BAKLAYA JOURNEY TO BANTOL

WHAT’S INSIDEREMINISCING THE PRACTICUM IMMERSION EXPERIENCE // FINDING GOD IN ALL

THINGS // PRACTICING CHURCH’S SOCIAL DOCTRINE PRINCIPLES // APPLYING THE CLASS VALUES

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editors- in- Chief: Estella Jane SasilUrsula Calipayan

Part-Editors:Behnice Joyce Tesiorna

Jill Eloisa RayaMelissa Zapanta

Marian LlegoAlexa Singanon

Christopher GarciaPerry Sandoval

Marie Ernestine TorroKathleen Pastrana

Head- Layout Artist:Aidx Paredes

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Introduction // The practicum immersion experience // The family profiles // Theological reflections- Finding God in all things //

The practice of Church’s Social Doctrine Principles // The practice of Cardinal virtues // The class values // Acknowledgement //

Annexes

DEDICATIONThis consolidated class report is dedicated to the residents of Bantol, Marilog District, Davao City, who welcomed us wholeheartedly and allowed us to become a member of their family even for a short period of time.

We also dedicate this to our ever-dynamic Theology 141 professor, Mrs. Marlina Dayrit, who made effort to arrange our immersion in the area and accompanied us during the two-Sunday activity.To our loving parents who supported us financially, spiritually, and morally, this one is also for you.

Lastly and most importantly, we offer this consolidated class report to our Heavenly Father who guided us throughout the immersion. We owe everything to You for without You, we are nothing.

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

One of the four core subjects in Ateneo de Davao University is Theology. It has four un-derlying subjects, which are all synthesized in Theology 141, with a course description: “Com-mitment and Solidarity.”

Theology 141 embodies the vision and mission of the university that is to promote interreli-gious dialogue, as well as to reflect through a practicum-immersion the being men and women for others of the students. It serves as a summary of all Theology subjects undertaken from first year to third year with a leveled-up aim of forming a real and total socially respon-sible Atenean with a better understanding of faith and of God.

In compliance of subject’s midterm require-ments and with its sole focus on building peace with its theme, “We build peace through justice and love,” a two-Sunday practicum-im-mersion gave the students of Theology 141 class under Mrs. Marlina Dayrit, an opportunity

to experience a world outside the realms of Ateneo de Davao. 44 students were assigned to different households in Bantol, Marilog District; all randomly pre-picked and paired by Mrs. Dayrit and the practicum-immersion’s partner, Josefa Segovia Foundation.

The practicum-immersion served as a path for the students to live out their faith through em-bodying its theme of building peace through faith and justice, which was reflected in the two-day involvement in the foster families. It included days of getting to know the culture, livelihood, tradition, belief, and such of foster families, especially those who were assigned to foster families with different beliefs or reli-gions, contrary to one’s own.

Similar attempts to practice social responsibil-ity were also done by the class in the previous years. These are: NSTP at Brgy. Ula, Tugbok District and Development Communication Community Immersion at different locations. Those previous experiences of self-involve-ment to the society have made the students more open to reaching out to the community in Bantol.

INTRODUCTIONBy Farrah Angela Galang

IMMERSIONEXPERIENCE

Sunday morning, August 11, 2013, MC-4A class gathered for an early call time set for the practicum-immersion. We prepared everything that we need to bring for our foster families. After a short orientation and re-assigning of jeepneys, we were bound to our designated communities.

It was a long ride from city proper to Marilog District, around 2 hours at most. We were stalled for around an hour along Suawan due to a situation that was out of our control.

This was the third time that we immersed in an unfamiliar community. First was in a communi-ty in Tugbok for NSTP in second year, second was for our Development Communication sub-ject during third year. Among the three immer-sions, this was the farthest place that we went to. The road to Bantol is bumpy and narrow, and both sides of the roads are cliffs. There are

hills covered with green grass, different trees and plants, and there were grazing animals.

