MAY 2009

SHEC upholds trusting in the Lord with our whole heart, and leaning not in our own understanding. The Book of Proverbs reminds us that acknowledging God in all our ways does not only straighten our path. Revering Him with fear also brings “health to our body and nourishment to our bones” (2:5-8). And in the prophetic tradition, fear of the Lord ought to be concretized through the practice of social justice. Failure to do so is something which God hates, no matter how grandiose, pompous and well-prepared our liturgy is (see Is 1:11ff).
For the month of May, the SHEC community sought the revitalizing wisdom of the Lord through various gatherings: celebration, recollection, training, and learning visits. These, hopefully, have equipped the staff and volunteers with the know-how that enhances Kingdom spirituality.

Feeding and Birthday Celebration. The visit of Father Fernando Suarez and some members of the Mary Mother of the Poor Foundation to St. Hannibal Subdivision Phase II on May 15 was extraordinary. It was a treat to partners of the Feeding program: the beneficiaries, the St. Hannibal Christian Community (SHaCC) Barangay Health Workers, some youth volunteers, and community leaders. Over a hearty lunch and cheerful fellowship—a reliving of the Christian life in Acts 2:43-47, perhaps. Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ, coordinated the event as head of the Health Program.
Reported by: Rev Fr. Orville Cajigal – Health Program
Written by: Jing Ocampo
Edited by: Zacri Damo

Staff Recollection and Outing.
The following day, all SHEC staff participated in a recollection and an outing held in Tagaytay and Batangas. This is part of the institution’s program for staff development. Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ, facilitated the much-awaited retreat, which resulted in a personal revival of each staff’s dedication to the Lord’s ministry to the poor. The periodic conduct of such retreats helps the SHEC team to be more effective as they make time for reflection, before facing another round of action.
Reported by: Rev Fr. Orville Cajigal
Written by: Jing Ocampo
Edited by: Zacri Damo

Leadership Training.
Community leaders, considered front-liners in SHEC’s ministry, also received relevant and timely leadership training this month. On May 26, a total of 120 leaders of the Port Area of Baseco Neighborhood Associations’ League (PABaNAL), 30 key movers of SHaCC and representatives from the SHaCC youth and choir, participated in a one-day event held at St. Anthony’s Boys Village in Silang, Cavite. Participants were able to share and learn from each other’s experience on the community organizing process, particularly related to SHEC’s various programs such as values formation, housing, and savings mobilization.
Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, facilitated the training with focus on the themes A Third Look at Jesus and Discovery of the Self. The training was coordinated by Baseco Community Organizer Fr. Christopher Sabili.

Reported by: Fr. Christopher Sabili- Baseco Community Organizer
Written by: Jing Ocampo
Edited by: Zacri Damo

Learning Visits.
Two major activities this month contribute to the continuous advancement of the housing projects.
First: The Housing Committee, under the vibrant leadership of Bro. Ramon Espin, consulted with Atty. Jake Luna to discuss the following: a) status of Phase 2 Project and b) individual cases of delinquent beneficiaries. The meeting enabled the committee to draw up action points to further advance the project despite setbacks. Officers in attendance were Noeme Henon, Jocelyn Satajo, Imelda Dongaol., Josefa Tegerero., Cristina Caillo., Celia Tan, Cecilia Felicilda., and Arlene Dungka. The consultation meeting took place on May 29 at the Atty. Jake Luna Law Office in Evangelista Cor. Dallas St., Makati City.

Second: On May 30, the Homeowners Association (HOA) officers visited the project site of the Foundation for the Development of the Urban Poor (FDUP) in Kawit, Cavite. Together with representatives from SHEC partner TAO-Pilipinas, the Housing Committee and HOA Officers were able to see and appreciate the materials used by FDUP in its housing project. Architect Cesar Aris was kind enough to lead the tour and inspection as participants (led by Bro. Ramon Espin of the Housing Committee) learned all they can, all the while considering the possibility of adapting such innovations to SHEC’s housing projects.
Reported by: Ramon Espin – Housing Committee
Written by: Jing Ocampo
Edited by: Zacri Damo