidelines for the Congregation‟s
Advocacy Desk:
Key Direction 3.a To create Functional Advocacy Desk with written Congregational Program to include Guidelines on in
formation dissemination and networking with the Church and other Advocacy groups and agencies.
Functions:
 To equip the Sisters and lay collaborators with ample knowledge on current and emerging social issues through
attendance to seminars, workshops, conventions, forums and assemblies
 To gather print and non-print materials, documentary films, videos, etc. on social issues, protection, pro-life promotion
and gender sensitivity
 To establish networking and linkages with various resource persons and organizations affiliated to social issues
 To organize assemblies and meetings of Sisters and lay partners on social issues and concerns
 To facilitate discernment process to be undertaken by cluster of communities or by jurisdiction in making a
Congregational stand on particular issues
Target Partners: Children, Youth, Women, Families, Indigenous Peoples and People‟s Organization
Plan for Implementation:
1. Information/ Dissemination through:
a. Seminars/ Training
c. Mass media
b Campaigns/ Prayer rallies
d. Signature Campaign
2. Networking with the Church and other advocacy groups and agencies
e. MINSAC Website
f. Facebook Account
Congregational Policies in Advocacy:
1. Find space and time to pray and discern on the activity
2. Get to know some information about the activity:
a. Organizers
b. Purpose of the Activity
c. Duration
d. Requirement/ Commitment
3. Consider the following criteria
a The organizers are known to be credible group recognized by the Church and society
b. The activity is approved by the Cardinal, Bishop, parish priest of the place
c. Duration of the activity should not take the Sisters away from her main ministry
d. Requirements and commitment are not in conflict with the life and ministry of the Community or Congregation
4. Seek permission to attend the activity from the Local, Jurisdictional or Superior General
COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM
1. Education
3. Referrals
2. Spiritual Formation
4. Linkages/ Networking
16 SEEDS
5. Para-Legal Process and Services
6. Livelihood
Working Towards the Formation of Christian Families
“Marriage and the family constitute one of the
most precious of human values.” For this reason the
Church never tires of offering “her services to every
person who wonders about the destiny of marriage
and the family.” (Familiaris Consortio, n.1) As a
religious organization, Mother Ignacia National Social
Apostolate Center (MINSAC) acknowledges and
accepts the challenge to take an active role in
supporting and protecting the sanctity of marriage and
family life as a whole while their partners in
development endeavor to achieve social functioning
for all its members and simultaneously cope with the
challenges in life.
Family and life still sets as the core of the
experiences in implementing the Family and Life
Program. S. Maria Lucia Lucine, RVM, emphasized
in her sharing the importance of using the people‟s
dialect as medium of instruction to make the sessions
more enriching as it could encourage active
participation in the discussion and sharing of insights
and personal experiences. Ms. Nory Rubio from St.
Mary‟s Pasay, focused more her input on the
important key concepts and guidelines on how to
formulate a program design and framework based on
family theories. Another presenter, S. Maria Marisa
Rebosura, RVM, recommended to the group to lay the
foundation of Family and Life Program in the
Familiaris Consortio of Pope John Paul II.
Guided with the
concepts learned from the
inputs of the speakers, the
participants
from
the
Education
and
Social
Ministry had a separate
workshop to finalize the
topics and format that will
be used in the module. S.
Maria Marisa and Ms.
Rubio
facilitated
the
discussion of the academe
group while S. Maria
Ceferina Bodiongan, RVM,
Social Ministry‟s Chairperson,
joined
the
participants of MINSAC.
organization‟s thrusts in providing intervention to the Afterwards, both groups presented a sample module
people hence, Education and Livelihood Support where the participants and speakers were able to
Program are just but entry point to make a way into comment and give suggestions for the further
the lives of their partners in development. As a first improvement of the material.
step to standardize values formation sessions with
The 3-day gathering concluded with the
families, selected Sisters and lay staff from different distribution of Certificates to the participants. EverySocial Ministry Centers nationwide gathered together one went home with an additional work to accomplish
at Cagayan de Oro City on February 24-26, 2012 for
and deadline to meet but more than the pressure at
the Module Making Seminar-Workshop. The
Education Ministry, also directed to implement hand, they felt inspired because they knew that their
Family and Life Program sent representatives to join partners in development are the very persons who will
the said gathering: SMA – Caloocan, SMA - Guagua, most benefit the program. As social agents of
SMA – San Nicolas, SMA – Jasaan, SMA – Oslob, transformation who are committed to participate in
Lourdes College - CDO, St. Mary‟s College - Tagum, Christ‟s mission of establishing prolife communities,
St. Michael‟s College – Iligan and Notre Dame-RVM they fervently pray that the said endeavor is but one
College of Cotabato.
simple step towards the formation of Christian
The sharing of the resource persons made the
assembly more fruitful for the participants as they families with restored values, strengthened
learned from the speaker‟s knowledge, skills and interpersonal relationships and deepened faith in God.
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 17
SOCIAL WORKER’S CHALLENGE TO THE PASTORAL MINISTRY
By: S. Ma. Nancy Abarrientos, RVM
Life was so different when I first went to my first
mission assignment. Fresh from the formation house I
am plunged into the world of mission life. Among the
six of us in our group, I alone had different assignment.
All of them were sent to the Education Ministry and I
was fortunate enough to be assigned in the Social
Ministry considering that I am a Licensed Social
Worker. When I arrived Llorente, Eastern, Samar I had
with me the schema that I will do more paper works like
preparing social case studies, progress notes of the
children, and conducting home visitation. When my
Superior informed me of my assignment, I did not resist
but accepted it with an open arms and heart. The
thought of doing paper works was gone for I gave more
emphasis on dealing with the people in LlorenteBorongan, E. Samar including the other municipalities.