We were all curious about what we will be do-ing at Bantol. This was the first time that we’d be able to experience staying in a foster family. We were excited and thrilled to see them.

The class was divided into two groups in Ban-tol. Some were in the Muslim village, while others were in assigned in Bantol proper. After we reached the community, we were respec-tively assigned to our foster families and went into their homes. Some pairs still had to walk a few meters to reach their foster homes. Our foster families were very welcoming. They were friendly and hospitable during our stay. We spent our time knowing about the family and about their lives. For a few hours, we got to experience how life is in Bantol.

GENUINE HAPPINESS DEFINEDBy Aileen Jomocan

FIRST DAY OF IMMERSION

The whole community was very peaceful. Time seems to move slowly. Some people were just sitting by, waiting for the day to end. You can rarely hear the sound from radios. Most of the time, it’s just the sound from swaying trees, birds, and children playing.

During the afternoon, most of us roamed around to see more the place. Some went downhill to see the Davao River while others hiked to see the foot bridge. We got to feel and see the beauty of Bantol.

When it was about time to leave, our foster families gave us vegetables and fruits as a symbol of gratitude. In truth, we were the ones

who were grateful for their hospitality.

The whole experience was very fulfilling. We experienced things we don’t usually, or have never experienced before. Our life in Bantol is like other side of the coin to our lives in the city. We saw how our foster families live a sim-ple life and how they are still positive despite their status. Our first day in Bantol opened our eyes to how fortunate we are to have the opportunities we have now. We saw there that happiness isn’t always about the grand things in life, but happiness is about being contented with what life has to offer you, and most of the time, it’s found in the simplest of things.

FINAL DAY OF IMMERSION

Sunday morning and we were heading again to Bantol, Marilog District for the second time around. Sadly, this second time was also our last immersion day. The breeze was cool as we travelled. On the first day, we were so noisy and energetic in the jeepney, but on this day, we were silent and we just felt the air as we trav-elled.

We were tasked to celebrate with our foster families so we brought gifts for them. The token we prepared for them was a pail with a tabo inside. Knowing this is not enough for the family, we filled the pail with groceries. Some offered delicious food such as pancit and lechon manok while others donated slip-pers, clothes and toys. These gifts are our way of thanking our foster families for their warm acceptance and hospitality to us.

As we arrived in Bantol, we immediately went to our foster families. We saw how happy they were, especially the children, as they saw us bring our own gifts for them. Some of us went to mass with their respective families while

some just stayed inside the house for a conver-sation.

We feasted with them during lunch time and it felt so special to eat with them. Even though everything was so simple, it was still very meaningful and fulfilling as we celebrated with them. Our hearts are filled with gladness be-cause even with our simple offering, we were able to make them happy.

We went home immediately after eating our lunch. The families were also thankful for our, presence so they also gave us something such as fruits and vegetables. We were very delight-ed to have received these gifts because we know that it comes from their hearts. This im-mersion experience not only helped us practice our cardinal virtues, but also opened our eyes to how life is away from the business of the city. We are more than grateful to have had the opportunity to go to Bantol and be adopted by our loving foster families albeit it was only for a short time. We felt while we were there, that for a few hours, we too were family.

SHARED JOY IN THE FAMILYBy Jeresa Ochave

FAMILYPROFILES

FAMILY PROFILES

The Alejandrino household is headed by Anto-nio Alejandrino Sr., and is accompanied by his wife Risa, both of whom are 66 years old. They have 4 children, all of whom have come of age: Antonio Jr., who has his own family; Hilda, who also takes care of her own household; Arnold, and Joel, who is usually present in his parents’ household.

Mr. Antonio Alejandrino came from Hindang Leyte. He was employed way back in 1970’s at a printing house located in Davao City. About 1977, he decided to build a house and live in Baraggay Bantol Marilog District with his newly wedded wife Risa. They lived there for almost 33 years.

