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BC and Yukon
Knight
Website: http://kofcbc.org/
Global Mission Special Coverage Juy 2016
GLOBAL MISSION
PHILIPPINES
A Journey of Hope
Giving the
Gift of Mobility
A Special Coverage by Edgar C. Ursua
Former State PR and Communications Chairman
British Columbia and Yukon Knights of Columbus
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Knights of Columbus British Columbia and Yukon State
Delegation to the Philippines
GLOBAL MISSION: Wheelchair Distribution
State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim
State Community Director Frank Visentin and wife Susan
Former State PR & Communications Chairman Edgar Ursua and wife Priscilla
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Our journey took us more than 6,500 miles to the beautiful islands
of the Philippine archipelago, a country composed of more than
7, 107 islands and boasts one of the longest coastline of any nation
in the world. Known for its natural beauty, it is often referred to
as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas”.
The plane trip took us more than 16 hours, with a stopover in
Taipei, Taiwan.
Unloading the Wheelchairs in the provinces of
Pangasinan and Tarlac distribution centers.
As a developing country, the Philippines is faced with many herculean problems; poverty and homelessness being predominant in a
country of more than 100 million people. In terms of square area,
British Columbia is more than 3 times bigger than the Philippines.
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Province of Pangasinan Distribution Center
Wheelchair Distribution – ASINGAN, PANGASINAN
July 2, 2016 (Saturday)
Knights of Columbus Council 10643
Saint Louis Bertrand Church
Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines
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Our initial distribution started in the town of Asingan, a small
town in the province of Pangasinan, about 190 km north of Manila.
We were greeted by fellow brother knights of Saint Louis Bertrand
Council 10643 and neighboring councils from District UO3 led by
District Deputy Jose Bernabe Romero.
The distribution was held inside the Saint Louis Bertrand Church,
founded by the Dominicans in 1669.
the event
We were privileged to have
graced by the Most Rev. Jacinto A. Jose, Bishop of the
Diocese of Urdaneta.
The local Knights prepared a short program followed by the actual
distribution of wheelchairs.
One of the recipients was a little boy
with cerebral palsy. The joy that is evident on the faces of each recipient and their immediate family members makes any form of
fatigue on our part disappear.
It was a wonderful and emotional
occasion and despite the very humid and hot weather, you see smile
of thanks and happiness on everyone’s face.
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“
I am thrilled and honored to be here today as part of the team from the Knights of
Columbus distributing wheelchairs in Tarlac.
“Your warm hospitality
kindles the fire within us
that propels our desire
to work harder and
help those who are in
need”
The Knights of Columbus, in partnership with the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation, has
been extremely active for many years in the placement of wheelchairs to those in need
throughout the world. Literally, tens of thousands of donated wheelchairs have been
placed to those in need!
For me, this is a very humbling experience. There are so many, other individuals and organizations back home who have been relied upon to raise the funds necessary for the
purchase of these wheelchairs. Without their efforts we would not be here today! I feel
fortunate that I was chosen to be a part of the Philippines team and to actually be able to
meet the recipients of these wheelchairs.
All of us here have been blessed with a gift through this occasion. Yes, only some have received a wheelchair today, but all of us will be blessed with warmth in our heart that
comes being a part of this experience. Such an experience is good for the soul; good for
our faith…..and that is a gift beyond compare. In the words of Mary, our Lord’s mother, let
us all say today “my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”.
Frank Visentin
State Community Director
BC and Yukon Knights of Columbus
ARCIE JOSE LIM
State Deputy British Columbia and Yukon State
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Distribution of Wheelchairs
led by BC and Yukon State
Deputy Arcie Jose Lim and
Bishop Jacinto Jose assisted
by BC and Yukon State Community
Director
Frank
Visentin and Former State
PR and Communications
Edgar Ursua.
District Deputy U03 Jose
Bernabe Romero from Pangasinan and Officers of the
St. Louis Bertrand Council
No. 10643 supported the
distribution of the wheelchairs held at the Parish
Church of St. Louis Bertrand.
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Photo L-R: State Convention & Conference Chairman (former State PR and Communications)
Edgar Ursua and wife Priscilla, State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim, Rodolfo and Evelyn Antonio,
State Community Director Frank Visentin and wife, Susan.
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BREAKING NEWS……Asingan,
Pangasinan, Philippines
(source: The Cross Publication July 2016 Sonny Romero)
Knights of Columbus of British Columbia and Yukon State, in association with Canadian Wheelchair
Foundation began the distribution of wheelchairs in different places in the country with Council 10643 of
St. Louis Bertrand Parish in Asingan, Pangasinan as the first lucky recipient.
July 2nd marked as a red-letter day for St. Louis Bertrand Council 10643 of the town of Asingan as the
distribution of wheelchairs was held in the St. Louis Bertrand Parish Church.
