(Social Enhancement for Empowerment and Development Services)

(Social Enhancement for Empowerment and Development Services) The Official Newsletter of Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center June-December 2007
Volume 7, Number 2
Volume 1,
SEEDS is the official semi-annual news magazine of the
Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center
(MINSAC), 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.
The views and opinions of contributors do not necessarily
express those MINSAC or the Religious of the Virgin Mary
(RVM).
Editorial Team in This Issue
Editor
S. Ma. Rosviminda Ochoa, RVM
Associate Editor
Lorie M. Villegas
Consultants
S. Ma. Nicetas Dael, RVM
Sofonias Gabonada Jr.
Contributors
S. Ma Marissa Ardeta, RVM Novice
S. Ma. Lolieta Ariza, RVM
Rodelyn Asturias
Jeanet Bagares, RSW
Noemi Delmigues
S. Ma Dolores Ferrandiz, RVM
S. Ma. Bernardita Humbid, RVM
Lory Madronero
Johnazel Mallapre
Alfonso Manansala
S. Ma. Reina Olaco,RVM
Marites Roca, RSW
S. Ma. Apolinaria Tambien, RVM
What’s Inside
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5
6
7
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10
11
12
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16
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24
Editorial
Towards a Brighter Future
Payatas Livelihood Program: Earning while
Learning
Indigenous People’s Inspiration
Banawag People’s Organization - Seeing Rays of
Hope
We Remember, We Celebrate
MINSAC Porac Go A Farming!
Mother Ignacia Learning Center: Growth, Expansion and Development in MINSAC Llorente.
RVM Prison Ministry
Caught in Frames: MINSAC’s Best Resources
MINSAC Borongan Joins Trade Fairs
Updates:
A Partnership Continues
When the Heart Speaks
A Heart for the Poor
News Brief
Will the Sun Still Shine…?
KILAMUKAW
A Jesuit Priest… A Father to All
The Yao Family’s Loving Tribute
Literary Corner
Tips and Resources for Good health
Partner Agencies
About the Cover
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.
Moving forward, going beyond...
“This is a great challenge to go beyond service and consider the prospect of sustainable development.”
This photo was taken in Brgy. Mina-Anod,
Llorente, Eastern Samar by S. Ma. Rosviminda
Ochoa, RVM.
EDITORIAL
Moving Forward, Going Beyond. . .
The problem of poverty is a not a new issue for and consider the prospect of sustainable development.
any society. A simple trip to the slums in urban areas
or desolate barrios in the provinces is enough to make
Sustainable development projects envision
any visitor conclude that poverty is something deeply
greater service in the long run, even without constant
rooted among the generations of families that have
support and supervision from the ministry. These pro-
lived in those places. It makes one wonder why and
jects need not be start big. For instance, a community
how come the onset of modern times have left these
can be built up in terms of their labor force by starting
people in their obsolete state.
on small key businesses which will be given the capital resource for initial production. Starting with ample
As a development arm of the RVM Congrega- supervision, the people managing them can learn to
tion, MINSAC is called to be of service to people. Its
operate by themselves and soon learn to be independ-
mission, which exemplifies the mission taken up by
ent.
Christ himself, must transcend words and be evident
in actions.
Projects also differ from one community to
another because of each community’s different needs
Such is the reason why it conceptualizes and
and situations. It is thus important to study project fea-
implements projects and activities that aim to benefit
sibility and the community’s initial level of capability
the needy and enhance the welfare of society in the
in sustaining the project.
spirit of selflessness. It offers what it has and can
without any vested interest, all for the sake of being
true to its mission.
Progress is one of the goals that any ministry
should aim because it provides more options and opportunities for better service and efficiency. If it aligns
While its services to society, in general, is
laudable, it must also note that in order to attain
its long term goals in pursuit of long term development, then it will be greatly considered as an impor-
greater success and therefore, development, it must be tant factor in alleviating poverty, and even nationwilling to expand its horizon and assess its current
building efforts.
projects. This is a great challenge to go beyond service
July - December 2007 3
Volume 1, Issue 1
TOWARDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE
By S. Ma. Lolieta Ariza, RVM
(Regional Coordinator of MINSAC Visayas)
MINSAC – Visayas Region is on its sustainability stage
of its programs and services. It started with Sponsorship
program for the studies of children studying in the public
schools as its point of entry into the families and eventually
to the community. While it focuses its attention on the welfare of the children’s education, it does not lose sight of its
vision towards uplifting the dignity of the poor. With the
belief that the children are the future leaders of the community, MINSAC has designed a wholistic program to meet
their needs in collaboration with the school, their families
and the community.
Post Secondary Scholar assisting a co-sponsored child in letter
writing.
While the program for the children is being intensified, a
program for their families is also being implemented. Most
often the family is the source or has something to do with
the problems affecting the children. So, the children receive spiritual and value formation as well as their parents.
Health and nutrition program is also a vital part in the process.
Aware that MINSAC will not stay forever in a place
the Staff see to it that by the time it withdraws from the
place, the families are already self-sustaining.
So they can move on and start in another community with a
sense of accomplishment.
After some social preparations for the parents, using
the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and Asset Based Community
Development (ABCD) approach to community organizing
4 SEEDS
the families are being led to discover their own skills and
giftedness. By using their potentials and resources they
start to shape their own future. Their eyes and minds are
opened to new possibilities of uplifting their family. They
have also become aware of their responsibilities as members of the community.
In Borongan, Basic Ecclesial Community BEC is being
activated. Bayanihan and volunteerism are very much evident in the community. The two areas of Surok and Lipgutan built their own sub-center through their own efforts.
The mothers gathered nipa while the fathers were the ones
who put up their respective sub-centers. Some mothers volunteered to catechize in the public schools where their children are studying. They maybe poor financially, but they
have discovered that they have so much to give of themselves. The three areas of Surok, Calingatngan and Lipgutan have their own respective income generating project.
They join trade fairs to have access to wider market for
their products.
In Llorente, the mothers are also intensifying their own
income generating projects by using the resources found in
their locality. Social preparations are being made for a
group of fisher folks to augment their income. They are
aiming at putting up a cannery project from their abundant
catch. A Learning Center has been put up to provide quality training for preschoolers through the generosity of civic
minded people and organizations.
Cebu Center’s target
area – Lower Kawayan,
maybe compared to
Payatas or Tondo in Ma“Aware that MINSAC
nila. It is a congested area. will not stay forever in a
High rates of malnutrition, place, the Staff sees to it
immorality, OSYs, gamthat by the time it
bling and use of prohibited
withdraws from the place,
drugs exist resulting into
the families are already
utter poverty. It has a
self-sustaining.”
unique approach to community organizing. It
started from where the
people are – their needs
and their skills.
They are skilled weavers of coconut midrib but they do not have access to the market. They became victims of middle
businessmen who threatened them not to get their ordered products if they would not give in to the price they dictate.