They have cacao and coconut trees. They har-vest their crops and sell their products to Cal-inan. Sometimes, their neighbours ask for help in harvesting their products and they receive a share from the harvested crops, fruits, and others as payment for their labour.

They have for themselves 2 hectares and an-other 3 hectares, dominantly cacao and coco-nut trees. There are also other plants such as coffee trees, vegetables and others.

Josefa Segovia Foundation assists the family by providing seeds for planting. These are cacao and buko seedlings, poultry animals for raising, such as goats. The foundation also provides them tools for farming.

Just like what any other family wants for their own, the Alejandrino family wants to uplift their lifestyle. They want to have good health and peaceful life. The family also wishes to have utilities and material possessions such as electricity, television, radio, and a car of their own, but in the end they are satisfied with what they have as they have everything they need, and according to Antonio Sr., more problems arise the more a person has

ALEJANDRINO FAMILY By Vanna Marie Alejandrino and Christoffer Garcia

The Altubar family, despite their poor condi-tion, still live joyfully, peacefully, and harmoni-ously. Their family is an epitome of simplicity and contentment. They live everyday with their strong faith in God and unconditional love to each other. They are hospitable, approachable and friendly. They try to make you feel that you are part of the family and that they treat you equally the same.

They are easy to be with. Light and happy fam-ily. Their home is full of joyful spirits.

Antonio Altubar,51, and Noemi Altubar,48, are blessed with 7 hardworking and faithful chil-dren namely: Jeramil, 28, Jomar, 26, Maynar Jun, 15, Mark Anthony, 12, Mark Marvin,12, and their youngest lovely lady Angelica, 8.

The Altubar family reside in the community since then. The Altubar kids were born and definitely grew in the area.

According to Ate Gaga (Noemi Altubar), she was born in that community. Her family also

originated in the same area.

Their poor condition led them to strive hard for living and so they have 7 hectares of land for vegetables and fruits also with farm ani-mals. It is in this community where she expe-rience life and has worked hard as a farmer for her family.

Farming and “grabahan” is their source of income. They own farm animals and 7 hectares vegetables and fruit land. They profit three thousand (3,000) per month. They were giv-en and were provided with farm animals and seedlings to start a livelihood.

Their religion is 7th Day Adventist and attends service just right in front of their house.

Their aspiration in life, as a family, is to be able to finish the kids on their studies, to provide the kids a comfortable and good life, and to continue working for the Lord.

This makes the family so easy to love and fun to be with.

ALTUBAR FAMILY By Doyen Castano and Kevin Villanueva

  FAMILY PROFILES

Former Brgy. Captain Luciano Bansilan, 48, and wife Emma, 40 lived in the centre of Brgy. Bantol, Davao City. Kuya Luciano is currently a farmer while Ate Emma is a plain housewife. Their family is graced with eight children but lost their eldest son Lucer, who just turned eighteen then, to a vehicular accident where Lucer was driving a motorcycle.

They have two daughters and five sons namely Mylene, 18; Aileen, 16; Lemuel, 15; Luciano, Jr., 12; Wilmer, 10; Fritz Jay, 7; and Jan Jay Ken, 5.

Mylene is currently staying at Antipas, North Cotabato, and her sister Aileen is with her to assist in her pregnancy while their brothers live with their parents as they are still studying.

Aside from their children, Ate Emma’s mother, Nanay Zamora, 65, and Kuya Luciano’s step-mother, Nanay Nida, 60, are also staying with them to take care of their children whenever they are farming at Sitio Malakiba, a few kilo-metres away from their home.

It was in 1990 when Mr. and Mrs. Bansilan decided to build a house at the centre of Brgy. Bantol, Marilog District.

The family’s only source of income is farming at Sitio Malakiba, Brgy. Bantol, Marilog District. Before farming, Kuya Luciano was an active public servant. He served as Brgy. Councilor from 1994-2001 and as Brgy. Captain from 2001-2010.