The distribution was made possible through the concerted efforts of the Knights of Columbus State Council of British Columbia and Yukon in Canada, Luzon North Deputy Brother Jose C. Reyes, Jr., Officers and
Members of SLB Parish Council 10643 led by Grand Knight Brother Jesus Pico, Brother Roseller Viray,
and District Deputy UO3 Jose Bernabe Romero.
Most Reverend Jacinto A. Jose, Bishop of the Diocese of Urdaneta
Representing the Canadian side were State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim, State Community Director Frank
Visentin and State PR and Communications Edgar Ursua. Brother Rodolfo Antonio from British Columbia
coordinated with the locals of Pangasinan Knights of Columbus.
Members of Council 10643 prepared a short but moving program to make the occasion more meaningful.
Most Reverend Jacinto A. Jose, Bishop of the Diocese of Urdaneta who graced the occasion, was profuse in
his thanks to the donors and the representatives of the British Columbia and Yukon Knights of Columbus
for such a magnanimous gesture.
Thank You Knights of Columbus !!!
The first three recipients of these wheelchairs who were identified by Mrs. Teresa O. Mamalio, Municipal Officer
of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Municipality of Asingan, were also given a
chance to express their gratitude to the Canadian visitors. All three PWD’s were led out of the venue in their
brand new WHEELCHAIRS that bore the K of C LOGO.
Thirty wheelchairs have been earmarked for distribution in Asingan, Pangasinan, the first three having already
been distributed. Grand Knight Jesus Pico will lead Council 10643 in the distribution of the remaining 27 wheelchairs.
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The next day, we did our distribution in Tarlac City, the capital
of the province bearing the same name.
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After attending the 7 am Mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral,
which was founded in 1686, we proceeded to attend the open
meeting of Council 3655. The wives of our brother knights welcomed us with a rendition of a beautiful “welcome song”. Later,
the distribution occurred at the premises of Dr. Dion’s Clinic.
While State Community Director Frank Visentin and Former
State PR and Communications Edgar Ursua were distributing
wheelchairs at Dr. Dions Clinic in San Miguel, Tarlac, five wheelchairs were also personally distributed by our State Deputy,
Brother Arcie J. Lim in his birthplace town of Concepcion, around
37 km south of Tarlac City.
Our experience today mirrors the
same intensity of joy we had on our first day. It felt good to be
able to help even in small ways; something we often take for
granted is something other people find as worth more than gold.
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“To be able to
share the gift of
mobility creates
a sense of accomplishment
that pushes us to
do more”
State Delegates to Global Mission Wheelchair Distribution in
Tarlac, Philippines with District Deputy and Executive Officers
of San Sebastian Council 3655, Tarlac.
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ARCIE JOSE LIM
State Deputy British Columbia and Yukon State
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His Excellency Most Reverend Florentino F. Cinense (center) who retired recently (March 31, 2016)
from the Diocese of Tarlac joins BC and Yukon State Delegates to Global Mission Wheelchair Distribution,
Brother Knights Frank Visentin and Edgar Ursua and Executive Officers of San Sebastian Council 3655
during the distribution held at San Miguel, Tarlac, Philippines. Former Bishop Cinense has been replaced
by Most Reverend Enrique Macaraeg.
Canadian Delegation from the Knights of Columbus BC and Yukon State Council
Frank Visentin and Edgar Ursua are joined by Executive and Members of the
Knights of Columbus St. Sebastian Council 3655 in Tarlac, Philippines.
(Left) Former State PR and Communications Edgar Ursua and (Right) State Community
Director Frank Visentin
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Wheelchairs delivered and ……. distributed to beneficiaries
by Local Knights of Columbus in the region.
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On the third leg of our journey, we flew to Tacloban city in the
San Juanico Bridge
island of Leyte, 900 km from Manila. After more than 1 hour,
our plane touched down at the Daniel Romualdez airport where
our Holy Father, Pope Francis celebrated an open air Mass on
January 17, 2015.
We were warmly welcomed by local brother knights complete
with banners and streamers.
As we drove around the city to our hotel, some of the havoc
and devastation caused by super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)
remains evident.
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BELOW: Ladies Priscilla Ursua and Susan Visentin helps out in the preparation of the wheelchair distribution. ABOVE: State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim,
State Community Director Frank Visentin and Former State PR and Communications Edgar Ursua putting the K of C LOGO on each of the wheelchairs.
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Monsignor Ben Catilogo blessing the Wheelchairs at the Opening Ceremony on the Wheelchair Distribution held at the Sto. Nino Parish Social Hall in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines.
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“You are resilient more
than we can imagine.
Despite your hardships,
you never give up nor
surrender, you inspire
people like us in your
own little way”
ARCIE JOSE LIM
State Deputy British Columbia and Yukon State
The local Knights prepared an excellent program for the distribution
which was held at Perpetual Help Parish. Monsignor Ben Catilogo
joined us and thanked us profusely for the “gift of hope” that we
brought to the parishioners and members of the community.