For the people in Lower Kawayan, Cebu, MINSAC has given
them hope. They look forward to the time, when through the
help of MINSAC they will have sure market for their only
source of income. MINSAC is facing a big challenge to
really organize these people so they may be one in fighting
against an oppressive environment.
With these challenges confronting the Ministry, the
administration has to professionalize its approach to the situation. Staff development plays a vital role in the performance
of the daily activities of the Centers. The staff are honed in
their own line of expertise. Since they are dealing with children, their families and community, the staff are trained to
serve these purposes. They have undergone Seminars/
trainings on family life, family therapy, sexually abused
children and children with psychosocial problems, commuSr. Loliet monitoring the activities of parents in Cebu City.
nity organizing, small business management, financial
management and other related seminars on professional enhancement that may answer to the needs of these partners in
development. In fact, one of the staff was sent to the United Kingdom on a scholarship grant by Ford International for a
Master’s Degree in International Children’s Welfare.
But MINSAC, no matter how efficient are the staff, cannot go these far without the help of other agencies. The
RVM Congregation through the MINSAC National Office plays a vital role in its success. Networking and linkaging
with other GOs and NGOs are very evident. Among the agencies, ChildFund Japan has the biggest support to the Center
in Borongan. The Center also links with LGU, DTI, DOST, DA, DSWD, UNICEF, the Parish and other generous people and organizations who are willing to share their time, talents and skills for the upliftment of the poor.
With these developments, a glimmer of hope for a brighter future is within reach.
Payatas Livelihood Program:
Earning while Learning
Helping people in need geared towards sustainability has always been the
purpose of MINSAC (Mother Ignacia
National Social Apostolate Center). The
organization has developed programs that
would enhance peoples’ worth and dignity.
One of these programs that was recently
developed is the Payatas Livelihood Program. This program is in partnership with
Charity First Foundation, Inc. which
aims to augment the income of some families in Payatas B and to hone their skills
and potentials.
There are two (2) operating projects in the area: the Basahan Project and
by Ms. Marites G. Roca, RSW
(Ms. Roca is based in Payatas B)
the Sewing Project. Moreover, to make
these projects sustainable, a strategy
called sub-contracting was used. Subcontracting is made when a company
(called contractor) places an order of
other companies (called subcontractor)
for the production of parts, and components to be incorporated into a product to
be sold by thecontractor. Hence, with this
strategy, the sewers and Basahan workers
do the labor and they are being paid for it.
In a few months of operation, these projects already created an impact on the
families who are being involved in the
operation.
July - December 2007 5
Volume 1, Issue 1
According to them, the amount that they are earning from the
projects somehow helps them in sustaining the families’ basic
needs. Also because of it their skills in sewing and making
different rugs are humanizing. They are not just earning but
they are also learning. Furthermore, with the help and continuous support of the organization’s partner, Charity First
Foundation, Inc., job orders for the sewers and pieces of cloth
(retaso) for the basahan workers are constantly delivered to
the center.
The partnership of MINSAC and Charity First
Foundation, Inc., is hoping and reaching out to help more
families in Payatas B to have sustainable livelihood program,
to uplift their living and to facilitate in alleviating poverty in
the community.
Indigenous People’s Inspiration
By: Lory B. Madronero
The first IP graduate from the Higaonon tribe,
RogerDinlayan graduated in Civil Engineering in March
2007.
In his inspirational message to the elementary
graduates of his barangay, he underscored the importance
of perseverance, courage and strong belief in one’s convictions in the pursuit of one’s ambition. His success story is
worthy of emulation.
Roger came from a Higaonon tribe in Dagondalahon,
Talakag, Bukidnon. The second among nine siblings, he
spent most of his childhood years helping in the farm. He
finished high school through a scholarship program of
NOWA Foundation. High school life was difficult and disappointing for a
poor boy like
Roger. He had to
travel on foot just
to reach the school
and stayed with his
relatives during
school days. He
experienced rejection and discrimination from his
classmates.
He
was labeled “taga
bukid”
which
means living in the
hinterland and not
capable of higher
education. Roger
could only relate
to his classmate
Roger expressed gratitude to MINSAC
during Tuloy-Aral Deepening held at MIN- who was also an
IP. He has very
SAC Cagayan de Oro City (CDO).
6 SEEDS
low self-esteem as a result of the discrimination. After high school he
dreamed of pursuing a college degree.
He helped his father in the farm hoping
to save money for his studies. He nurtured a strong desire of finishing a degree to set an example to his fellow IPs
that they are capable of achieving personal and social goals.
“Education
is more
important
than early
marriage.”
In 2002, Roger has availed of the
MINSAC Balik-Aral Program which
provided for his college tuition fees.
Aside from the financial assistance, the program provided
him with values formation, leadership skills training, life
skills training and community involvement. He conducted
tutorial classes on Math and Science subjects to the BalikAral high school partners from 2002-2007. These trainings
and community involvement taught him how to relate well
with others thereby developing self confidence and sense of
volunteerism. In 2005, he became a student leader. He was
the school representative of the Annual Junior Institute of
Civil Engineers (JPICE) Quiz Bee in 2006.
In his speech during graduation day, he challenged his fellow
natives particularly parents and graduates that education is
more important than early marriage. He challenged them to
rise above their cultural practices and take education seriously. After graduation, he volunteered in planning and designing their barangay hall as his contribution to the community. At present, Roger is working with UKC Builders, Cebu
City.
BANAWAG PEOLE’S ORGANIZATION….Seeing rays of hope
By Noeme C. Delmigues, RSW
B
anawag is a waray-waray word that means a ray
of light. As such it denotes hopes for people
who are experiencing too much depression. Seeing a ray of
light is tantamount to having hope even though a person is
in a very depressive situation.
The organization started with a very simple dream:
to build alternative economic, political, and social structures that will respond to the needs of the community especially the poor families. As the dream was conceptualized
eight mothers dared to take the first small steps into action.
The process started with the clarification of the organization’s dream. The membership was opened to all sponsored families but the community was skeptical considering the unsuccessful experience they had in the past where
community organizing did not prosper.
So only few trusted that the plan would materialize. The
eight mothers contributed a little amount that they used as
seed money for their livelihood activities.
They started with rice trading. The members buy
palay from the farmers in the community at a price lower
than the market price. Ironically the same farmers bought
their own rice during lean season. With the little Capital
Build Up they had, they were able to
save some
amount and they started to
conceptualize other livelihood projects.
“Seeing
a ray of light
In September 2006
the group ventured into a
is tantamount to
variety store. The group
having hope even
used their savings as their
capital. The members of- though a person is in
fered their material, time,
a very depressive
and commitment to make
situation.”
the new venture a success.
They agreed to have a
schedule on purchasing
goods and store keeping. Labor was
free as they
were just starting their projects. After a few months they
realized that the store is a big help to the community and
they had a good income. With this accomplishment the
members were inspired to contribute more to their Capital
Build Up.
The group of mothers was not contented
with their income especially on seeing a number of other
sponsored family, members still having a lot of idle time.