The Josefa Segova Foundation assists the fam-ily in their livelihood by providing seeds for planting such as cacao, coconut and banana; tools for farming; and in raising farm animals such as chickens and pigs.

Mr. and Mrs. Luciano and Emma Bansilan’s only desire is to be able to provide enough for their children to finish their education so they can secure a good future for them.

BANSILAN FAMILY By Alexa Marie T. Singanon and Louise Anne C. Subido

 

Living between the mountains of Bantol, Marilog Distict, Nanay Adeth Cmailo struggles alone to provide for her granddaughter and for their survival.

At the age of 58, Nanay Adeth still works as a farmer in her small parcel of land in the moun-tains. According to her, this is the only source of income she has. However, she does not own the land legally. Nanay said she will claim the land for the meantime, as there are no people yet who went there to claim and presented legal papers.

She plants corn and other vegetable crops, and takes care of farm animals given to her by Josefa Segovia Foundation. She harvests the corn crops every three months, but according to Nanay, this is not enough to provide for their needs since there is only little to harvest and it is very cheap when sold in the market.

Nanay Adeth is living only with her grand-daughter, Lyka. Her husband passed away 8 years ago due to a heart disease. Since his

death, Nanay Adeth and her children moved to Bantol from Calinan.

Nanay Adeth is a mother of four children. Three of them are away; 2 are living in down-town Davao, and the other one is working in Manila. Her youngest son, Randy, is living in Bantol, but is living separately from her.

Nanay’s granddaughter, Lyka is only 12 years old. She is currently a grade 7 student, and third honor in their class. Nanay Adeth dreams for her granddaughter to finish college in a good university like Ateneo. She said she doesn’t want Lyka to become a farmer like her. She wants her to dream bigger dreams, achieve them, and uplift their status in the society. Nanay Adeth also dreams to have their own house and farm someday.

CAMILO FAMILY By Vikki Amorio and John Cedric Loren

The Esco family resided at Muslim Village, Bantol, Marilog District. Ramil, 39, is a farmer while his wife Emily, 35, is a plain housewife. Both gave life to 6 children: Marilyn and May-lene, twins - 16, Raymart - 13, Jessa Mae - 11, Normia - 10 and the youngest, Era Mae - 2.

Originally, Emily was from Davao del Sur while her husband, Ramil, and his relatives resided at Barangay Bantol. In 1996, Emily and Ramil have decided to move to Muslim Village, and there, they raised their 6 children. Both of them are from the Kalagan Tribe.

Aside from being a farmer, Ramil Esco is also a jeepney operator. When he is in the city, he stays with his twin daughters who are studying at a public school in Buhangin. Despite of their status in life, they are still able to build a small home near their kids’ school.

Our foster parent, Mrs. Emily, is also an active

resident in Barangay Bantol. She was the one who assigned each pair to their respective foster families. Luckily, we ended up with the Esco Family. Mrs. Emily is the treasurer of their purok since 2012.

Because our foster mother is very active in their community, she became a member of the Josefa Segovia Foundation. She has been as-sisted by the staff and received benefits such as livestock and plants fot the past two years.

The Esco family’s life is very simple. They only have a simple dream. Emily’s dream for her children is to send them all to school and let them finish college. They love to stay where they are now. All they want is to live a simple life without plans of moving out from where they live.

ESCO FAMILY By Trisha Villapaz and Melissa Joyce Zapanta

FAMILY PROFILES

The Fiel family lives in Purok One, Barangay Proper Bantol, Marilog District, Davao City. Edwin Fiel, the husband, is 40 years old and is the Kagawad of the Barangay. On the other hand, his wife Antoinette Fiel is 36 years old and a housewife.

Mr. and Mrs. Fiel got married 8 years ago and decided to settle in the community ever since. The house that they are settling in is owned by Edwin’s mother.

