SHEC Updates February 2010

We love Him, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

February is traditionally celebrated as the love month. At SHEC it has been a time full of affection, and not merely of the human kind. God’s love is celebrated and remembered in every activity successfully carried our throughout the four weeks of the month that was. But more important to note is the fact that God’s love or compassion is essentially about justice and liberation for the poor and oppressed. This understanding of God’s love—as feeling partner of justice—is the frame of reference that has guided SHEC through the years.

Love is about celebration and learning. From February 2 to 4, staff sat down for SHEC’s Annual Evaluation and Planning. Executive Director Father Dex Prudenciano, RCJ and Human Resource Head Father Orville Cajigal, RCJ led the staff in a meaningful process of looking back, recognizing accomplishments, revisiting areas of improvement, and drafting plans for the year ahead.


Love is about friendship. A week later, on February 14, a Valentines Party was held for the SHEC Youth. The dancing and interactions promoted warm camaraderie and strengthened bonding among the SHEC Youth volunteers, members of the ROGATE Youth and Kids. Staff from the Youth and Formation Committees organized and facilitated the event. As Jesus himself would show through his disciples, friendships are a major opportunity for showing and experiencing love.

Love is about sharing. February 17 saw the coming of students and professionals from Europe’s Lund University. These guests traversed the far distance to learn more about SHEC’s mission, strategies in community organizing, and the technology it has adopted for its ongoing housing projects. Bro George Espin of the Housing Committee spearheaded the hosting of said visitors.

Love is carrying one another’s burden. When a fire incident ravaged hundreds of homes from De Gracia Phases 1 to 3, Pabanal Leaders of 18 phases in Baseco organized an ad hoc team to manage a relief and rehabilitation effort. On February 18 and 19, these leaders consulted with the local government unit of Baseco, as well as the city government of Manila, to discuss short-term assistance for the fire survivors as well as long term plans involving the development plan of Baseco. Truly, it was on such trying times that love was put in action.

Love is continuous development. The Youth Committee met each Sunday to strengthen its organizational leadership, to continuously hone the interests and talents of its members, and to establish its strategies for community service. Committee Head Ms. Ma Victoria Infante continuously highlights the need for skills development among the youth. The more their personal growth is cultivated, the more they can meaningfully demonstrate Christian servant leadership.