We were given the opportunity to touch the lives of the
students through giving recollections to Grade 6 and
High School graduating students in our areas and in
assisting the first communicants. Yes, it was clear for
me that it is the responsibility of the priest to provide
and make available to the people the sacraments, but,
the need for evangelization is there and I could not close
my eyes when I hear that many of the children and
youth don‟t even know how to recite the “Amay
Namon” (Our Father). I could not sleep because I feel I
failed to share my time and self in the work of the
Church.
I don‟t have any regrets for being assigned in
Llorente-Borongan for I enjoyed being with the people
whom God entrusted to us in our ministry. The distance
and risk in travelling to the areas of San Gabriel and San
Jose and the fear of getting sick because of the climate
did not hinder us to be with the people. It was clear in
my part that I am a missionary sister and I need to
respond to the signs of time in sharing in the mission of
Evangelization. As members of the Church we have the
social responsibility that needs to be fulfilled. With this
in mind, I am challenged to work with the mission of the
Church in the evangelization of the people by giving
catechetical instructions to the public school children,
giving seminars, recollections and being with them
during choir practices, celebration of the Eucharistic
mass, giving communion and during Basic Ecclesial
Communities or Bible sharing. I also give value
formation session to children and assist the Social
Worker in their activities.
I remember well how I expected the people to
know what MINSAC means. To my surprise they only
know ChildFund Japan. Together with my companions
we really gave time to introduce and share the life of
Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santo to them. With
18 SEEDS
desire that she may be loved by our sponsored families
and children and that during the celebration of her Death
Anniversary and Baptismal Anniversary there will
already be a connection or bond between these families
and our foundress. That everytime they mention her
name there is already a meaning for them. MINSAC
being the implementor of Childfund Japan not only
focuses on educational assistance, health, economic and
psychosocial interventions but more so on the people‟s
spiritual aspect.
The ten (10) months journey in Llorente–
Borongan challenged me to continue working as a
Pastoral and Social Worker. The work was not tiring
and difficult but is more of a challenging one.
I love and I am happy saying hi and hello to the
people I am working with but now I have to accept the
reality that I should let go and say goodbye to the Social
Ministry and say hello to my newly ventured
assignment the Education Ministry. I leave the work, my
fellow and dedicated staff, friends, the people and more
so the community who prayed, accepted, supported,
trusted and loved me. I will never forget them, and the
memories and learnings I gained will forever remain in
my heart. I will treasure and cherish the memories I had
in the Social ministry like a diamond that everyone
treasures and cherishes in their lives. My heartfelt
gratitude to my journey companions and dear sisters in
the community especially S. Ma. Gemma Navidad,
RVM, S. Ma. Marieta Caimoy, RVM and S. Ma. Adora
de Guzman, RVM, the Social Ministry Family, my
formators who molded me as I am and instilling in me
the passion and compassion for the people of God. I
thank the Congregation for the support, prayer and for
providing a good venue for my growth.
Keep the faith. A photo taken during the children’s
recollection facilitated by S. Ma. Nancy
By: S. Ma. Flora Castillo, RVM
2nd Photo by Dustein Sibug
The first day of the dawn Novena of Masses starts on
December 16, a time when students, office workers and
other groups of people start celebrating Christmas parties.
This day was a busy day for MINSAC-CDO because the
staff was busy preparing for the Christmas party/Family day
of the Tuloy Aral Partners. A couple was invited to give a
talk on family and life and relationship between parents and
children. The celebration was well participated by both
children and parents, even the invited resource persons
enjoyed the party. Since it was getting late the Tuloy-Aral
partners were held in suspense in opening their gifts and
prizes and were told to open these when they reach home.
On the second day of the Novena Mass I woke up
early because I went to bed early. I was happy to think that I
will be on time for the Mass and choose a seat near the altar.
But as I went out of the Regional House there was an eerie
feeling and was surprised to see the fallen branches on the
pathway. I thought to myself this was the reason for the
blackout. I was dead tired I didn‟t notice the strong winds
and the rain during the night. More fallen branches on the
way to the Church. We thought there will no longer be a
Eucharistic celebration but there were others who came, the
Church pews were almost filled up. Then the sad news, the
Mass celebrant announced the disaster that took place and to
pray for the eternal repose of those who died and for the
consolation of those who were left behind and that those
who are missing will soon be found.
We visited our Tuloy-Aral Partners for most of them
reside in the area that was affected and each one of them
shared their experience of the flood. Though they have a
traumatic experience they had a very grateful attitude that
they are still alive. They shared how they were so happy to
have received so many gifts for Christmas. They just had a
glimpse of these and before they could rest after all the
excitement went to rest. Before they could sleep they hear
shouts asking for help others knocked on their doors
informing them of the flood. Two years earlier they
experienced being flooded but according to them it was not
something to worry about because the water was not so deep
but this time it was really terrifying to see chocolate
colored water rushing in through open windows, under the
closed doors which could no longer be opened because of
the pressure of the water rushing into their houses. It was
difficult to swim for those who know how to swim because
of the debris and the water was very muddy that this hinders
swimmers. It was a nightmare for those who were already
asleep when they felt their beds moved and they felt the
water seeping into their beds and there was total darkness.
