World Bank chooses SHEC as Model Community for the South-South Exchange on Low-Income Housing

In the recent past, much energy and resources have been poured into housing projects for the poor. Some failed. Many remained as dreams and plain documents. But a few succeeded. These successful ones have been known through their fruits, indeed (see Mt 12:33). And true to its name, the St. Hannibal Empowerment Center (SHEC) has been recognized as an effective catalyst or an efficient empowering organization which uses the community based/driven approach. This strategy involves close and strong tie up, collaboration or partnership between and among the poor community, the government and the private sector in order to achieve a common, noble goal: the betterment of the living conditions of the poor through decent housing programs. As an organization which has showcased outstanding success in this regard, SHEC—a recipient of the best practice award for its St. Hannibal Housing Project in the 2008 UN-Habitat Best Practices  for Sustainable Urbanization—has been chosen by the World Bank as a model community for the South-South Exchange on Low-Income Housing that was held last January 24-26, 2013. The exchange was meant as an occasion for learning by Bangladesh officials in preparation for the Pro-Poor Slums Integration Project for Bangladesh. Specifically, said officials intended to be acquainted with approaches or strategies which have been successfully employed in the Philippines, of which one is the way espoused by SHEC.

Important visitors—who found much inspiration and insight at the SHEC communities, namely the St. Hannibal’s Village, Pasay City and the beneficiaries at Baseco, Manila last January 24, 2012 and January 26, 2012 respectively—were officers of the World Bank, Manila Office (WBOM) and the Bangladesh delegates led by Dr. Khondaker Showkat Hossain (Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Public Works at Bangladesh). Dr. Hossain was accompanied by G.M. Jainal Abedin Bhuiya (Chairman, National Housing Authority), Md. Kamal Uddin Talukder (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Public Works), Md. Sanwar Ali (member, Engineering & Coordination, National Housing Authority), S.A.M. Fazlul Kabir (Superintending Engineer, National Housing Authority), Nazirul Alam (Deputy Chief Architect, National Housing Authority), Md. Anwar Hossain (Senior Assistant Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance) and  Md. Golam Mosaddeque (Senior Assistant Chief, Ministry of Housing and Public Works). With the Bangladesh delegates were World Bank Staff, to wit: Ms. Anna O’Donnell (Team Leader, World Bank, Washington), Ms. Sabah Moyeen, Mr. John Arnold and Mr. Michael Slingsby (World Bank Staff). Members of the World Bank, Manila Office were Mr. Ousmane Dione (Sector Manager, World Bank, Manila), Mr. Christopher Pablo (Urban Sector Coordinator, World Bank, Manila), Mr. Jonathan Price and Ms. Puri Philina Gamon (Consultants).

DECEMBER 2012 HIGHLIGHTS

Rogate: Spirituality of Sensitivity to the Cry of the Poor and Oppressed. It’s December, the blessed month of Jesus’ birth. What is so significant in this occasion, save the common-place holiday atmosphere and that it is Jesus’ birthday? The following words of St. Hannibal aptly describe the Christmas essential which we sometimes take for granted: “Heaven of heavens, unfold, descend on us our delight…stop now the tears, stop now the pain…” Often, the tears (and pain) mentioned in the Bible are the tears or cries of the poor and the oppressed which God hears and responds to (see Ex 3, Rev 21). Jesus came to carry out a noble mission to bring Good News to the poor and the oppressed (see Lk 4: 16-21), that they too may have life in full (see Jn 10:10).

December in short is the birth of a God who is sensitive to the cries of the poor and oppressed. Inspired by this God who is called by Isaiah as Immanuel, named in the gospels as Jesus, SHEC continues to live and enhance a spirituality of sensitivity to the cries of the abovementioned least brethren.

A Blessed Moment with Cardinal Tagle. Seven (7) youths-leaders from SHEC attended a Youth Encounter with Manila Archbishop, Luis Cardinal Tagle last December 4, 2012 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila. The event was a moment of the youth to express their joy, support and prayers for the Archbishop. It was a blessed moment indeed especially that Cardinal Tagle is a certified lover of the youth, as well as the poor and oppressed. 

Meetings for Decent Housing. Decent housing is one exigency among the poor in urban areas today. Last December 12, 2012, two meetings pertinent to decent housing programs for the poor were conducted. On the one hand, to know the details of the Informal Settler Families’ Fund, and the way to avail of it, Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ and Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ met with the District Engineer, Engr. Araceli Natino at the National Housing Authority Office, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. On the other hand, after said meeting, Fr. Dex and Fr. Orville with Joyce Dalay, Emerzon Zuzon and Irminia Zabala met with the staff of Habitat for Humanity, Philippines to clarify some details regarding SHEC’s mode of payment and possible partnership for other housing projects at SHEC and SHaCC.

AYOM celebrates Christmas Party.

To be one with their fellow youth, some youth leaders of SHEC, namely Marlon Padilla, Rosario Negradas, Rea Lumactud, Jake Tendoy, Rene Sauza and Marilyn Pogoy participated in the Christmas program of the Archdiocesan Youth Organizations Movement (AYOM) at the Jose Reyes Hospital, San Lazaro, Manila last December 15, 2012.

Concert for a Cause. December 16 witnessed the showcase of musical talents. The ROGATE Youth Ministry Essentials Choir and Dance Troupe joined the Society of Musicians at St. Scholastica’s College. This awesome event was held at the St. Scholastica’s College, Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila. The concert was staged for the benefit of the ROGATE Youth Ministry and Children’s Ministry, SHaCC Chapter.

It’s Party Time!

Kingdom workers are often exhausted due to the difficult demands of the apostolate. Simple moments of relaxation and unwinding would help in keeping the fire of the Spirit ablaze. December 21 and 22 were party days for the management and staff of SHEC. The team also took the refreshing occasion to celebrate their Christmas party. They savored every moment at Brgy. Cupang, Antipolo City. On the other hand, Christmas parties among different SHEC communities were also held last December 22, 2012. Some leaders and members of the Rogate Youth Ministry SHEC Chapter, with representatives of the Bureau of Immigration, organized and facilitated the ROGATE Children’s Christmas Party. The SHaCC Federation celebrated its Christmas party, too. The following day, December 23, 2012, the Fathers’ Committee enjoyed their special Christmas party. The merry-makings concluded with the Christmas party of the Values Committee last December 26, 2012. The aura of compassion for the poor, the attitude which appropriately captures the Christmas spirit, filled the air in these blessed and joyful moments.