St. Hannibal Empowerment Centre

St. Hannibal Empowerment Center (SHEC) is a religious organization of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus. It is a community of Spirit-led persons which aims to follow Jesus Christ in his union with his Father and in his proclamation of the kingdom of God. It is an inserted community among the squatters. The goal of SHEC is to empower the poor people of Metro Manila, Philippines, through housing, livelihood, education, health, waste management, youth and values formation.

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Location: Pasay City, Metro Manila

Mission: Its mission is to empower the poorest of the poor and catalyze an integral Christian transformation of urban poor communities in collaboration with the local Church by a holistic process that addresses concerns on housing, livelihood, education, health, environment and sanitation, justice and peace, youth formation and values formation. The goals of SHEC consist of assisting in alleviating poverty among urban poor communities in Pasay and other cities in Metro Manila; and building the foundation of community transformation through intensive values formation. Its objectives are, specifically, to facilitate the organization and formation of people’s organization that are self-sufficient and empowered, facilitate the values and spiritual formation and capability building of urban poor leaders, to assist the urban poor / informal settlers of Pasay and other cities in Metro Manila in realizing their dreams of achieving security of tenure through in-city relocation, to facilitate the implementation of economic programs and basic social services in urban poor communities, and to facilitate access to formal education in favor of the poor and deserving students.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Go, go, go Architects!!!


The leaders of Phase 5, who are on the accreted portion of Rodriguez, Malibay, Pasay City, went to Las Pinas in order to see the project of other areas especially those along the creeks. That was January 23, 2007. The area has been developed. Now, with its green environment, the people are proud of it. Together with them during the visit were Architects Ger, Arlyn and Roland. Despite their critical condition, they hope that someday their area in Pasay City will also have a clear and definite plan

What a gift, 1st year of priesthood!


A young man has been searching for something great. He found it. That’s in the priestly life. He gave up everything simply to realize it. Last January 21, 2006, he was ordained. Now, January 21, 2007, he is celebrating his anniversary together with the people in PAL Gate 1 in the presence of his parents and relatives. In his short yet meaningful year of priesthood, he realized that there is no better means to be happy than giving oneself for the poor who are the privileged carriers of the good news as a radical way of following Jesus Christ. SHEC is very happy for having Fr. Orville Cajigal.

Oh Fr. Fernando, please heal me!!!


January 18, 2007. Fr. Fernando Suarez, the healing priest, is someone who is so much in love with the poor. His heart is poured out for the lowly. That is why he founded the Mary of the Poor foundation in order to systematize his care and attention to the poor. Despite his heavy schedule, he spared a time for the persons who are also in need of healing and at the same time who are also for the poor. They had a short one-day recollection with Fr. Carl Abesamis, Joey Velasco – the renowned painter of the Last Supper with the kids, Fr. Javey, Fr. Noneth, Queeny and family, Bernie and Fr. Dexter Prudenciano.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Fr. Abe, a gift to the SHEC


A holy priest, having at his backpack the biblical Jesus, came along with SHEC and taught how to be in touch with the Spirit and with the poor. The people have learned how to do it. Right now, they are poured out in mission. SHEC is fortunate for having been touched by his life. As he celebrates his birthday, those who have been touched by him have come in order to greet him with prayerful wishes that God will give him strength and more years of spirit-filled life. This is none other than Fr. Carlos Abesamis, SJ.

Blest are the poor, theirs are the many blessings!


Giving of certificates of lot assignment to the landless was not enough. Last January 14, 2007, other gifts were distributed to the people. The government thought of giving other gifts which the people might need in order to survive. That is why the people were asked about what they needed; at once their wishes were granted. Upon knowing how sincere these people are, the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made it a point that they will be given in their respective communities.

Friday, February 02, 2007

4th year of blest life!!!


On January 11, 2007, Fr. Dexter M. Prudenciano, celebrated his 4th year in the priestly ministry. He has longed always to make his anniversary a memorable one. Thus, he decided to celebrate it with the people in Baseco, Tondo together with the students of Asian Social Institute. For him, the poor have always been his inspiration in living his priesthood forever. Thanks God.

The kind volunteers!!!!


After attending to heavy yet fulfilling meetings, the group of SHEC volunteers was waiting in the office to give a surprise party for Fr. Dexter Prudenciano and for Andrea on their natal days. It is the joy of SHEC to have generous and kind people like the volunteers who wish to share their time and talent for the poor scholars.

A Continuous Blessing!!!


Immediately after coming from the meeting in the Parish of the Agustinian Fathers about the project in Baseco, Tondo, a group of generous Men of the Sacred Heart was waiting for a possible joint effort for the housing project in Pasay City. This was held in San Antonio De Padua Parish, Forbs Park, Makati. Bro. Jun Alvendia presided the meeting. It ended up with the assurance of their group to assist the SHEC in its housing program.

What a blessing indeed!


Right after the brief meeting with the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Vice President Noli De Castro in San Roque Parish, last January 10, 2007, a group was tasked to study the possibility of allocating a portion of land in Baseco, Tondo for the Church and for the housing project. This was through the initiative of His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Bishop Broderick Pabillo in collaboration with the Augustinian Fathers, Frs. Willy and Asis and with the SHEC. Such meeting went on smoothly with the presence of other dignitaries from the different housing agencies of the government especially from the city of Manila under the direction of Mayor Lito Atienza. This was convened by Hon Usec. Fatima Valdez.

The outpouring of gifts!!!


St. Hannibal Empowerment Center is so much blest by God through the advent of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice-President Noli De Castro. This was held in San Roque Parish, Pasay City under the direction of Fr. Joey Tuazon. On this important event, January 6, 2007, certificates of lot assignment were given to the deserving landless people from the St. Hannibal Subdivision, Phase 1, Pasay City. Together with this was the giving of other gifts for the people who have been very active in the association. Several government officials were also present to grace the event. This was also attended by four Bishops and priests who have showed their support to the SHEC. Indeed, when we work together with the poor, countless blessings descend.

Fr. Bruno, the loving father


The people who have felt the fatherly care of Fr. Bruno Rampazzo have come over to greet him on his birthday on January 1, 2007. Foremost of them are his brother priests who have rendered him a song which he can not forget, “You’ll never walk alone.”