All that they can do was to run for their lives and to see to it
that they were with their love ones. There were those who
have to hold on to electric wires to find their way to go to
safer ground passing over rooftops. Others held on to the
nearest tree they thought would be safe for them to wait for
daybreak.
At daybreak when it was no longer dark, those who
passed through the bridge near the St. Augustine Cathedral
were shocked to see dead bodies along the bridge, the debris,
heavy equipment turned upside could be seen from afar.
Homes under the bridge and near the river bank are gone.
The water of the river was murky. Along the sidewalks are
families, individuals, pigs survivors and other materials
salvaged by the survivors which had become precious for
them. Residences located just under and near another bridge
of the Cagayan River could no longer be seen, some only its
rooftops because this is buried in thick mud.
A week after Sendong‟s fury our Tuloy-Aral
Partners came for their Values formation session, instead
they had psychosocial processing. At break time one of them
asked how come the water did not pass through the river. A
MINSAC staff answered: “ Unsaon man gi-agawan ug luna
ang sapa, sa iyang kasuko miingon, “Hawa mo diha
padaplin, ayaw baraha ang akong agianan.”(…”What can
we do the river‟s territory was forcibly taken blocked by
houses and there„s even a very big building under
construction just at the river bank) so in its fury said, („Get
out of my path, don‟t block my way.‟) With this as an
explanation the Tuloy-Aral partners were made to understand how important it is to take care of our environment and
that when Mother Nature calls our attention because of our
lack of respect to God‟s creation we will suffer the
consequence of our negligence and irresponsibility.
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 19
Embracing and Loving the Aetas is Worth Living…
By: S. Ma. Dolores D. Ferrandiz, RVM
The RVM Sisters started their apostolate with the
Aetas in 1968. Reverend M. Maria Josefina C. Yamzon,
RVM of happy memory, encouraged S. Ma. Pomposa
Morales, RVM to continue the ministry to the Aetas when the
Rural Missionary Sisters of the Philippines decided to leave
the Aetas in the mountains due to the difficulty of bringing
supplies and food for the Sisters and the Aetas. With the
change of assignment, S. Ma. Pomposa was replaced by S.
Ma. Soledad Bersamina, RVM to continue the apostolate.
From that time on S. Ma Soleded lived with the Aetas in the
mountains until the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.
When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, the three tribes
from the mountain - the Tanag, the Kubambo and the
Magalang were settled in a TENT CITY which is now called
Barangay Planas, Porac, Pampanga. Without abandoning the
Aetas, the RVM Sisters, looked for a place of resettlement for
them. Through S. Ma. Soledad and friends, they were able to
buy the rights of the land and allowed the Aetas to settle in
Planas, Porac, Pampanga.
During my exposure as an RVM postulant, I recall
the area as so bare, dusty, rocky, no roads and when it rained,
the area became muddy. No water, no electricity, no
buildings, no basic services were available. The partnership
of the RVM Sisters and the Jesuit Priests brought a lot of
changes in the Aeta community. When I try to visualize the
scene before and after, the changes is so many that it became
like a small village for the Aetas. Through the help of our
generous partners like Xavier School in Greenhills and the
CHHYMES Foundation, the place has now a small plaza,
elementary school and preschool, health center with doctor,
midwife, nurse and caregivers assisting them. They have
multi-purpose hall where they gather for a meeting, mass and
other activities. They have now a water system, electricity and
road, though not yet cemented is being made to good use for
travel. The Aetas are now going to school that provides them
the opportunity to learn how to read and write. Whereas
before they could hardly understand tagalog because they
have their own dialect, today, many of them have finished
high school and some of them dream of going to college.
20 SEEDS
Embracing and loving the Aetas is worth living for.
They are simple people with simple dreams. They have deep
faith with their God and strong concern for their tribe. Their
children have beautiful eyes that communicate with me to
embrace and love them as they are. Their women are
stronger and committed than men in working for the
development of their community. Their “APO” or the older
ones are full of wisdom. Their wisdom goes through my
heart, seeking the heart of Jesus within me. They do not talk
much but when they share, it is like an edged sword that
penetrates to the spirit of every person and binds them as one
community. One of the biggest lessons I have learned from
them is loving and caring for the ENVIRONMENT. For
them, “if you do not know how to take care of the land, it is
not for you to own. If you do not know how to respect the
earth, you have no right to enjoy the riches of the earth.”
Land for them is equivalent to life. It should be cared and
respected so that in return, it will give life.
The Aetas are small in size, black in color with kinky
hairs. When the kids reach high school, most of them would
stop schooling because they have a hard time adjusting to
their classmates who are not Aetas. They have to adjust from
grooming, eating, playing, talking, learning and making
friends as if they are really coming from a different world.
It‟s just a blessing that when they go home to their village,
they still have their parents and elders reminding them of
their culture and where they really come from. Losing their
land and their houses in the mountain was already a painful
experience for them and losing their identity means losing
their own culture. A question may be asked: Would there be
people who would help and protect them or embrace and
love them the way they are? Truly the RVM Sisters through
MINSAC embrace them with the hands of Jesus and love
them with the heart of Jesus.
The work is so enormous, yet God never stops
sending people to help RVM MINSAC. There were
moments when we almost lost hope and attempted to leave
them. God however would suffice in providing for what is
lacking and encouraged us to move on until we were able to
live with the Aetas for 21 long years. Truly, the joy that I feel
awaits no compensation, knowing that HOPE for the Aetas
starts to shine. Their life after the volcanic eruption has not
remained as a dust that is easily blown by the wind. But it
developed into a rock that withstands the fury of a strong
typhoon. Indeed holding on to what they believe as one tribe
and nourishing their culture will allow them to survive for
another century, hopefully.