The group started to conceptualize another livelihood
project. They ventured into handicraft industry. With the
technical assistance of MINSAC, the group together with
the other mothers underwent skills training on basket
weaving from coconut materials. As observed, the parents were interested in the new projects making the center
to assist them in looking for a target market. They joined
some
trade
fairs in coordination
with
the
Department of Trade
and Industries.
The exposures
of the product
to the bigger
market opened
the eyes and
minds of the
parents
the possi- BANAWAG Member managing their sari-sari store.
bilities of
expanding the projects.
The Center did not extend financial assistance to the group. It stands with its principle that community development is possible even with out any financial
assistance. The center’s role is just to give technical assistance and motivate the people to appreciate their own resources. The Appreciative Inquiry Approach was indeed an
effective instrument in working with people.
At present the group has a total asset of P
66,563.32. They already have their own refrigerator and
coconut grater. Aside from the economic projects, the
group is also active in the Basic Ecclesial Community activities. They are also advocates of children’s right and
even participate in the political exercise of the community.
In fact two members are members of the new barangay
council.
With all these developments, the People’s organization is still optimistic that with the alternative structures
they are building, the face of the community where they
live will change for the better. They envision a community
where there is true peace and harmony; a community safe
for children to live in.
July - December 2007 7
Volume 1, Issue 1
“WE REMEMBER… WE CELEBRATE”
by S. Ma. Apolinaria Tambien, RVM
The line “We remember, we celebrate” from a
hymn, echoed in every heart of the Katutubo Villagers as
they celebrated the birthday of Mama Mary and the 259th
Death Anniversary of Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, the
vented us from hearing one another. Laughter ensued from
the audience. When the pictures were developed we realized after all that there was a story delivered. Deo Gratias!
The tribal leaders were not spared of their participation.
From Apo Carlos’ talk, a rough extract –
“Pasalamat po ako sa Panginoon (points above)
sa mga RVM Sisters sa kanilang walang sawang tulong
sa amin, bagamat minsan kami po ay lumalabag sa
kanilang patakaran at pagbigay ng magagandang asal,
hindi nila kami iniwan. Malaking pasalamat din po sa
inyong pagtitiyaga sa aming kahinaan na nagpapahirap
sa inyo. Pagpalain nawa kayo ng Panginoong Diyos at
sana humaba pa ang inyong buhay at kalusugan.
Pasalamatan din po namin si Mama Mary at Mother
Ignacia (points to the picture displayed on the stage).
Maraming salamat din po sa taga-COA ng Maynila.
Pagpalain kayong lahat ng Panginoong Diyos. Maram-
RVM revered Mother Foundress on September 8, 2007.
With Among Ching presiding, the Eucharistic Celebration
ushered in the day’s activities. The Sisters and the villagers
were in attendance.
Days before the event, the villagers were rushing
here and there to prepare the materials needed for the Kubomaking contest, the tribal dances where four groups representing Kulambo, Tanag, Magalang and Katutubo Village
vied for prizes. The school children busied themselves practicing songs and dances even to the late hours of the night
for the numbers in the program. The Sisters and MINSAC
Porac Staff were also
busy planning for a
drama on the Life of
“May the Lord
Mother Ignacia.
bless them as they went out of There was a long
discussion as to
their way for God!”
what and how to
depict the life of
Mother Foundress in
so short and limited
a time considering that it would not be easy for the participating pupils to memorize Tagalog lines for the play. For
the first night’s practice, the staff decided to have a roleplaying mime. On the second night’s practice, a revision
was made with a short play with few lines uttered to open
the play and in-between a narration. But the final show was
a disarray of a pantomime or a monologue or any ad lib or
alteration when the sound systems malfunctioned that pre8 SEEDS
ing, maraming salamat!
The games however stole the show. The children,
the youth, the adults, and even the elderly came out to the
open and participated in the festival to their hearts delight.
What is with the Hatawan ng palayok, the Palo Sebo, the
Pabitin, atbp. All gave their share!
The Salu-Salo Together tendered by the COA of Manila group enlivened the activity as everybody partook of it
with gusto. The hearts of those God-sent people went out
with utter generosity to the villagers. The inconveniences
they experienced on their way from Manila with the drizzles
that might have tested their faith go beyond imagining!
The small room accommodation for their night’s repose
added to their inconvenience rendering them sleepless to
prepare food for almost five hundred people. Here is
where MINSAC PORAC and COA made a communion of
hearts and concern for the poor of Christ. May the Lord
bless them as they went out of their way for God! What
impressed everyone, though, was their very own teenaged girls in the RVM attire as they performed to deliver a
story of Mother Ignacia. Despite their shyness, the girls
acted according to the director’s instructions. Mother
Ignacia must have looked down at them with love and
hope that in the future, an RVM Aeta will man the Katutubo Village. The LORD has His own plan, who knows?
thanks to the LORD who provided everything so that His
poor might enjoy. Mama Mary and Mother Ignacia must
have smiled down to them particularly on the children who
gave their all to make the day memorable.
Grateful salutations are due to Apo Bebeng for her
untiring effort in encouraging her own people to join their
hands and hearts for the success of the event. Indeed, we
fittingly close this with the words we had at the outset:
WE CELEBRATE…
WE BELIEVE!”
Looking back to the core of the celebration, the
Sisters and Staff cannot help but heave their prayerful
MINSAC PORAC GO A-FARMING!
By: S. Ma. Apolinaria Tambien, RVM
For a time MINSAC Porac went had to lie low. It
needed time and space to plan how else to improve and
mobilize everyone and everything in Katutubo Village for
good. It needed time to tap friends, benefactors and even
classmates of yester years to get their minds on how to
find ways and
means to survive in spite of
poverty and to
move on for a
better living.
The project:
GO
AFarming
evolved. After
all the Aetas
are farmers by
occupation. They only need someone to keep them on the
go. And this is just exactly what S. Ma. Adora de
Guzman, RVM, also known as S. Doris, had been doing at
the onset of this school year. She goes to places touching
people to get their support for this project. Yes, everyone
in the village is just so excited to plant anything that would
feed them. Even the four RVM Senior Novices on a onemonth exposure are in the farm planting. They just enjoy
working together.
At this writing, S. Doris has already a few square
meters of 3-inches sprouting cornfield, a few square meters of pineapple plantation that she got from a friend in
Tagaytay City and a few more square meters of vegetable
garden-seedlings from good friends
tapped for the purpose.
The Sisters even had to go as
“Indeed,
far as Talabera, Pangasinan to get
more seeds and seedlings for the
friends are
farm. She has already mobilized the
valuable
villagers to plant kamoteng kahoy
if their
around their yards. The school popuChristian
lace is not spared of the project. The
teachers have managed their pupils to
heart is
fence the school campus with it.
touched”
Tree planting? Yes. In August, a Mahogany Tree Planting
around the school compound has been
through. And we look forward for more trees to plant! S.
