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.

Name:
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.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

JANUARY 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Rogate: Renewed, Renewing Spirituality. January breaks the dawn of the new year, at least for non-Chinese brethren. Be that as it may, it’s the message of the symbol, ‘new year’ which matters, and all peoples are embraced by the essence of this symbol. It suggests that we are dynamic, that we flow, that we are flexible and versatile, that we grow, that we are, in a sense, infinite. It also reminds us sharply of our journey towards renewal, and our renewed and refreshed perspectives along the journey, especially with the past years’ chaos. Yes, we keep on renewing because God’s unfailing love and faithfulness keep the fire of hope ablaze. And hope continues to manifest itself strongly in the 10th year existence of SHEC. Yes, it is 10 years along the journey towards the new creation which God has promised. And SHEC indeed has a bull’s eye in the journey: the new creation is where justice dwells (see 2 Pt 3:13)—justice, the goal for which SHEC primarily exists.

Evaluation,2013 and Planning, 2014. Kingdom workers need a lot of discernment in carrying out their apostolate. Accordingly, some officers and members of the Board of Directors of SHEC, with Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ as facilitator, conducted an evaluation session regarding the accomplishments of SHEC at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Pasay City last January 4, 2014. The following day, January 5, 2014, based on the evaluations, same group, with the participation of Fr. Dexter M. Prudenciano, RCJ, conducted a planning session to set the objectives for the year 2014, and the ways by which to achieve such objectives.

Happy Birthday, Father Dex! Each person is a blessing, but others manifest their beings as gifts in ways not so much displayed by most or many. Only a few dare to journey with the prophetic shoes of Jesus, and SHEC is especially blessed because of a person like Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ who, to date, has spent his entire priestly life in the service of the poor and oppressed. Father Dexter was indeed born that way, and SHEC rejoiced with him last January 6, 2014 as he celebrated his birthday at the Baseco Evacuation Center, Baseco Port Area, Manila. Happy Birthday, Apo Dex! The Kingdom apostolate is so lucky to have you around!

You are not alone! This is the compassionate message of solidarity which Fr. Dexter M. Prudenciano, RCJ brought to the typhoon victims as he visited them at Leyte last January 11 to 12, 2014. The visit, needless to say, has been a very meaningful way for Father Dexter to celebrate his 11th sacerdotal anniversary—a priest for the poor, indeed! Added to the visit is SHEC’s intention to make further study on the recovery and development of the place. For this purpose, after arrival at Tacloban, Father Dex met with Fr. Norman Abolencia at Palo, Leyte. Further dialogue was conducted at Tanauan, Leyte where the two pastors met with Mr. and Mrs. Dindo Cortez. The following day, still with the group, Father Dexter celebrated his 11th sacerdotal anniversary at Burauen, Leyte where he also conducted some healing sessions.

Happy Foundation Day, SHEC, SHaCC and PABaNAL! SHEC and the communities at SHaCC and PABaNAL celebrated their foundation anniversary last January 25, 2014 through a parade along Barangays 184, 156, 157, 163 and 165 at Pasay City after which a program was held at the St. Hannibal Subdivision, Phase 2. The occasion was graced by the presence of Fr. Herman Abcede, RCJ, the Major Superior of the Rogationists, PQP and some visitors from Leyte led by Fr. Norman Abolencia. Long live!

Thanks, Father Herman and Fr. John! To discuss the concerns of SHEC and SHaCC, Fr. Herman Abcede, RCJ, Major Superior and Fr. John Joeffer Lucas, made their canonical visit at SHEC last January 27, 2014. The visit was fruitful, and the communities look forward to an ever dynamic Kingdom apostolate at SHEC and PABaNAL. Thanks, Father Herman for continued support and guidance!

Suplica! It’s January 31, and the communities took the occasion to celebrate the suplica in order to thank the Lord for the blessings received in the past year. The event was attended by some leaders and members of SHEC and the communities at SHaCC and PABaNAL.


History of SHEC (January to December 2013)


January 11, 2013          Happy Birthday and Blessing-filled Anniversary, Father Dex!
Priests who have wholeheartedly devoted their talents, ministries, time…their very beings even, are precious gifts to the poor and oppressed. Without them, Kingdom work might just end up in documents or in vain idealism. With them, the Kingdom is a hope-filled promise to look forward to. With this thought in mind, the communities of SHEC, SHaCC, PABANAL, the SHEC Youth Volunteers(SYV), volunteers and partners-agencies, the Rogationist Fathers, friends and classmates of Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ gathered last January 11, 2013  at the St. Hannibal Subdivision, Phase 2 to celebrate his birthday and 10th priestly anniversary. 