The RVM physical presence will not be seen often
times with the Aetas but our heart and support for them will
always remain. It is our hope that all the things we learned
from each other will flourish and attain its fruition to give
life to their community and the other Aeta tribes.
By: S. Ma. Flora Castillo, RVM
The time has come to bid goodbye to our Partners in Development
in Masimag, Tagbak, Talakag, Bukidnon after more or less than ten years of
journeying with them so they could form a cooperative. The “Masanagong
Intelehenteng Mag-uuma Multipurpose Cooperative or Masimag Multipurpose Cooperative or MMC was officially founded in August 15, 2005, more
than seven years ago. Their cooperative is now four years registered with the
Cooperative Development Authority and had twice submitted their audited
annual financial report with outstanding status. They are almost done with
their third annual financial report. We are grateful and proud to see our
brothers and sisters who have persevered in giving their best in improving
A pose after the Turn-over Ceremony
their situation by fully supporting and patronizing their cooperative. By their
loyal and faithful cooperation in delivering services to the larger community,
even non-members of the cooperative benefit from its presence. It is through the MMC, and the technical and financial assistance
from MINSAC-CDO that the Early Child Development Program has been successfully operating for four years.
On March 27,2012, 4th Recognition Day of the Tagbak Day Care Center, Certificates of Recognition were awarded to the
Manager of MMC, The Board of Directors, and to the Day Care Teachers Ms. Duraliza Marinao and Ms. Jenelyn Anggaon. S. Ma.
Flora Castillo, R.V.M. thanked the Community for the opportunity given to MINSAC to journey with them in their development and
for their cooperation. She encouraged them to keep up with their good work. On this occasion, she also handed to the Tagbak
Barangay Captain, Mr. Cesar Talwas and Mr. Danilo dela Victoria the letter formally informing them of the official phasing out of
MINSAC from the area. This was Sister’s parting words, to quote “Nanghinaut kami ug nagaampo nga unta ang kapin napulo ka
tuig nga panlimbasug aron mouswag kining cooperatiba mapadayonon ug dili mausik ang kalisdanan nga naagian sa pagmugna
niini. Daghang salamat ug magpabilin unta ang KALINAW SA GINOO KANINYO.” (We hope and pray that the labor of more than
ten years will not just be wasted but instead it should be an inspiration for all of you to persevere in striving to develop and
enhance the cooperative and most of all your good relationship with one another. Thank you very much and may the peace of the
Lord remain with you always!)
Turn over of MINSAC’s Programs to the
Community of Barangay Nahapunan, Bacacay
MINSAC started to serve the people of Bacacay in the year 2002. It started with
social development work in the different islets of Bacacay namely: Brgy. Damacan, Brgy.
Bariw, Brgy. Napao, Brgy. Nahapunan and Brgy. Igang and Barangay 1. Different People’s
Organizations were formed, Women’s Cooperative was established, and Educational
Assistance for Out of School Youth and different livelihood programs were extended to these
Barangays. They were given seminars and trainings to strengthen and empower their leadership skills. Added to these activities are values formation and spiritual nourishments as well as relationship with their fam ilies and
communities. In terms of spiritual formation, the people in these communities are more pious compared to other MINSAC Centers.
Attendance to Sunday Mass is a priority. They are active parishioners and are respectful of their church leaders. Recollections and Bible
sharing’s however, are MINSAC’s spiritual contribution.
All these things happened within the nine years of MINSAC’s service and love for the people of Bacacay. We were witnesses of
their struggles to live after they have repeatedly devastated by natural calamities such as typhoons, landslides and mud and stone erosion
from the mountains. Most of the livelihood supports we helped them acquire were also damaged by the typhoons. But what made these
people different are their hope, determination and courage to stand again after the wreckage. They have strong men & women leaders who
unselfishly committed themselves to serve and do everything for the benefit of their community.
Much as we wanted to assist all communities in their rehabilitation programs, limited resources could only cater to a few. MINSAC
opted to concentrate their programs and services in the Barangays of Igang and Nahapunan. For the last 3 years of its stay in Bacacay,
MINSAC gave priority to the Tuloy Aral & Livelihood Programs as requested by the affected communities themselves. Many Out of School
Youth were able to graduate from High School through MINSAC’s Tuloy Aral.
Now, MINSAC have seen the community slowly rise from where it was after the calamities that brought havoc in their lives. They
are already capable of leading and managing their organization. It’s an indicator that they can now be on their own.
In preparation for MINSAC’s phasing out in the area, the organization was informed that by the end of April, 2012, turnover of
programs and services to their community will be done. Fr. Edward Bellen, Parish Priest, who was also informed of the said turn over gratefully thanked MINSAC for all the services extended to his parish.
MINSAC is hoping that the Bakery Project and the Women’s Cooperative Store of Brgy. Nahapunan will be sustained and for their
organization to continue to grow & serve their community.
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 21
A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE IN PAYATAS
By: Jeanet D. Bagares, RSW
Life as many people claim is not always a projects for the past twenty (20) years, serves as an
bed of roses. There are many situation which test inspiration for MINSAC to continue working with
not only people‟s patience but also principles and the people as they endeavor to achieve a quality life
faith. For those who are not armed with good they deserve.
values, they might easily get broken and fail to see
Mr. Marc Barylo, a representative from
the right way to self-determination and Catholic Charities came to the Philippines last July
righteousness. Being exposed to such realities in 25-29, 2011 to personally meet and talk with some
life, surviving everyday is really a grace from God. partners who receive their help through MINSAC.