Doris has become an instant agriculture fanatic. She’s all
eyes now for
more projects to
work on.
Indeed, friends
are valuable if
their Christian
heart is touched.
Put
Christ’s
hands and hearts
into their being
and they respond
voluntarily.
July - December 2007 9
Volume 1, Issue 1
MOTHER IGNACIA LEARNING CENTER
Growth, Expansion and Development in MINSAC-Llorente
By S. Ma. Bernardita P. Humbid, RVM
From a wish to its articulation a survey as to the
viability of the project yielded a realization of the opening
of the new Mother Ignacia Learning Center. MINSAC-
through the initiative of Mr. Carlos Chung . Mr Henry Yao
Kasin, head of the FFCCC of Tacloban assured the Learning Center’s organizers of their donation after his ocular
inspection on the proposed site for the building.
The construction was finished in a short time and the
blessing took place on Novemebr 18, 2007.
The New Mother Ignacia Learning Center
The Learning Center before...
Llorente was the moving factor of such operation.
Having approached the right person from
the DSWD, there was a meeting of minds regarding the
project. With the approval of the National Office, the
Learning Center sprang into being having the multi-purpose
structure beside the
Sisters’ residence for
its venue. It’s doors
were opened to
“Really the little ones have about 50 children
who were divided
a special place in the heart into two classes. The
Municipal
Social
of God.”
Worker and Development
Offices
(MSWDO) provided
two Teachers and the
LGU was responsible for the honoraria of the staff and the
providing of tables and chairs for the children’s classrooms.
The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of
Commerce in Tacloban donated the two-classroom building
10 SEEDS
Really, the little ones have a special place in the heart
of God. Once more the gospel, “let the children come to me .
. . because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,”
is alive in the hearts of generous people. Children are most
favored. It happened and is happening in our lives and we
share the blessings.
RVM Prison Ministry
By S. Ma. Reina Olaco, RVM
For 26 years, the RVM Sisters have been serving
St. Joseph the Worker Parish-Chaplaincy. June 22 1985,
53 participants.
“Bilangguan man ay
paraiso rin sa patakarang
maka-DIYOS at makaTAO.”
For
the
month of September, the 259th Death
Anniversary
of
Mother Ignacia del
Espiritu Santo was held. A thanksgiving Mass was clebrated, and S. Ma. Leonisa Maningas, RVM gave a talk on
the life of MIDES to the inmates who are in Maximum,
Medium, and Minimum Security. The Sisters started their
Catechism and Value Formation inputs. A 3-day recollection was conducted for the inmates during the month of
October. Snacks were donated by Fr. Freddie Balinong, SJ
of New York Province with his sister Cristina Balinong,
Ms. Maya S. Paurom and Mr. Gerald G. Paurom of New
York. The 13th National Correctional Consciousness Week
(NCCW) with the theme “O Diyos, Kaawaan Mo Kaming
Mga Makasalanan,” was also held within the month.
marked the start of the pioneering work with S. Ma. Victoria Salceda, RVM and S. Ma Rosa Castil, RVM in the
place.
The Services go on and on… journeying with our
brothers (inmates) in their years of incarceration…, serving their crimes committed, and trying to see and feel
God’s presence in their lives.
Through the years, Mother Ignacia’s modern
Beatas move on, unfolding God’s presence in each and
everyone in this community. A welcome note at the entrance gate says: “Bilangguan man ay paraiso rin sa patakarang maka-DIYOS at maka-TAO.” So come and join
us for the LORD said: “I was in prison… and you visited
me.” (Mt.25:36)
The holy Mass was officiated by Bishop Pedro
Arigo (Chairman on Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care ECPPC). A week-long activities for interview of
inmates by the Board of Probation and Parole (BPP),
Puerto Princesa,were undertaken. At the end of October,
was the Culmination of the October Devotion Block Rosary Mass and Living Rosary.
In July, S Ma. Elisa Lavarias, RVM, the Social
Ministry Chair, visited the community. She was presented to them and to Superintendent Francisco Abunales
during the Mass. She conducted a Team BuildingSeminar Workshop to inmates in Medium Security with
Right before the month of November ends, the 7th
General Assembly of Chaplain and Volunteers in Prison
took place at Bukal na Tipan Pastoral and Youth Training
Center in Taytay, Rizal, with the theme: “Discovering the
Face of Christ among the Prisoners.” The assembly addressed the issues and concerns affecting the ministry visà-vis the campaign for the adoption of the Restorative Justice paradigm.
July - December 2007 11
Volume 1, Issue 1
Caught
Generalate Area Staff Retreat
Betania Retreat House, Tagaytay City
November 23-25, 2007
Facilitators: Bro. Erick Gerilla, SJ & Bro. Bros Flores, SJ
Generalate Area Integration,
Rest & Recreation
Matabungkay Beach Resort Batangas
November 26, 2007
12 SEEDS
In frames
MINSAC CENTERS’ ACTIVITIES
RVM Novices’ Sisters Exposure in
MINSAC Cagayan de Oro (CDO)
Mother Ignacia Learning Center Blessing
In Llorente
Payatas Mid-Year Evaluation
Katutubong Aeta MINSAC Porac
Main Office TAP Partners’ Recollection & Christmas Party
Microfinance Training
International Day of Peace
Basahan Project of Women in
Payatas
Coconut mid-rib weavers MINSAC Cebu
Basket products of women partners in
MINSAC Cebu
July - December 2007 13
Volume 1, Issue 1
MINSAC-Borongan Joins Trade Fairs
By Arlene Turla and Noeme Delmigues, RSW
MINSAC-Borongan was able to organize three
People’s Organizations namely, USWAG, MABINUNGAHON, and BANAWAG. The formation of the three organizations is one of the answers to the call on program sustainability. The center’s main role is to give technical and ad-
S. Loliet posing with the 2 parents inside MINSAC booth. Taken
during the Trade Fair in Borongan City
was in Guiuan, Eastern Samar when the said municipality
celebrated the 486th Magellan Landing Anniversary on
March 13-16, 2007. It was indeed an enriching experience
for the members of the organizations, thus they did not hesitate to join the PCA exhibit on August 28-30 in Tacloban
City.
The sales of the two trade fairs were not that high but
the experience was satisfying. The parents learned a hundred
lessons. They gained the confidence to improve the quality of
their products. With the enthusiasm derived from the previous trade fairs, the parents were very excited when DTI invited them to join the Eastern Visayas Bahandi Trade Fair. It
was held on October 10-14, 2007 at SM Mega Trade Hall.