The couple has a nine year-old son named An-well. Mrs. Fiel is currently six months pregnant and is expecting their second child in three months. The family occupies their house-hold hence there are no other family or house member.

Their son Anwell is not staying with them during school days because he is enrolled at SMILE, a private elementary school. He stays with his aunt during weekdays. Anwell only comes home during weekend.

Farming and their small sari-sari store are their

main sources of income. The crops that are in their farm are upo, eggplant, squash and other vegetables. These are then being sold in their store along with charcoal that are taken from parts of the trees that flows in the river and livestock such as goats, pigs and chicken.

Edwin is actively involved in the community since year 2011 as the Barangay’s Kagawad. He helps in implementing projects such as ce-menting the road.

The family said that they have not benefited from the Josefa Segovia Foundation.

The Fiel couple perseveres in making their dream come true which is to see their children finish their studies. They also want their busi-nesses to flourish so they could buy their own land. Mr. Fiel, also hopes to establish an elec-trical power plant in the community to make their lives easier. Mrs. Fiel is fervently praying that she will deliver her baby with no compli-cations because she’s been through two mis-carriages already.

FIEL FAMILY By Kaye Nebrija and Jeresa Ochave

FAMILY PROFILES

Juan and Gina Lendio, a married couple for almost 15 years, live in Bantol, Marilog District. They have three children namely John Carlo, 12 years old, John Mark, 9 years old and Lory Gin, 8 years old. Juan is 39 years old and Gina is 35 years old. The couple lives in Bantol for almost 35 years. They inherited the farm lands of their parents, thus, it motivated them to live there. Juan is a farmer and Gina, his wife, is a coconut wine vendor. Aside from their jobs, they also get some income from raising poultry animals provided to them by Josefa Segovia Foundation. They also plant different crops and vegetables. All of their children are going to school.

John Carlo, a sixth grader, dreams to be an engineer. John Mark, a fourth grader, dreams to be a policeman. And Lory Gin, a third grad-er, dreams to be a teacher. They said they will study very hard and strive more to finish their studies and achieve all their dreams. At their young age, they already know the “sow before you can reap” discipline. They are not also the typical kids that ask toys or new clothes from

their parents, they consider their situation and understand it wholeheartedly.

Lendio family is an image of hardwork, con-tentment, perseverance and Godliness. The couple is both active church members. Their children also help in realizing church activities. Even though they are not that rich, they are still grateful to Almighty God that their family remained united and tightly bound despite trials and challenges.

They live in a temporary hut, and they face a lot of financial problems. But despite these, they still continue to work hard to put up their own house. You can see in their face the happi-ness and contentment because for them, they are still blessed.

LENDIO FAMILY By Charydel Malintad and Romania Mangin

Our foster family during our Theo 141 Practi-cum Immersion in Brgy Bantol, Marilog Dis-trict, Davao City is Lendiu Family. They resided in the area for 25 years. The pillar of the home is Mr. Elmer Lendiu, 44 years old, farmer. The light of the home is Mrs. Jocelyn Lendiu, 38 years old, self-employed. Mr. and Mrs. Len-diu bear 8 children as their fruit of love. They are Ariel, 22 years old; Margie, 20 years old; Jovelyn, 19 years old; Jessa, 18 years old; Elm-er John, 17 years old; Angelie, 10 years old; Stephen, five years old; and Lean Cyndrel, 7 months old.

Aling Jocelyn originally resided in Leyte to-gether with her family. Mang Elmer is from Zamboanga. Both their families transferred to different places in Mindanao brought by some unmentioned circumstances until both of their families decided to live and stay permanently in Brgy. Bantol and they both met there. So since then, the Lendiu family lives in Brgy. Bantol.

They have their own sari-sari store which gains them Php2, 000 a month. They also have their own farm wherein different vegetables and fruits are planted. The harvested crops are sold at Calinan market and the money from it rang-es from Php2,000.00-Php2,500.00. Mang Elmer

is also doing some extra work in volunteering to help his other friends harvest their crops and he gets more or less Php1,000.00. So, mostly, their monthly income is Php4,000.00. The said amount is enough for them to sup-port their basic needs as what have said by Aling Jocelyn.