It is His way of giving people opportunities to see As an expression of gratitude to their funding
hope amidst what seems to be a losing battle, to agency, they prepared a Welcome Program showhold on to faith when it is all that‟s left of them, and casing their talents in dancing and singing. One of
to humbly recognize the power of prayer and how the highlights was a movie presentation shown
He works in their lives.
showcasing selected partners‟ testimonies on the
As an organization,
impact of MINSAC‟s
MINSAC envisions sustainprograms and services in
able communities where
their lives. Together with the
people live with dignity.
Sisters and staff, Mr. Barylo
Hence, Education and
conducted home visitation to
Livelihood Support Program
selected program partners.
(LSP) packed with values
The said endeavor deeply
formation, catechesis and
touched everyone‟s hearts as
leadership trainings among
they listened to the stories of
others are offered to its
the people who despite the
partners in development in
hindrances, continued with
Payatas and its other Centers
their endeavors to turn their
Mr. Barylo with the ECD pupils in Payatas B
nationwide. While MINSAC
dreams into reality. For
continuously provide their
others, Mr. Barylo‟s quick
partners the basic social services, they acknowledge visit might simply be described as a monitoring
that the journey towards the realization of their activity in favor of Catholic Charities. But for the
vision remains a challenging reality because of the people especially to those he had talked with, it was
many factors affecting the program implementation. an expression of love which gave them more hope
The support of its funding agencies like Catholic to stand firm for their own convictions despite the
Charities, a charitable institution in Edmonton, challenges. Their unshakable faith in life enabled
Alberta, Canada which has been financing Payatas them not just to exist but to live.
Home visit to the family of Anna Shevany Eso, a
high school student who have been a recipient of
Tuloy Aral assistance since FY 2007.
22 SEEDS
A visit with Azucena Briones, one of the members of the
People's Organization in Payatas B whose main source
of income is scavenging.
By: S. Ma. Lolieta C. Ariza, RVM
It‟s vacation. I miss the laughter of the children of Mother Ignacia
Learning Center, and the giggling of teenagers of the e-SKILLS classes. I paused
for a moment and asked myself: what if….God forbids… time will come when I
can‟t hear the children‟s laughter and the giggling of the teenagers? Life could be
monotonous; husbands and wives will be bored and life would be meaningless.
What if…God forbids, the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill will be
approved? What kind of society or community will Payatas and the Philippines as a
whole have? I could just imagine what could become of the future generations and
their values.
My first week in Payatas was a struggle for someone like me who comes from the province, with fresh air and green
environment. My life there was simple yet full of joy. In Payatas, I felt like a fish taken out of the water. I can‟t breathe. I was
suffocated by the crowded place and the foul smell coming from the dump site. I was annoyed by the full blast sounds of karaoke
playing in the neighborhood and the boisterous laughter of both children and adults. And then, there‟s the Livelihood Program I am
supposed to be part of. It added anxiety to my already pressured & tensed mind. It‟s a program that for a long time I tried to avoid. I
got sick on the first week of my stay in Payatas. I thought I could not survive.
But God, in His unfathomable wisdom, sustained me. He needs me in Payatas as one of His instruments to show His love
and goodness. I prayed the hardest that I may learn to love the place and the people of the community. I prayed that I may learn to
embrace the programs and services entrusted to me. I prayed that I may learn to love my work. God listened to my prayers. He even
went further. He provided me with everything I needed – the staff who is the hands and feet of our apostolate.
There were times when I felt butterflies fluttering inside my stomach especially during Fridays when loan releases are due.
There are times when money is scarce and we badly need it to release the loans. Sometimes, amounts would reach to more than a
hundred thousand pesos. But God knows our worries even before we begin to pray. We may think that He is seemingly slow, but
our God is never late. There was never a time that our partners went home empty handed.
God never forgets to compensate for the tensions, anxieties I feel and efforts I do in my apostolate. I am overjoyed
knowing that the amount we lend to our partners augments their family income. This means life for them. God compensates our
hard work when we learn that our e-SKILLS graduate is employed. We are elated when we learn that our Day Care children are
doing well and excel in their formal education. We are doubly blessed and jubilant when we see our partners in development go to
church on Sundays and are active in church activities. These and many more blessings and happiness that cannot be bought but can
only be felt and experienced by one who is truly sincere and loves his work and with whom God is so pleased.
Job Well Done!
By: Josanna C. Abaigar
It‟s a great feeling when you belong to an organization that has a
mission or main goal of helping others and doing it well for its recipients with
honor and dignity. Achieving it requires a lot of commitment, dedication and a
humble and loving heart to those who need the help.
As MINSAC continues to search for livelihood opportunities for
women, it initiated Home Care Production (HCP) as another avenue for women
to earn more income for their sustainability. With the hard work and
perseverance of the sisters and staff in realizing the project and with the
cooperation of the Payatas women, they were able to come up with good
Cheers to MINSAC! S. Ma. Dolores
quality products in beautiful packaging. These include multi-purpose detergent,
receives the award from DOST
fabric conditioner, dishwashing liquid, liquid hand soap, and disinfectant &
bleaching agent. At present, there are already ten (10) women-members who are
actively involved in the production. They are very happy because this gave them the opportunity to support their daily
sustenance with their average earning of Php 450.00 to Php 500.00 a day.