The affair boosted the spirit of the parents to evaluate their
products. They
were able to realize that there is
a big possibility
for a bigger market of the products they are
making. On November
5-9,
2007 the local
office of the DTI
and the provincial govern- Picture taken during the Trade Fair in Borongan City
ment of East- with Board Member Editha Sepulvida as customer
ern Samar invited the Center to join the Agro-Industrial trade fair in line
with the celebration of the 42nd founding anniversary of the
province. The parents enjoyed the event for they were able to
get higher sales and prospect markets compared to the previous trade fairs. The USWAG organization was able to advertise their products not only to the local people but also to the
visitors coming from the neighboring municipalities and
provinces. MABINUNGAHON was able to identify a new
market for their processed food while BANAWAG was able
to get some special orders.
ministrative assistance. Each organization has its own livelihood projects. USWAG is venturing into Herbal Medicines preparation while Mabinungahon is doing food processing which includes peanut butter, banana chips, gabi
chips, and macaroons.As for BANAWAG, the group at
present is managing a sari-sari store and starting its midrib
and rattan weaving.
The venture
of the People’s Organization into Livelihood Projects is a
big challenge to the
organizations and the
Center. One of the
biggest concerns is
the market. With the
assistance of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of trade and
Industries (DTI), and
the Department of
These exposures of the three People’s Organizations
Science and Tech- prone to be the initial small steps in climbing the ladder tonologies (DOST) the wards project sustainability.
center was able to
join series of trade
A shot during the Eastern Visayas Bahandi
fairs. The first expoTrade Fair in SM Mega Trade Hall.
sure of the parents
14 SEEDS
UPDATES: by Jeanet Bagares, RSW
A partnership continues…
MINSAC’s partnership with Caritas Manila continues this fiscal year 2007-2008 after the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 29, 2007. Both organizations are working with the advantaged sectors of
society particularly women and youth. The scholarship program provides financial assistance for school needs of its
partners, the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) and OSY at-Risk. Activities such as Tutorial Classes, Service With A
Purpose (SWAP), and Values Formation Sessions are provided to help the students cope with the different demands
of society. At present, there are one hundred fifty (150) beneficiaries of the program in areas of Cubao, Payatas and
Camarin. The home and school visitations strengthened the relationship of staff with the partners and their families.
When the heart speaks…
Like any other Non-Government Organizations in the Philippines, MINSAC could not operate alone as an agency. There is a need to coordinate with other
institutions in order to provide the needs of its partners. Nestle Philippines is one
among the many companies which MINSAC has tried to reached out. In answer to
our prayers, the group donated boxes of Maggi Noodles and Guinataang Mais on
October 2007. The goods were on time for the Aetas in Porac, as well as the kids in
Payatas for their Supplemental Feeding. Such act of generosity was a big help for the partners of the organization
especially to the undernourished children.
A heart for the poor…
Mr. Marc Barylo, the Vice President of Edmonton Catholic Charities (ECC) visited the Philippines on July 25-27, 2007. A lot of people
have been touched by the warmth of the organization’s concern and dedication in helping the poor through its programs and services. This year,
Mr. Barylo’s visit in Payatas A started with a Eucharistic celebration followed by a program. The kinder pupils from Mother Ignacia Learning
Center (MILC) showed their talents in singing and dancing. In a short
speech, the President of the Board of Directors expressed gratitude to ECC for helping the community for seventeen (17) long years. In Payatas B, he also had a short dialogue with some partners.
In a meeting with the staff of Main Office and Payatas on July 25, 2007, the concerns regarding the program operation including its recommendations for the improvement of service delivery to the people were given
emphasis. The discussion concluded with Mr. Barylo’s statement of gratitude to the RVM Congregation and the
Sisters presently involved in the Social Ministry who continue serving the poor. In behalf of ECC he expressed the
organization’s continuous support to the partners of MINSAC. The said gathering left hope and inspiration in everyone’s heart to keep on extending a hand to God’s people who deserve to be helped.
July - December 2007 15
Volume 1, Issue 1
News Brief… News Brief… News Brief… News Brief… News Brief… News Brief… News Brief…
In MINSAC’s continuous endeavor to provide a better service to its partners, all
the staff of Generalate Area gathered on September 6-7, 2007 to formulate a module for
the Saturday sessions of the Tuloy Aral partners. Topics on self, family, community and
environment were selected to address the different needs of every individual.
__________________________
_________________________
_________________________
Tutorial session is another effort to help the scholars perform better in
school. This year, the first year RVM Novices and the Volunteer group from
Ateneo de Manila University were tapped to facilitate
the activity. The Juniors and Tertians had also an opportunity to teach during their outreach in Payatas B. The
said undertaking was proven to be helpful for the partners especially on the difficult subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English.
MINSAC Payatas is continually implementing Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) to fulfill
its commitment of molding kinder pupils to become better individuals of the society. At present, the Mother
Ignacia Learning Center (MILC) has fifty-one (51) pupils while the Rolling Hills Community Learning Center
(RHCLC) has a total of fifty seven (57) enrollees. Working hand-in-hand with the Board of Trustees (BOT) and
the Officers of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), different activities are designed to facilitate holistic learning among the pupils. Celebration of Foundation Anniversary, Film Showing and Mr. and Ms. United Nations
helped develop and strengthen the children’s confidence. Stories emphasizing positive values are integrated in
Christian Living subjects. It is indeed true that teaching small children is not easy but for Ms. Jeanelyn Gadayan
and Lolita Matchica, it is already a passion they wish to continue sharing.
E-SKILLS aim to provide access to education
(OSY) in Payatas and its nearby communities.
program has been significant to a number of students
tunity to enroll a four-year course. For the first batch
students finished Basic Computer Operations. A total
having On the Job Training (OJT) in Electronics, Wiring, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning. The evaluation facilitated by Consuelo Foundation, the students
claimed that both the in-center and in-shop trainings
are enough experience to equip them with knowledge,
skills and attitude in order to be competitive in the job market.
16 SEEDS
to Out-of-School-Youth
Through the past years, the
who did not have the opporof FY 2007-08, twenty (20)
of twenty-five (25) are still
Will the sun still shine…?
by S. Ma. Dolores Ferrandiz, RVM
Bacacay folks could still remember the devastating typhoons Milenyo and Reming. The pains and damages it brought to their lives were still fresh in their minds
and hearts.
MINSAC assisted Barangays were not spared
from these calamities. Brgy. Damacan, one of the Islands
of Bacacay lost their poultry project. It was totally destroyed by typhoon Milenyo. Through their bayanihan
effort, they were able to rebuild the poultry, only to be
destroyed
by another
typhoon
Reming.
This time,
nothing is
left, including
the
chicks.
Their capital is gone.
MINSAC is also assisting the Nahapunan Bakery
which is located in another Island of Bacacay shoreline.
Their business has already been operational in different
Islands of Bacacay where they deliver bread to small
stores. But this was stopped when the building was destroyed and some of their banking materials were washed
out. With their little savings, they also reconstructed the
building. They were affected too, with the abrupt price
increase of flour and other baking ingredients. Even then,
they still need to operate. Otherwise, they will lose all
their clienteles.
