Two SCJ’s: Fr. Joseph Muego and Dn. Joel Bolo joined the Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao Convention (DCM) held in Ozamis City from February 18 – 20, 2019. The theme of this year’s convention is ”Mindanao Clergy : journeying with the Youth”. The Convention is attended altogether by 373 bishops, priests and deacons from 21 dioceses.
On May 17, 2016, the SCJ Philippine Region will celebrate the 27th Anniversary of SCJ presence in the Philippines. The video below, originally intended for the 25th Anniversary, summarizes main activities of the Philippine Mission since the arrival of first SCJ missionaries up to the present.
On December 4, 2012, almost one year after the deadly typhoon “Sendong” that claimed at least 1500 lives, another super typhoon “Pablo” (international name “Bopha”) passed through the southern island of Mindanao. Even the second one, according to the specialists, was stronger; it caused fewer damages than the previous. Thanks to the early warnings, this time the people were better prepared. Nevertheless, some barangays in Cagayan de Oro were flooded and some old trees were uprooted. Also the power supply and water were cut off.
Thanks to God, the SCJ and Kasanag daughters Foundation were very slightly affected by the typhoon. All the girls from Kasanag were moved to a safer place.
It has been already 10 months since the typhoon Sendong (Washi) hit Cagayan de Oro last December. It caused enormous damage to the city. Many people were killed (1259) and many are still missing (500). Many families lost their houses and all their possessions. Most of them (over 7000 families) are still hopeless and live in “temporary shelters,” on basketball courts, parish yards or in the compounds of the seminary and retreat houses.
The typhoon victims are patiently waiting for a land where they could relocate to and begin their normal life. The promise to help by Mayor comes very slowly. In fact, there are more discussions than actions. Also, the Social Action of the Diocese of Cagayan seems to work too slowly.
Hence, there is a new initiative of the Religious Orders in Cagayan. Six congregations of sisters and priests decided to help the affected people in their own way. They have agreed to make an all-out, combined effort, in order to build 550 houses for homeless families.
Last month almost 8 (eight) hectares of land were purchased for this project in Opol located in the suburbs of the city. Then, there was a “ground breaking” ceremony and the work began. At this time, the land is well prepared. Water supply and electrical connection have already been done. An architect, who volunteered to help in this project, is very positive about it and is planning to build 100 houses till the end of this year.
Each of the houses is meant for one family and will have a size of 28.8 sqm. One unit will cost ₱125,000 ($3000). The good news is that the international organization “Habitat for Humanity International” is willing to help in this project. They will subsidize more than 50% of the price of the new houses.
We are looking for other sponsors. Hopefully, in the middle of the next year, 550 families, victims of Sendong, will move to the new houses. The new village will have the name of the “Mother of Divine Mercy.” Beside houses there is also a plan to build a chapel and a basketball court. Time frame and success of this project depends much on the sponsors and benefactors.
SCJ Philippines Region 