On December 9, 2011, MINSAC was given recognition for a job well done as it received an award as one of the Outstanding Community-Based Project in the National Capital Region (NCR) recognized by the Department of Science and
Technology - NCR during the latter‟s Annual Stakeholders‟ Summit held at the Heritage Hotel, Manila. The plaque of
recognition was proudly handed over by Hon. Mario G. Montejo, Secretary of DOST assisted by the Regional Director of
DOST-NCR, Dr. Teresita Fortuna, and two other undersecretaries. MINSAC was praised for its job generation particularly to
the women of Payatas and the services it gives to the community of the marginalized sector of our society. The recognition
inspired MINSAC to work harder and create more projects or proposals in bringing change in the lives of the marginalized.
Congratulations to MINSAC for a job well done and for keeping it up.
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 23
Giving Tribute to Women of All Times…
By: Josanna C. Abaigar
The women of today as compared to the women during the early times has significantly made a difference
especially in making great contributions to the improvement of their families and communities. In the Literature and History
Class I took in my studies, I reckon that during the ancient times, men were given more functions and much importance in
the society because they are physically powerful than women. Hence, women are kept in their homes, doing the chores and
were excluded in the field of decision-making, in the economic activities, and in taking position as a public authority. They
were even sexually and emotionally abused, in extreme cases. During the Spanish regime, a few outstanding Filipinas –
Gabriela Silang, Melchora Aquino, Trinidad Tecson, among the better known – were able to assume leadership roles in the
armed struggle against the invaders. And for that brave act, we salute them.
Following the footsteps of these heroes, the women of today, even in urban barrios or rural villages, take active
roles in the development of their society where they belong. They can lead well their community and some become the
central figure in the family – wife, mother, treasurer and disburser of funds.
To pay tribute to all the women in the old and present times, who in one way or another gave their love, share their
talents and skills, and sacrificed for the good of others, we celebrate the Women’s Month yearly. In MINSAC, most of its
partners-in-development are women. So, on March 27, 2012, MINSAC organized an activity for the women of Payatas to let
them rest, enjoy, and be rewarded of their sacrifices. Forty-five women responded to the invitation. The activity was graced
with the lecture about Gender Sensitivity/Human Trafficking, followed by the sharing of experiences. They became aware of
the current issues and were taught to be vigilant in their communities.
It was a very memorable day for the women because they enjoyed the celebration with laughter, sharing of
experiences, games and recognition of one’s talents and contribution to MINSAC’s Program. There were some who were
given awards in recognition to their good performances and being model to
others. Most active, best saver, most participative, most punctual, with most
progressive business, loyalty award, and leadership award were some of the
awards given to recipients. Those who received the awards were very much
happy and appreciative of the recognition. They also became an inspiration
and a challenge for other women.
Indeed, this annual program and activity for women is a big lift to
their sagging spirits. Being acknowledged of the works and contributions made
will also serve as an inspiration for every woman and motivates her to
continue with her mission of selfless act of love not only for her family but for
every persons she meets along the way, and to her country in a special way.
Sino Ba ang Taong Walang Pangarap?
By: Ann T. Apang (KVHC Volunteer)
Ako ay isang Katutubong Aeta na kagaya ng iba ay may pangarap din. Pangarap na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral at makakuha ng magandang trabaho. Pangarap na pansarili lang noong una, ngunit sa
kalaunan ay nagbago lalo na kapag napagmamasdan ko ang mga mata ng mga walang kamuwangmuwang na kapatid kong Aeta. Hindi lingid sa karamihan na marami sa mga kapatid na Aeta ang salat sa
“edukasyon” o kulang sa kaalaman lalo na sa usaping kalinisan. Nakilala ko si S. Ma. Adora de Guzman,
RVM na naatasang mangasiwa dito sa Katutubo Village o mas kilalang Tent City noong araw. Isa siyang
madre na tumulong sa pag-gabay hindi lang sa pang-kabuhayan kundi higit sa lahat ay ang spiritwal na
aspeto.
Taong 2009 na nag-volunteer ako dito sa Health Center ng Katutubo Village. Noong una medyo
napa-isip ako dahil sa alam ko hindi ito ang gusto ko pero ng mapagtanto ko na kung ang ibang tao nga ay matiyaga silang tinutulungan, ako pa
kaya na kalahi nila? Nag-aadjust ako lalo na dahil may mga sariling paniniwala at kulturang sinusunod and mga Katutubong Aeta. Mahirap sa
umpisa pero paunti-unti ay marami na rin ang sumusunod o nasisiyahan sa mga simpleng itinuturo sa Health Center lalo na tungkol sa Tamang
Nutrisyon at Kalinisan sa katawan; wastong pangangalaga sa ina at anak at marami pang ibang nakakapagbigay ng dagdag kaalaman. Nag-aral
kami ng Care Giver Course sa System Plus College Foundation, Angeles City. Sa awa ng Diyos kami ay nakapagtapos. Ang lahat ng ito ay dahil
sa walang sawang suporta ng Cristina Howell Hugh Yao Medical and Educational Support (CHHYMES) Foundation, Inc. at MINSAC.
Masarap sa pakiramdam ang may magawa ka. Dito ko na patunayan sa sarili ko na ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay hindi lamang dahil
marami kang pera o may mataas kang pinag-aralan kung hindi dahil masaya ka at bukal sa puso mo ang pagtulong sa pamamagitan ng
pagseserbisyo sa kapwa.
Maraming salamat sa ating Panginoon, CHHYMES at MINSAC dahil nakamit ko ang aking pangarap. Ang lahat nang natutunan ko sa
pag-aaral ng Care Giver Course ay nagamit ko sa paglilingkod ko sa aking kapwa Aeta dito sa Katutubo Village.