Igang Association for the Advancement of
Women is situated in the shoreline of Brgy. Igang. Most
of the houses were totally washed out by typhoon Reming. They lost all their properties. For several weeks they
stayed in an evacuation center after some time, returned
to their place to start a new life, their source of livelihood
comes from fishing and farming. While talking to some,
they said that, it is hard to live with at least five mouths to
feed. “We do not have kitchen utensils, no food to cook,
no water, no clothing and no money to buy our needs.
Where will we get our daily food? At night, good if it will
not rain. Otherwise, we are wet because our shanties are
dripping. We do not have enough clothing to cover us
from cold during the night. They are dependent on donations and help coming from local government which usu-
ally last only for several weeks.
Their agricultural products particularly coconut
trees were like candles wick. No leaves, no fruit. And according to them, they can harvest from it after two more
years. Even root crops as their alternate food for rice were
also damaged.
The saddest reality is one member must leave the
house in order to become a houseboy or housemaid in a
foreign place to earn little amount to feed their family in
the island.
While listening to their stories, my heart is like being crumpled and I have to keep my eyes from flowing
tears. And when I saw their pains and suffering, I asked this
question, “Will the sun still shine for these brothers and
sisters of mine?” I walked around the neighborhood and
seashore. I saw and got the answer from them. They live
with FAITH and HOPE in their hearts. Despite their unpleasant and awful experiences, they learned to be of gratitude to God for they are still alive. They acknowledge that
God is the giver of everything that they have. They said
that, God gives everything freely to us through the blessings around us. And when God wishes to take something or
someone from us, we
are still grateful for it
goes back to HIM.
What a deep spirituality.
Amazingly,
after a year, they have
started to regain their
strength and rebuild
what was lost. MINSAC on the other hand,
continued to extend
technical and financial
support to them. Recently, Brgy. Igang
opened
their
Consumer’s Store, with
MINSAC
assisting
them with the seed capital amounting to P 15,000.00. It was
blessed last December 09, 2007. In Brgy. Nahapunan and
Tambungon, MINSAC is also assisting twenty (20) TuloyAral students.
In one of our meetings, they said that, MINSAC is
one of our blessings. They give us HOPE to live. For us,
MINSAC people, they are blessings too. For from them, we
learn many things in life.
July - December 2007 17
Volume 1, Issue 1
KILAMUKAW!
By S. Ma. Marissa Ardeta, RVM Novice
“Kilamukaw! “Kilamukaw! “Kilamukaw!... Sister? Sister? Sister?... Kamote! Balatan, balatan, balatan
ang kamote. Hiwain, hiwain, hiwain ang kamote. Lutuin,
lutuin, lutuin ang kamote. Tusukin, tusukin, tusukin ang
kamote! Kainin, kainin, kainin ang kamote. Ilabas, ilabas,
ilabas ang kamote!” These are the yells of invitation and
hope, the shout of love and recognition and the songs of
the simplicity of life.
“Kilamukaw” is
an Aeta word for “Sali
na” or “Join us.” It is a
yell of invitation and of
hope. Kilamukaw!
Shouting at the top of
our voices, we went
around the community to
invite the Aeta families
to join the “Linis Mo, Bakuran Mo. Tanim Mo, Pitas Mo,”
Clean and Green Project. With the blessing of S. Ma. Apolinaria Tambien, RVM and the leadership of S. Adora de
Guzman, RVM and the participation of the Aeta children,
we, the five Novices ( S. Daiden Bagarinao, S. Ella Tumanut, S. Vivien Ribot, S. Eloisa Marie Inocentes, and S.
Marissa Ardeta) assigned for the Social Ministry Exposure
had a chance to launch a livelihood program that would
help the Aetas use the wealth lf the lowlands by planting
in their backyard vegetables and other fruit-bearing plants
and trees to help them sustain their daily consumption of
food. Besides, the project also helps improve the people’s
hygiene. As part of the activities, they are asked to make a
toilet of their own. All
the materials they need
in the construction and
the seedlings they need
to plant in their backyard
are all provided by MINSAC Porac. As the project continues, we say
Kilamukaw! We hope
that people will participate and cooperate in the invitation.
Kilamukaw as we invited Aeta mothers to join in
the Reflexology seminar which was sponsored by MINSAC in September. This was made possible through the
kindness of S. Ma. Eloisa Inocentes and S. Adora de
Guzman, RVM who have backgrounds in the said matter.
They shared their expertise and advised the mothers that
reflexology could help them become closer to each other
18 SEEDS
member of the family for it is a touch therapy. Their touch
does not only heal but may become their bonding time
with the family. Besides, they could also use this as a
means of living. They do not only help others in terms of
healing but they also help their families in terms of monetary needs.
Sister? Sister? Sister? Ahh… a shout of love. Everyday, since we arrived in Porac, we always heard this call
of love. Anytime of the day the children would stay in the
center to chat with us, to play with us, to sing with us and
just to be with us. They generously gave themselves to us,
both their time and being. Before they attended their
classes, they would pass by and look for us. After their
classes, they would make a roll call, shout our name and
look for us. Sister Apple? Sister Doris? Sister Mariz? Sister
Miles? Sister Vivien? Sister Ella? Sister Daiden? At times,
they would bring flowers cut from their backyard, or cook
cassava “suman”, or just hold our hands and look at us, or
would want to know us better by asking for our own stories
when we were still young.
We miss them a lot. We
miss the unconditional
and pure love of the children. Their love asks
nothing in return expects
nothing, and selflessly
gives oneself to another.
Sister? Sister? Sister?
Ahhh… the shout of love.
Kamote… balatan, balatan, balatan ang kamote…
You may not be familiar with this song but it has become
our ‘national anthem’ in the Novitiate. It defines our connection with the Aeta children.
They opened our eyes to the real meaning of the
‘simplicity of life’ – a life that is satisfied by their hunger
for God, the life that is contented with the things at hand,
the life that is pleased with the simple joy of companionship, laughter and affection.
They may have different culture, color or traditions, but in the midst of our differences, they unveiled the
mystery of joy and simplicity amidst poverty.
God showered us with so many blessings in our
Social Ministry Exposure. He revealed so much of His love
from the people we met and the place we stayed in. do you
want to experience the sweetness of Kamote? Sister, kilamukaw!
A Jesuit Priest… A Father to All
By S. Ma. Rosviminda Ochoa, RVM
“What I have started, let it grow. That will make me live and become great”…
These were his last words a few hours before he left for Spain for treatment
of his illness. Knowing Fr. Santos Mena, SJ for the past six (6) years, his help to the
Aetas in Katutubo Village, Porac Pampanga was always fired with love and compassion. He planted the seed in the hearts of the Aetas which is now starting to grow.
Hand in hand with the RVM Sisters in 1992, Fr. Mena gave himself selflessly for the
benefit of the Aetas through MINSAC’s programs and services. I would always remember what he said during one of our conversations, “I’d like to die having done
something for the Aetas.” Truly, his love in action for the poor left an imprint that
would become his legacy. He put up the Mena Foundation for the purpose of helping
the Aetas. He would always involve the Xavierians for social awareness and responA pose with Fr. Mena before he left for
sibility. Lately, a group from Immaculate Concepcion Academy (ICA), Greenhills
Spain
joined the Xavier School during the blessing of Katutubo Village Health Center and
gift giving last December 2, 2007.