In the family, only Mang Elmer has communi-ty involvement. He is the PSK or Pangulo sa Katilingban in their chapel. Whenever there are occasions in their area, such as fiesta, he is one of the people behind the big celebration. Every Sunday, especially when he is at Brgy Bantol, he encourages and leads his neighbors to celebrate and come to Holy Mass.

According to Aling Jocelyn, JSF is such a big help to them. Through their programs, the peo-ple in Brgy. Bantol acquire learning and prac-tices in different fields especially in agriculture. The said foundation also helps in realizing a youth’s dream by offering a 50% scholarship in college. Aling Jocelyn’s second daughter has availed the scholarship but she’s not able to finish her studies.

Aling Jocelyn has only one dream and that is to keep her family intact, healthy and happy.

LENDIU FAMILY By Marian Llego and Mariel Macrohon

To have a household without a father would surely be a challenge to a mother but this certain woman definitely pulled it off. With the help of her mother, she was able to raise her only child properly. Plus, she’s able to raise two more children who are her twin nephews. This is the life of Mrs. Soraida Loque, a widow. Her story began when her husband died whilst on the job. Ate Soraida, as we fondly call her, didn’t have any remnants of remorse, regret or bitterness in her as she told this story to us. Life went on, as she liked to say. She had to move on for her one and only son and in the years after, two nephews as well.

Ate Soraida was not originally from Bantol. In fact, she was born and raised in the area of Mandug. The Magulintang (Ate Soraida’s maid-en name) family moved to Marilog District in the year 1985. Her parents raised her and her 8 siblings well.

It was during Ate Soraida’s high school years when she met her husband, Placido Loque. She recalled those courting days as lovely and wonderful so of course, she fell in love with

him then. At the age of 26, her husband died while at work and Ate Soraida was pregnant then.

At present, Placido Loque Jr., 21, Ate Soraida’s son, works a blue-collar job somewhere around Calinan. He wasn’t able to finish college so he has to work an unstable job. Placido’s daily in-come is 120 pesos only which is enough to get himself by through the day. Ate Soraida, how-ever, tends on their farm area around Bantol. She, along with the twin nephews Rasid and Rasad, both aged 21, harvest and sell whatev-er they can get from their farming area. There is a foreign project wherein they’ll be given some farm animals. These farm animals in a way will provide aid in their financial crisis by reproducing it and selling it to the market. The Josefa Segovia Foundation assists the imple-mentation of the project.

LOQUE FAMILY By Lovely Rosenil Dumagan and Dawn Chandi Cocjin

FAMILY PROFILES

The Loque Family lives in Barangay Bantol, Marilog District Davao City. Rosita Loque and Cerillo Loqu, with ages 45 and 52 respectively. They have nine children namely Maricel (28), Cheryl (25), Cerillo Jr. (23), Michael (20), Ricky (15), Christian (13), Rusty (12), Ericka (9) and Lawrence (7).

The family settled in the community since 1986. Only 7 of their children live in their house while the two, Maricel and Cheryl, are in Davao to work. The family practice the Chris-tian Religion even if their father is a Muslim. Unfortunately in the year 2001, after a couple of years when Aling Rosita and Mang Cerillo got married, Mang Cerillo was imprisoned due to the possession of illegal drugs. As of the mo-ment, Aling Rosita is still working out the case of his husband.

Since Mang Cerillo was imprisoned and Aling Rosita on the other hand doesn’t also have any stable job, both Maricel and Cheryl decided to stay in Davao (downtown) to work. Every month, they see to it that they can be able to send some money to sustain the needs of the

family.

Moreover, Kuya Cerillo Jr. have a motorcycle or what we commonly call as “habal-habal” to somehow aid their everyday needs.

