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.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

AUGUST 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Rogate: Spirituality of Total Salvation. Pope Francis puts much emphasis on the on God’s compassion as total salvation for the total person. In addressing a general audience last August 6, 2014, the pope said, “At the heart of the new covenant is our realization that, in Christ, we are embraced by God’s mercy and compassion, and that our lives must bear witness to his love for all our brothers and sisters.” Most especially, the pope invites us to recognize the new law “in the poor, in those that suffer, in those in need.” And inspired by the prophecy of the last judgment in Mt 25:31-46, the pope emphasizes that “our Christian life will be judged on how we treat him in the least of our brethren.” This, needless to say, has been St. Hannibal’s spirituality which SHEC perpetuates today.


Relaxing the Spirit. Mission is not only about serious business. Bonding and relaxation are necessary for Kingdom apostles to refresh themselves. In return, they become refreshing for others. Accordingly, leaders, together with Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ,  went for bonding at the Little Bridge Resort, Taal, Batangas last August 2, 2014. The leaders who enjoyed the moment were George Valenzuela, Andrea Reyna, Marilyn Pogoy, Rene Sauza, Grace Domalaon, Crista Mae Sarmiento, Marielle Flores, Reuben Velasco, Evangeline Lacdang, Kevin Velasco, Ruby Rose Tosoc, Carlo Sarmiento, Angel Tosoc Jr., Ivan Dale Bartolome and Jake Tendoy.


Planning for a Better Mission. SHEC, SHaCC and PABaNAL are about to close their 10th year as  instruments of God’s Kingdom. To prepare for this special moment, Noemi Henon, Mary Anne Merelos, Delia Serrano, Ruby Ong and Gemma Ortega went to Sta. Cruz, Laguna last August 23, 2014.


Moment with God. A Chinese maxim counsels that harvesting is easier and faster when farmers stop occasionally in order to sharpen their sickles. In the context of the Kingdom mission, Kingdom apostles need to have regular moments with God. God, so to speak, is the spring from where they burst forth to rejuvenate the mission. For said purpose, Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ, Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ, Elmer Bergonia Jr., Maricel Escarcha, Estrella Buenaflor and Alma Borongan went to Canyon Ranch, Carmona, Cavite. This opportune moment happened last August 27, 2014.


Meeting with UDHO Pasay. Members of SHaCC, Phase 17 at Brgy. 182, Pasay City met with representatives of the Urban Development Housing Office of Pasay last August 29, 2014. The meeting was about the notice to vacate which the representatives served to the SHaCC members.


Turnover of Pedicab. Empowerment is about sustainability, which is why SHEC housing projects are paired with livelihood opportunities. Accordingly, last August 31, 2014 SHEC, through Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ, Ruth Valmoria and Elmer Bergonia Jr. awarded two pedicab units to Gemma Ortega and family and to Ricardo Amparado and family.[More Pictures]