To all our partners, readers and friends, let us pray for Fr. Mena’s good health. This is the best thing that we
could do to reach his heart out of gratitude for all the good deeds he has done.
The Yao Family’s Loving Tribute
(Lifted from the Xavier School’s website w3.xs.edu.ph., posted by Gary Garcia on December 7, 2007)
The Katutubo Village Medical Center, donated
by the Yao Family, was formally blessed and inaugurated last December 2,
2007. Located in Bgy.
Planas, Porac, Pampanga, this settlement of
Aetas displaced by Mt.
Pinatubo has long been
supported by the Xavier
Community, particularly through the Mena
Foundation, set up by
Fr. Santos Mena, SJ to provide for the education of the
children. Fr. Mena was instrumental in channeling the
Yao Family’s philanthropy to provide for this vital need
of the Aeta community,
affectionately named
Kikoville by Xaverians.
The donation
was funded through
CHHYMES (Cristina
Howell Hugh Yao Medical and Educational Sup-
port) Foundation, Inc., set up in memory of Cristina Yao
(mother) and children, Howell Christian (06) and Hugh
Conroy (G5 SY 06-07), who passed away last December
in a tragic accident. The foundation continues the legacy
of mother Cristina, who was an active philanthropist and
charity volunteer, and fulfills the dream of their brother
Howell Christian, a pre-med student at the UP, who had
wanted to open a free clinic for the poor.
Presiding over the blessing was Fr. Art Borja, SJ,
who substituted for Fr. Mena who could not attend for
medical reasons. The head of the family, Mr. Henry Yao,
cut the ribbon together with Sr. Ma. Eulalia Banawis,
Vicar General of the RVM congregation which ministers
to the community and will run the medical center. Joining
him were his children,
Hans Clifford (99) and
Charlene Hazel, and other
members of their family.
The inauguration and
blessing coincided with
the annual Christmas giftgiving of the AAXS.
July - December 2007 19
Literary Corner:
Volume 1, Issue 1
Thank You, Lord
Thank you, Lord for the gift of life…
Thank you, Lord for the gift of Love…
Thank you, Lord for the gift of hope…
Thank you, Lord for the gift of talent…
Thank you, Lord for the gift of patience and compassion…
Thank you, Lord for the strength and weaknesses
in me…
Thank you, Lord for the joy and happiness…
Thank you, Lord for the sorrow and sadness…
Thank you, Lord for the trials and struggles…
Thank you, Lord for the wonderful blessings…
Thank you, Lord for forgiving all my sins…
Thank you, Lord for the unconditional love…
Thank you, Lord for everything…
Just be my light and guide…
All through my life…
Thank you, Lord…
-Radha( Staff of Payatas A )
Caption describing
picture or graphic.
Kay Buti Mo Panginoon
By Johnazel Mallapre
Kay buti mo Panginoon
Sa bawat oras at panahon
Ika’y laging nandiyan, kailanman
Upang ako’y gabayan at tulungan.
Sa mga problemang aking naranasan,
Ako’y agad Mong tinutugunan.
Hinagpis nitong puso’t isipan,
Ay patuloy mong nilulunasan.
Nagpadala Ka ng instrumentong kay ganda,
Upang sa aki’y magbigay ligaya,
Ligayang kay hirap pantayan,
Ano mang sa aki’y dumating na kayamanan.
Kay buti Mo Panginoon,
Sa bawat karanasan at pagkakataon,
Caption describing
Karanasan at pagkakataong
sarap saripicture kay
or graphic.
wain
Simula nang ang MINSAC ay dumating sa
akin..
( Johnazel is now working in MINSAC Payatas A as Loan Officer. He was a Tuloy-Aral partner. )
20 SEEDS
Pag-iisa
by Sir Alfonso Manansala
Isang taong nahiwalay sa aking pamilya,
Isang taong nahiwalay sa buhay na marangya,
Isang taong nahiwalay sa mga taong nag-aruga,
Isang taon ng pag-iisa.
Iniwan ang masaganang pamumuhay,
Kasama ng mga kaibiga’t mahal sa buhay,
Ala-ala na lang ang natitirang buhay,
Sa aking pag-iisa..
Ito ngayon ako’y lumalaban,
Sa mga pagsubok at kalungkutan,
Pipiliting harapin at labanan,
Ang aking pag-iisa..
Ito ngayo’y nakita ko na, di pala ako nag-iisa,
Dahil sa simula pa, Diyos nasa tabi ko na,
‘di ko lang nadarama, ngayon ako’y nasa Kanya na,
‘di ako nag-iisa..
( hango sa karanasan sa staff retreat )
A Reflection on the retreat experience by Ms. Jeanet Bagares, RSW
A moment of Silence
My retreat in Tagaytay was very short but it created significance in the deepest core of my being. The experience made me aware that for some time I need to keep silent and listen to God’s message. The coldness of the place
soothed my soul and spirit. The quietness of the environment helped me reflect my past painful experiences and struggles. Once more, I have felt the hurt of the wound but God’s presence comforted and consoled my weary heart.
The short time spent with Him was a confirmation of His love. It gave me enough strength to continue my
passion of working with people. I know that somewhere along my journey, there still be a lot of challenges but now I
am more assured of God’s loving mercy and support of my love ones.
July - December 2007 21
Volume 1, Issue 1
Tips and Resources for Good
Health
Source: Internet
Enjoy Improved Health.
Want to live longer? Then eat less. When animals (as reported in a journal of the National Academy of Sciences)
were fed a nutritious, calorie-restricted diet (about 30 percent fewer calories than normal), they experienced less
sickness, reduced rates of cancer, less heart disease, and
less diabetes, and lived longer. Researchers believe that if
humans would cut out their usual amounts of saturated fats,
hydrogenated vegetable oils, pastries, cookies, and other
junk food and help themselves to sensible portions of fruits
and vegetables instead, they, like the animals in the study,
would enjoy improved health.--HealthWise.
Sodas Settle around the Waistline.
Drinking just one can
of sugary soda per day,
without adjusting the
amount of food eaten or
increasing one's exercise level, can add 15
pounds of body weight
over a year's time. A
12-ounce can of sugary
soda has 150 calories. Americans now drink twice as much
sugared soda per person as they did 25 years ago. Fruit and
vegetable juices, and water with a bit of lemon, are great
alternatives to the soda habit.--University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Pure Water Can Be a Wonderful Doctor!