January 23, 2013          Happy Priestly Anniversary, Father Jigs!
Truly, holy priests committed to the Kingdom apostolate are rare and precious gifts to the Church, especially in the Philippine Church who is dubbed as Church of the Poor. To pray and thank the Lord for the gift of priesthood and to pray f or holy vocations, the communities of SHEC, SHaCC, PABANAL, the SHEC Youth Volunteers(SYV) , volunteers and partners-agencies, the Rogationist Fathers, friends and classmates of Fr. Orville (Jigs) Cajigal, RCJ  gathered last January 23, 2013  at the St. Hannibal Subdivision, Phase 2 to celebrate his 7th priestly anniversary. 

January 23, 2013          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 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).
January 31, 2013          Supplica.
To praise and thank the Lord for all the blessings upon SHEC’s Kingdom workers and beneficiaries, a supplica was conducted at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Pasay City. The activity, which was done last January 31, 2013, concluded the chronicle of SHEC for the first month of 2013.


February 5, 2013          Informal Settlers’ Meeting.
One of the key values of the Kingdom of God is empowerment, or the freedom to be actively, genuinely and humanely human. Taking to heart this value, SHEC representatives led by Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ attended the convergence meeting for informal settlers along and on top of the waterways in the National Capital Region. Specifically, the meeting was held to assess the community’s condition and to create a system for the housing program’s implementation according to the consensus of all stakeholders. This was held at the Marikina Convention Center, Marikina City last February 5, 2013.

February 5, 2013          Happy Foundation Day!
The sowing of every good seed out of which the Kingdom grows is always an occasion worth celebrating. The beginnings may be difficult, but the results are always heartwarming. Indeed, “those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Ps 126:5). In gratitude to God for SHEC’s foundation day, SHaCC and PABaNAL joined together and celebrated the memory of their humble roots last February 9, 2013. Trials lie along the way, but the hand of God is quite manifested in SHEC’s significant steps toward a more just and humane society. Such tastes of “reaping in joy” are indeed glimpses of the new heaven and new earth which God has promised (see 2 Pt 3:13).
 
February 24, 2013        Love is timeless.
It knows no time bounds. Last February 24, late it may have been, leaders and members of the RYMSC and some members of the RYM PABaNAL core group socialized and strengthened their bond through a Valentine’s Party at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay City.


March 9-10, 2013          Rogate Youth hone theater skills.
Symbols, as expressed in the music and the arts, are powerful means of awakening the consciousness, prompting people to be empowered and to act accordingly. The parables of Jesus were a sort of such means. They were like stories told in the “theater” of the lakeshores, farm sides and deserts of Palestine. Recognizing its value, around 40 members and leaders of the Rogate Youth Ministry, SHEC Chapter (RYSMC) conducted a Theater Workshop last March 9-10, 2013, at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay City. They did not only enhance their know-how in theater arts for the sake of the promotion of the Kingdom. They had the opportunity to strengthen their bond with each other as well. Needless to say, in a world where the youth are prone to waste time on vanities, participation in the workshop has been a sort of fasting and abstinence from said vanities, all for the sake of the Kingdom and its justice.

March 22, 2013             Happy Birthday, Fr. Orville.
In practicing fasting and abstinence, some sacrifice a portion of their wealth. Others offer a part of their time. Or both. But there are especial ones who give their whole lives for the sake of the Kingdom—a sort of ultimate fasting a nd abstinence so to say. This is the life embraced by Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ who has devoted his being in serving the poor and oppressed. It is in this context that his birthday celebration last March 22, 2013 has become more meaningful as ever. 


March 22, 2013             Balik Tanaw sa Biyaya ng Diyos Project Launched.
The practice of social justice, indeed, constitutes an essential dimension of Christian spirituality. Accordingly, SHEC, SHaCC, PABANAL, friends, collaborators and the beneficiaries launched the Balik Tanaw sa Biyaya ng Diyos Project last March 22, 2003 at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay City. The project is in line with the thrust of SHEC to empower the poor in view of a more just and humane society.


April 20, 2013               World Day Prayer for Vocations.
Last April 20, 2013, the youth of SHEC led by Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ and Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ participated in the World Day of Prayer for Vocations at the St. Anthony’s Boys Village, Lalaan 2, Silang, Cavite. Praying not only for vocations but holy vocations with inclination to promote the Church of the Poor is truly needed especially in impoverished countries like the Philippines.

May 17-20, 2013           Rest and Recreation in God’s Embrace.
Rest is a gift of God, especially to the tired and weary. Rest is God’s providence, in other words. Taking a break from their very challenging apostolate, the staff of SHEC took time to be with God and be refreshed in a three day outing at the Almost Heaven Retreat Center, Batad, Banaue, Ifugao last May 17-20, 2013. Truly, they rested well in God’s embrace, in view of continuing the Kingdom mission against all odds.