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STATE DEPUTY IN LOCAL TELEVISION
British Columbia and Yukon (CANADA) Jurisdiction in cooperation with Visayas (PHILIPPINES) Jurisdiction
WHEELCHAIR DISTRIBUTION held at Sto. Nino Parish Hall in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines.
A local radio station interviewed State Deputy, Arcie Lim and
ABS-CBN, the largest TV and Communications network in the
Philippines sent their crew to film the event and did an interview with Brother Arcie and local Knights leaders. The coverage was aired in the evening news and was seen by thousands of
viewers. We left Tacloban under the threat of a looming tropical depression. Thanks to many prayers, we landed safely in
Manila.
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Our last stop is a back to back two-day distribution in Metro
Manila. We were introduced to the heavily congested streets of
Manila with its well known crawling traffic. A one hour drive
in Metro Manila will yield you a measly distance of about 10
km, if you are lucky and depending on the time of the day, can
be more challenging.
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On the first day of our distribution, we were joined by Supreme
Director, Alonzo Tan, Luzon North State Deputy Justice Jose Reyes,
Luzon South State Deputy, Ramoncito Ocampo and a handful of
Luzon State Officers and District Deputies and local Council Grand
Knights and members.
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State Chairman Edgar Ursua, State Deputy of Luzon South Ramoncito Ocampo, BC and Yukon State Deputy
Arcie Lim, State Deputy of Luzon North Justice Jose Reyes, Jr., Supreme Director From Philippines Alfonso Tan
and State Community Director Frank Visentin,
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Luzon North State Deputy Justice Jose Reyes
“Your warm welcome and your
kind collaboration
with us through
your Wheels of
Hope program is
very admirable”
“We are indeed
very happy and
privilege to be able
to help and make a
difference in your
community”
Supeme Director Alonzo Tan
ARCIE JOSE LIM
State Deputy British Columbia and Yukon State
Luzon South State Deputy, Ramoncito Ocampo
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BC and Yukon State Knights….. State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim (center) Former State PR and Communications Edgar Ursua(left) and State Community Director Frank Visentin (right).
The local Rotary Club headed by Atty. Ador Tolentino prepared the distribution program as previously arranged by Ms.
Christiana Flessner of the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation.
The passing of wheel chairs to recipients from various communities was indeed very moving.
The sweltering heat is
drowned by the aura of joy prevailing in the air.
The next day, monsoon rain pounded the vicinities around the
distribution centre held in Mary Help of Christians Parish Council
8256. We got a sampling of a tropical rain but with temperature hovering in the near 40s. Overall, the Metro Manila distribu3 State Deputies --- BC and Yukon State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim (center) with State Deputy
South Luzon Ramoncito Ocampo (left) and State Deputy North Luzon Jose C. Reyes, Jr. (right).
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tion went very well.
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Luzon South State Deputy, Ramoncito Ocampo joins BC and Yukon State Council
L to R: State Community Director Frank Visentin, Former State PR and Communications Edgar Ursua and State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim. Below Photo are Knights of Columbus Members from District 3830 Philippines.
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“To see many Brother Knights
who sacrificed their time to organize and help us, and to
work tirelessly side by side
with eagerness and smile on
their faces, is a strong testament to our principles of charity, unity and fraternity”
“…..I saw Jesus on the faces of
brother knights who offered
us ride to get to this venue. I
saw Jesus on the faces of volunteers when I walked in and
was welcomed with stretched
arms. I saw Jesus on the faces
of recipients beaming with
smile and tears of joy.….”
ARCIE JOSE LIM
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State Deputy British Columbia and Yukon Canada ARCIE JOSE LIM and
State Deputy South Luzon Philippines RAMONCITO OCAMPO
Opening Prayer at the Ceremonial Distribution of Hope on Wheels
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State Deputy, South Luzon Philippines Ramoncito Ocampo
Rotary Academy Executive Director Atty. Ador Tolentino
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Everywhere we went, the show of hospitality from our hosts is truly
commendable. To share the gift of mobility is an experience beyond
words can fully describe.
The sharing of joy and of hope is an act
worth trying in your lifetime. This journey of hope was made possible by you, and we thank you enormously for your kind generosity.
Your help and donation made a difference in the lives of many people.
Since 2003, the Knights of Columbus have sponsored the
delivery of tens of thousands of wheelchairs to people in
need all over the world, showing exemplary compassion,
generosity, and dedication to bringing mobility to those in
need.
Thank you Knights of Columbus British Columbia and Yukon State !!!
Councils, parishes or individuals are able to sponsor entire
containers to the country of their choice.
State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim
Wheelchair Sunday parish drives are held in churches
across the country and have sponsored thousands of
wheelchairs to far away places, as Sierra Leone and Vietnam.
Knights and their families themselves travel to get involved in a life changing hands-on mission that allows
children, teens and adults around the world to have their
prayers answered with the gift of hope, freedom, dignity,
independence...a wheelchair!
Source:https://www.cdnwheelchair.ca/
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