If you are suffering
from fatigue, you feel
depressed or too
stressed, and you are
looking for more energy, water could be
just the ticket. Also, if
you are interested in
losing weight and/or
controlling your appetite, if you suffer from
dry skin, indigestion,
backaches, or headaches, drinking more
water might be the solution, at least partly. Water makes up between 70 and 80
percent of our bodies--the blood and brain are 90 percent
22 SEEDS
water! Your cells
need it to do everything they're assigned by God, and
your kidneys use it
to filter out harmful elements. It also helps to lubricate our
joints, metabolize fat, keep the brain thinking, and a host of
other life-sustaining processes. Water is a great way to help
control one's physical body--as more water consumption
typically results in less food consumption. In addition,
drinking adequate amounts of water will significantly reduce the daily calories so readily consumed when drinking
juice, soft drinks, and milk.
There are several ideas about how much water we need to
consume to maintain good health. One rule of thumb is
eight ounces a day for every 25 pounds of body weight.
You should check with your doctor before changing your
diet, but it is a fact that for most people more water will
greatly benefit their health.
Your body recycles water in a way only God could have devised, but you will naturally lose water through breathing,
sweating, and elimination. To avoid losing excess water, stay
away from alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, which slow the absorption of water.--Adapted from Amazing Facts, Inside Report, May/June 2003, p. 30.
Why Risk Alcohol?
There is nothing in wine that isn't in grapes, except for the
alcohol. You can add a variety of red and purple table grapes
to your diet instead of the wine. In addition, berries, plums,
currants, and other deep red-blue fruits are also excellent
sources of the anthocyanin phenols found in wine. And
quercetin, another phytonutrient in wine, is actually more
plentiful in apples with skin. Onions, whole buckwheat, oranges, and grapefruits provide some too. A healthy dose of
colorful fruits and vegetables provides an abundance of other
health-protective nutrients not found in wine.--Environmental
Nutrition.
Tips for Handling Stress
Regulate your life as much as possible; take some creative
control of your activities. Exercise adequately; take a long
walk outside if possible, breathe deeply, get some sunlight.
Shower regularly and drink plenty of water. Eat nourishing
food with an adequate supply of B vitamins. Don't take
yourself too seriously. Take time for rest and relaxation.
Reach out to help someone. Keep life--present and future-in proper perspective.
Change Your Behavior Today!
The Benefits of Eating Wheat
I do not want to be
the person I am (fat,
sick, medication dependent, lethargic,
incapacitated, etc.).
I want my health and
personal appearance
back.
1. Recognize that
you are worth the
effort--you deserve
the best life possible.
2. Make a list of personal reasons you want to change.
3. Remove obstacles to change--like avoiding friends
and family who sabotage you and removing junk food
from your surroundings.
4. Surround yourself with healthy foods--stock your
kitchen right, find an accommodating restaurant.
5. Commit yourself to change--pick the specific day and
do it.
6. Gather all your strength--everything else in your life
must be secondary to this effort.
7. Never give in to the old ways--not even once. But, if
you make a mistake--it's only one meal (if it is food) -start right in again.
8. Tell others about your changes--they will help keep
you on track.
9. Associate with like-minded people--find friends with
good habits.
10. Appreciate your success for beating the most powerful enemies in your life.
An important battle in the war against disease may be
whole-grain wheat. While it has long been believed that
wheat's fiber content might prevent cancer, new research
shows that wheat contains powerful antioxidants that
strongly contribute to the prevention of colon cancer,
and possibly diabetes and heart disease. These antioxidants are found in the wheat's orthophenols, and orthophenols survive the baking process. --Kansas State
University.
Nuts Are Good for You!
Adults who substitute two ounces of almonds for other
foods can reduce their LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) by
10 percent in just a
month. Almonds
are high in monounsaturated fat, a
good type of fat
also found in avocados, olive oil, and
other nuts. When
monounsaturated
fat replaces saturated or trans fats in your diet, cholesterol levels fall.
Nuts also are a good source of protein. But researchers
stress that without substituting nuts for other foods, the
resulting weight gain can negate their cholesterollowering effect.
A Safe Diet for Everyone
C. Everett Koop, former surgeon general of the United
States, suggests the best menu is a "a varietal diet rich in
complex carbohydrates and protein obtained from whole
grains, beans, peas, legumes and a selection of root vegetables. Daily servings of leafy vegetables, daily servings of
fruit, a few nuts and 8-10 glasses of water."--North Pacific
Union Conference Gleaner, October 2002.
Walking--the Perfect Exercise!
There's growing agreement among exercise researchers
that the intense physical activities offered by
most health clubs are
not the only--or even
the preferable--path to
better health. Indeed,
the best thing for most
of us may be to just
walk. Yes, walk. At a
reasonably vigorous
clip (three to four
m.p.h.) for half an hour
or so, maybe five or six times a week. You may not feel
the benefits all at once, but the evidence suggests that over
the long term, a regular walking routine can do a world of
preventive good
Walking, in fact, may be the perfect exercise. For starters,
it's one of the safest things you can do with your body. It's
much easier on the knees than running and doesn't trigger
untoward side effects. Because walking affects you in so
many ways at once, it can be difficult to determine precisely why it's good for you. But much of the evidence
gathered so far is compelling:
Walking briskly for at least half an hour consumes a couple hundred calories and boosts your metabolic rate for the
rest of the day, giving you a better chance of winning the
battle of the bulge.
Studies show that women who exercised regularly as children and young adults and had a healthy intake of calcium
decreased their risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.
July - December 2007 23
Ateneo de Manila University
Bureau of Corrections, Muntinlupa City
Caritas, Manila
CBCP - Episcopal Commission on Prison and Pastoral Care, Intramuros, Manila
Charity First Foundation, Inc.
Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary
Cristina Howell Hugh Yao Medical and Educational Support
(CHHYMES) Foundation, Inc.
Child Fund Japan (CFJ)
Commission on Audit (COA), Manila
Consuelo Foundation, Inc.
Department of Labor and Employment
Department of Social Welfare and Development
Don Bosco, Makati
Edmonton Catholic Charities of Canada
Immaculate Concepcion Academy, GreenHills, Manila
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF)
Lamoiyan Corporation, Paraňaque City
Llorente, Eastern Samar, Local Government Unit
Nestle Philippines
Palawan Parole and Probation Office/Province
Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS)
St. Joseph Parish, Talakag, Bukidnon
St. Mary’s Academy, Guagua, Pampanga
St. Mary’s College, Quezon City
Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA)
The MENA Foundation
Xavier School, Greenhills, Manila
MINSAC Visayas:
MINSAC Northern Mindanao
MINSAC Generalate Area:
• Rosal St., Payatas A, Quezon City • Barangay 1, Llorente, Eastern
• Seriňa St., Carmen, Cagayan de
Samar
Oro City
• Grp. 13, Payatas B, Quezon City
• Calingatngan, Borongan, Eastern • Talakag, Bukidnon
• Camarin, Caloocan
Samar
• Planas, Porac, Pampanga
• Cebu City
• Aguinaldo St., Bacacay, Albay
MOTHER IGNACIA NATIONAL SOCIAL
APOSTOLATE CENTER (MINSAC)
RVM Compound, 214 N. Domingo Street,
Quezon City, 1111 Philippines