24 SEEDS
Pasasalamat Mula sa Ayta
By: Deck S. Ocampo (Katutubo Village Health Center (KVHC) Volunteer)
Maraming salamat sa lahat ng oppurtunidad na binigay sa amin ng Panginoon na makapag
-aral ng Care Giver at Massage Therapy sa System Plus College Foundation para maging
instrumento na magserbisyo sa kapwa katutubo sa Katutubo Village Porac, Pampanga. Lubos
akong nagpapasalamat dahil hindi lang kapwa Katutubo o Aeta and natutulungan kundi pati na rin
ang sarili kong pamilya. Maraming salamat sa MINSAC ng Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM),
Cristina Howell Hugh Yao Medical and Educational Support (CHHYMES) Foundation, Xavier
School at sa Department of Health (DOH) na patuloy sa pagbigay ng gamot sa aming komunidad.
Dahil dito maraming natutulungan na may karamdaman, at naging maayos na schedule ng mga
pasyente sa pagdalaw sa Health Center.
Nagising din ang kamalayan ng mga Aeta tungkol sa kalinisan sa pamilya, kaya marami
sa kanila ay gumawa ng sariling palikuran. Ang Katutubo Village ay ang kauna-unahang Aeta
Community dito sa Porac na nagkaroon ng palikuran o kubeta.
Taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa mga sumusuporta lalo na ang RVM-MINSAC,
CHHYMES Foundation, Xavier School, Municipal Health Office ng Porac at ang ibang NGO.
Sila ay naging bahagi na ng buhay naming Aeta.
Pasasalamat, Laman ng Aming Pusong Nagagalak
Ni Evelyn Bendaña (Community Leader)
Paano ko kaya sisimulan ang kwento ng aking pasasalamat? Ito ang naalala ko mula ng pumasok ang
MINSAC sa buhay namin. Ang NAHAPUNAN ay isa sa mga Barangay na natulungan ng MINSAC sa maraming
bagay. Labis ang kasiyahan ng mga taga Nahapunan sa presensiya at mga tulong na tinamasa ng aming Barangay
Savings Association gayun din ang Women Organization at ng mga kabataan o kung tawagin ay Tuloy-Aral.
Isa pong hamon sa aming Barangay Savings Association ang mapagkalooban ng isang maliit na “pump
boat” na aming nagamit sa paglako ng gawa naming tinapay. Dahil sa pump boat na ito ay nagkaroon kami ng
suki sa karatig barangay. Ang Women‟s Organization naman ay siyang namamahala sa aming maliit na
kooperatiba. Ang dagdag na capital ay malaking tulong upang madagdagan ang laman ng aming paninda na siya
naming pinagkukunan ng makakain sa isla. Ang mga batang hirap makapag-aral sa high school ay nabigyan ng
pag-asa sapagkat sila ay nagkaroon ng dagdag kaalaman at tiwala sa sarili. Ito ang mga material na tulong na
natanggap namin mula sa MINSAC. Ngunit isa sa pinakamahalagang nagawa ng MINSAC sa amin ay ang
pagtibayin ang aming espiritwal na buhay at ang aming samahan upang sa gitna ng anumang unos, kami ay
babangon na nagkakaisa at buo ang tiwala sa Diyos. Naging lakas at gamay namin ang simple ngunit
makasaysayang buhay ni Madre Ignacia.
Ilang beses ng nawasak ng bagyo ang aming proyekto, ngunit ang MINSAC ay patuloy na tumulong
upang kami ay muling tumayo at makipaglaban sa unos ng buhay.
Taos pusong pasasalamat, sa magagandang karanasan namin kasama ang mga MADRE at MINSAC staff.
Malayong lugar man ang Bacacay, hindi alintana ang sakripisyo, pagod, at panganib, maipaabot at maipadama
lamang sa amin ang pagmamahal ng Diyos. Kung gaano kalakas ang bagyo at gaano kataas ang alon ng dagat ay
masasabi ko na ganoon rin katatag ang ugat na naipunla ng MINSAC sa amin upang kami‟y patuloy na mamuhay
sa pag-ibig ng kapwa at pag-ibig ng Diyos.
Sa kanilang paglisan, sambit ng aming pusong nagagalak ay walang hanggang pasasalamat. Tunay ngang
buhay ang pag-ibig ni Madre Ignacia! Saludo kami sa inyo MINSAC!
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 25
The Wikipedia states that Women’s Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions
of women to events in history and contemporary society. As we pay tribute to many famous women in our
society both local and abroad, let us not forget that in our own families, we too, have simple heroes of their time.
As a child, I am proud to say that I am blessed to have in my life a woman of my dreams, someone who have
chosen to die in order for us to live. I want to share a piece of writing in memory of my ‘hero’, as I remember all
the women across the continents who in one way or another served their families and communities but failed to
be recognized.
On August 2, 2012, she’ll exactly be nine (9) years
away from us but I could still find sadness in my heart for
her sudden passing. The memories we’ve shared which
are kept in the deepest core of my being continually
inspires me to move on.
She might not be as successful as many couples
did in married life, but her separation from my father did
not hinder her in raising all of us with worth and dignity.
Full of determination, faith in God and lots of sacrifices,
she managed to send us all to school and earn a degree.