May 17-20, 2013           Youth Camp, 2013.
In the cradle of Mother Nature, in the sacred atmosphere of the Almost Heaven Retreat Center, Batad, Banaue, Ifugao, youth facilitators, Rubi Tosoc, Alvin Sarmiento, Rolando Monto, Marilyn Pogoy and Nanette Henon with Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ and Ruth Valmoria conducted a youth camp for the formation of said youth leaders. Team building activities were carried out for two days (May 17 and 18). The day after, May 19, the campers trekked in Batad. The last day (May 20) was spent for exploring the wonders of Banaue. Truly, unwinding while learning is an effective way to listen to God’s Spirit, while being empowered to carry out God’s plan, especially the fullness of life which Jesus desires for everyone (see Jn 10:10).

May 27, 2013                Happy Birthday, Fr. Arlene!
God rejoices for every birth. The Church ought to rejoice more for an especial birth: that of the priest who brings Jesus as a gift to the community each time he celebrates the Holy Eucharist. And the more the Church rejoices when the priest not only brings Jesus, but also social justice as gifts to the community, especially to the poor majority. You are that priest, Father Arlene! Happy birthday! And the Church is happier! And lest we forget, the date is May 27, 2013.

May 31, 2013                It’s Your Night!
Ending the month of God’s providence, the youth showcased their God-given talents as they rejoiced, sang, danced and what not in their “Gabi ng Kabataan” (Youth Night) held at the St. Hannibal Subdivision, Phase 2 last May 31, 2013. Truly, the glory of God is humans truly alive!




June 1, 2013                Happy Feast Day, St. Hannibal!
Everybody has a reason for existing, but not every reason for existing is meant for everybody. In fact, to live that everybody may live, even if it entails sacrifice of the self, is a very rare and therefore most precious reason for existing. St. Hannibal is such a precious person because he devoted his selfless existence for the welfare of everyone, most especially the poor orphans during his time. Like Jesus on the cross, he suffered for the sake of the many. His legacy is so influential that to date, institutions which help the poor, like the St. Hannibal Empowerment Center, have continued to grow and bear fruit. June 1 is St. Hannibal’s feast day, and the aforementioned are more than enough reasons for SHEC to celebrate and thank the Lord for the graces received, and to thank St. Hannibal for guiding and helping the community. The festivities started with a mass followed by games, dances and meals.

June 8-9, 2013              Man proposes, God disposes.
To have faith in God is one thing, to work hard is another. But both have to complement each other in order for the mission to go on. Humanity needs to cooperate with God’s grace so that God’s blessings may be shared by all, the less fortunate more especially. Aware of this, SHEC conducted its Annual Evaluation and Planning of SHaCC and PABaNAL Leaders for the year 2013-2014 at the Lazo Farm, Cabuyao, Laguna last June 8-9, 2013. The participants were ZenaidaEspera, Ben Paragsa, Christina Caillo, Cecille Tan, Cecilia Felicilda, Noemi Henon, Racquel Santos, Evangeline Agonos, CrislinaLingayon, Josephine LAcdang, Lolita Lopez, Fernando Amarillo, Juana Sarmiento, Susana Laurente, Orlando Quinto, Gemma Ortega, Delsa Padilla, Jocelyn Satajo, Cherry Ramos, Lydia Arayan, Gina Estanel, Lily Ornopia, Abe Camilla, Carla RicarteRosebilindaPeros, AnnavillaVillaris, Magdalena Brenches, Nancy Camila, ArnelBrenches, Estrella Buenaflor, Flora Loreto, DedeniaLisay, Daisy Mamza, NelynBalbalosa, Mary Ann Merelos, Johannes Baytan, Michael Felicilda, Anabella Maglaya, Rubina Ong, Anabella Lagaran.


September 13, 2013     Community Orientation on CMP.
To enhance the housing program along Manila waterways, Fr. Orville R. Cajigal and 20 leaders attended the orientation on the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for the Informal Settlers Families (ISF) living on top and along said area. Indeed, basic for humane living is a decent home which is why SHEC, with Mary’s intercessions, focuses on its housing project. The orientation took place at the St. Hannibal Training Center last September 13, 2013.




September 28, 2013     Forum on RCJ PQP Charitable Institutions.

Around 60 participants composed of religious priests, brothers, sisters, seminarians and lay participated in a forum organized by Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, SHEC Executive Director and Councilor in charge of charitable institutions last September 28, 2013. The goal of the forum was to finish the draft of the Directory of the Charitable Institutions of the RCJ Philippine Quasi Province (PQP).

October 9, 2013            Stakeholders’ Meeting.
As shelter is essential in integrated human development, SHEC continues to push through with its housing program. Part of its ongoing progress was the meeting with the stakeholders regarding the relocation of informal settlers’ families (ISF) living on top or along the waterways of Metro Manila. The meeting was conducted last October 9, 2013 at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Office, EDSA, Quezon City.