Being the youngest among five children in the
family, I know finishing my course was a great relief for
my mother. After passing the board exams, I had many
plans for her to show my gratitude for all that she did for
me and my siblings. But, only about 3 months after, she
was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. While the
doctors were explaining the details of her ailment, I had
to hold my breath in order not to burst into tears. I stood
firm to convince her that I was okay but deep inside, my
By: S. Ma. Apolinaria Tambien, RVM
The little girl in me asking everyday
Where go the thoughts that seem to go astray?
Shorter, longer thoughts lingering day by day
Making life so fast, so fast and not to stay
As years go by the little girl
Makes a struggle makes a deal
Searching for meaning and life’s care
As she keeps a deal to dare to share.
26 SEEDS
heart was aching with so much pain. I felt betrayed.
The situation put my faith to test. I had many
questions which God, in His own perfect time, supplied
the answers while I continue journeying with my mother. I
was thankful that amidst all my doubts and frailties, He
did not leave me. Instead, He had given me enough time
to heal my wounded heart. The courage I saw in my
mother’s eyes while fighting cancer inspired me to
continue giving myself to make her happy during her last
days with us. Very ironic but it was she who helped me
understand God’s message of letting us experience the
battle which we all fought with pride.
To my mother who have devoted her life and
painstakingly molded us to become what we are now, I
thank her so much! She will always be an inspiration as I
continue to walk my own path in life. I hope in my own
ways, I made her proud of me.
I love you, I will always will.
Hi! Hello! Everyday everywhere
Exchange of pleasantries to anyone who cares
Recalling experiences of yesteryears
As she keeps to dare to care.
Little girl why the dare why the care?
Seemingly restless as though declare
A life full of excitement for Jesus’ poor
Yes for Jesus poor to lead their life secure.
Love indeed has conquer all
The difficulties, the disappointments, the fall
Today the little girl kneels and pray
Dear Jesus make me sweet, make me whole.
To all our readers and benefactors:
Peace of Christ!
We believe that the most degrading experience in a person‟s life is to be deprived of one‟s dignity. We
know there are thousands upon thousands of our people who, because of dire poverty, do not and cannot live the
life of dignity that they truly deserve. The stories that you have read in this issue of SEEDS offer a glimpse of
MINSAC‟s committed service to these people.
But MINSAC - no matter how much it desires to reach as many of the poor as it can - is constrained by
limited financial resources. Therefore, MINSAC needs your help in accomplishing its mission of “building
communities, harnessing full potentials, creating just social structures and systems, and fostering harmony in
diversity.”
The assistance that you extend to MINSAC will help to empower the poor, give them opportunities for
development and make decisions for their lives. It will also help them find decent jobs. Your help will allow them
to keep their dignity as persons and as children of God - made in His own image and likeness.
Should you desire to help, please send your donations to MINSAC at 214 N. Domingo St., Quezon City.
May your generosity contribute greatly to the realization of our Foundress Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu
Santo‟s dream of raising the dignity of the poor - the poor whom she had served throughout her life; the poor
whom she had asked us RVMs for whom Jesus said that he had been sent and with him He identified.
I want to share as partner of Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center (MINSAC) for:
EDUCATION PROGRAM
(for Out-of-School-Youth and children)
Tuloy-Aral
Early Childhood Development
Technical/Vocational Courses
(e-Skills)
FAMILY AND LIFE
LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT PROGRAM (for women)
Small-scale business
Cooperative / People‟s Organization
Sub-Contracting Project
Other Services
Advocacy
Health
in the amount of: ______________________________________________________.
Every:
Payment Scheme:
Month
Trimester
Semester
Year
Single Donation
Cash
Postal Money Order
Bank Check payable to: Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center
Account No. (Peso) 682-100329-4 BPI Family Bank
or in the form of school/office supplies and equipment, as partner of MINSAC
Name: ___________________________________________ Birthday: __________________________
Address: __________________________________________ Email Address: ____________________
Website: _______________________ Tel. Number/s: ______________ Mobile Number : ___________
Fax Number: ___________________ Signature: _________________ Date: _____________________
Please return by mail, fax or personal delivery to:
Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center
RVM Compound, 214 N. Domingo St., 1111 Quezon City, Philippines
Thank you and God bless!
MAY 2011 - APRIL 2012 27
Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADFI)
Caritas Manila, Inc.
Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM)
Cristina Howell Hugh Yao Medical and Educational Support (CHHYMES) Foundation, Inc.
Childfund Japan (CFJ)
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA)
Edmonton Catholic Charities (ECC) of Canada
Lamoiyan Corporation, Paraňaque City
Llorente, Eastern Samar, Local Government Unit
National Council of Social Development (NCSD) Foundation
Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC)
Social Services Development Department (SSDD), Quezon City
St. Joseph’s Home (SJH)
Shoe Mart (SM)
Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Quezon City
The Mena Foundation
Xavier School, Greenhills, Manila
MINSAC Generalate Area
Rosal St., Payatas A, Quezon City
Grp. 13, Payatas B, Quezon City
Camarin, Caloocan
Planas, Porac, Pampanga
Aguinaldo St., Bacacay, Albay
MINSAC Visayas
Barangay 1, Llorente, Eastern Samar
Calingatngan, Borongan, Eastern
Samar
Cebu City
MINSAC Northern Mindanao
Seriňa St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro
City
Talakag, Bukidnon
MINSAC would like to thank all our Partner Agencies, Benefactors, Donors, Friends, our
Partners-in-development work, and the RVM Congregation who in one way or another have
generously and gratefully shared their blessings to help us realize our Programs and Services for the
neglected and less fortunate.
May we continue to share God’s loving embrace to all humanity.