November 10, 2013      Happy Anniversary, SHaCC Phase 17!
One year is a big step in the progress of SHaCC Phase 17, something which the community’s leaders and members, as well as applicants from Barangay 182, Pasay, with the leadership of Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ have celebrated last November 10, 2013. The celebration was also meant to strengthen the bond among the community members, and to inform the landowner about the development of the Land Acquisition and Housing project of SHaCC Phase 17. Moreover, said step is surely a sign that the Kingdom’s mustard seed of justice, reflective of Christ’s Kingship, is continuously growing.

November 13, 2013      Child Rights Formation.
Symbolic of worthiness in the Kingdom is the concept of the child. This and other reasons inspire goodhearted people to work for the rights of the child especially in our times where child abuse is rampant. To contribute to the advocacy for the welfare of the child, 57 leaders and members off the Rogate Youth Ministry, Shec Chapter (RYMSC) led by Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ, conducted a formation about the rights of the child last October 13, 2013 at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Pasay City.


November 21, 2013      St. Hannibal Rest and Retreat Center Blessed.
A refreshing sanctuary is again available as the group of SHEC led by Fr. Herman Abcede, Fr. Bong Patiag, Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ and Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ, blessed the St. Hannibal Rest and Retreat Center last November 21, 2013 at Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Also, the group took time to be oriented on the nature and operation of the center.




November 26, 2013      Happy Priestly Anniversary, Father Arlene!
The whole family of SHEC, SHaCC, PABANAL, the family and relatives of Fr. Arlene and some typhoon Yolanda survivors rejoiced with Fr. Arlene as he celebrated his sacerdotal anniversary last November 26, 2013. The occasion was also graced with the presence of Bishop Teodoro Bacani and some Rogationist priests. Congrats, Fr. Arlene! The Kingdom ministry is blessed through faithful ‘laborers in the vineyard’ like you.


Nov 30-Dec 1, 2013      Congrats, Recollection Participants!
Last November 30 to December 1, 2013, at the St. Hannibal Retreat Center, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, leaders and members of the Rogate Youth Ministry, SHEC Chapter participated in a recollection which was facilitated by Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ and Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ. The blessed moment was meant to give the youth an opportunity to reflect on God’s Word, to know themselves better and to deepen their prayer life.


December 21, 2013       St. Hannibal Communities Christmas Party.
The joyful celebration of Christmas reflects that the ultimate reality of the Kingdom and of the Christian life is jubilation in God's eternal embrace. The Chistmas spirit then is celebrated in three events, first of which is the Christmas party in the St. Hannibal communities set on December 21, 2013. This party is for the different phases of the SHaCC and PABANAL communities.



December 22, 2013       Rogate Youth SHaCC Chapter Christmas Party
The youth Christmas party is set on December 22, 2013. As has always been the case, the party reflects the liveliness of the youth, a vitality which aptly symbolizes the enduring presence of Jesus and the dynamism of God's kingdom for which Jesus was born.


December 23, 2013       SHEC Christmas Party
Lastly, the Christmas party among the SHEC staff is scheduled on December 23, 2013. Before parting for the Christmas break, the party is an excellent occasion for the staff to strengthen their bond as Kingdom workers.




Every Sunday              Children/kids Ministry Weekly Formation
Convinced that children ought to be formed well in the basic teachings of the Church, SHEC has been continuing the weekly catechism for children. Kingdom values, especially social justice which can shape the children's consciousness with regard to empowerment are emphasized. The catechism ministry is conducted during Sundays in the SHaCC and PABANAL communities at Malibay, Pasay City and Baseco, Tondo.

Every Saturday/Sunday    Recollections (SHaCC and PABANAL)
SHEC's success through the years is attributed in a great deal to its holistic approach which essentially and primarily includes connectivity to God, the Source of empowering energy needed in the missions. Accordingly, the year does not end without a recollection for the SHaCC and PABANAL communities. This opportune moment is set every Saturday at the Eco Retreat Center at Bulacan for PABANAL, and every Saturday evening at Phase 2, St. Hannibal Subdivision for the SHaCC communities. It is hoped that through such spiritual activity, they continue to be refreshed as they struggle for more decent and humane standards of living.
Every Saturday 7pm     Healing Session
A core component of Jesus' Kingdom ministry among the poor is healing. With the gift of healing bestowed upon Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, SHEC's executive director, Saturday healing sessions have been carried out since October, 2013 to date. The healing sessions are done at Malibay, Pasay City and at Baseco within the praying of the rosary. Included in the healing sessions are the Yolanda victims who reside near SHEC communities. And God's wonders really never cease! Many have claimed to have been healed through the sessions