With this given situation, The Josefa Segovia Foundation paved way to them in expanding their knowledge about farming and the use of their other resources. Due to the foundation, they have had a water reservoir which they use to get ample and clean water, too.

Aling Rosita’s dreams for her children are sim-ple yet very selfless. She wants to draw them closer to God and develop in them a God-fear-ing attitude. She wants them to finish their ed-ucation and someday found a good-paying job. She aspires that someday she might be able to provide her children the life they have wished for. Lastly she desires to raise a good and lov-ing family even in the absence of her husband.

LOQUE FAMILY By Jessica Caliso and Paul Tan

Lumagbas family are indigenous people of Brgy. Bantol, Marilog District, Davao City. They are indigent and are only dependent on farm-ing. They are Muslim who belong to the Kala-gan tribe. However, they are not like traditional Muslims whose both parents are Muslims, as well. The father of Mr. Diomedes, the head of the family, is a Muslim but his mother is from Bagobo tribe while the parents of his wife, Mrs. Sarah, are both Bagobo, too. Since she’s been married to Mr. Diomedes, she was then con-verted to Muslim.

The couple has seven children. Lumante, 22, is working in Tamugan as construction worker; Arainy, 20, is a 3rd year high school student and also works in Tamugan as a waitress in an eatery; Abdul Rao, 19, and Abdul Racid, 18, are out of school youths who aid their father in farming; Juridin, 8, and Saika, 3, studies Islam during weekends at a small Islam school locat-ed just beside their house; the youngest in the family is Sara Mae, 1 year old.

Sarah used to be an Overseas Filipino Worker. She applied as a domestic helper in Riyadh but since her health was at stake due to too much work, she came back to Philippines and became a plain housewife. Because of financial difficulties, Josefa Segovia Foundation paved way to them in expanding their knowledge about farming and the use of other resources so that they could get sustain their needs. Lumagbas family is a humble family. They dream to live a good and simple life where they could have the right amount of food each day for the family. Also, Mr. And Mrs. Lumagbas want their children to be educated and gradu-ate to find a decent job one day.

Moreover, they dream of attending festivals like Kadayawan, only if they have enough money. This is in order for their children to experience what it’s like to be in a city and explore life outside their territory. However, Mr. and Mrs. Lumagbas, like any other Kalagan in Bantol hopes that they wouldn’t be stereotyped as terrorist Muslims.

LUMAGBAS FAMILYBy Joanna Marie Sim and Estella Jane Sasil

FAMILY PROFILES

The house of the Macacuas is located on top of a hill. This small residence is the home of four namely Noriana, 59, Rawalya, 34, Salimar, 36, and 1-year-old Mansor Malik. Nanay Noriana has four children - one male, three female - each having their own families.

The house was not alone. It belongs to a small neighborhood that surrounds a small mosque, shares one source of water and shares a part of their blood from the same family where Nanay Noriana came from.

“Kanang mga silingan nako dira, mga paryente ra man ako na. Kanang nasa unahan, balay na sa akong igsoon. Ang sa unahan, mga pag-umangkon,” Nanay Noriana said.

But before Nanay Noriana preferred to move to the place where she can tend her two cara-baos and a goat near a river, where she could sleep with the cold winds pass and go through her windows, she said that she used reside in Waan, Tigatto 30 years ago with her relatives. But she decided to move because the land where their house currently stands is a land, which they call as their own.

But aside from the fact that on that land is where their house stands, it is also the land which they currently cultivate to provide their

daily bread. The fruits of the land include alugbati, squash and other herbal plants. Nanay Noriana also makes panyalam (Muslims’ version of pan-cakes), homemade corned coffee and spices which she sells to different households in Bantol. Her daughter-in-law also assists her in finding for sources of income. Salimar accepts orders of chicken from her neighbors. Her husband and Nanay Noriana’s son is currently working in Riyadh. Nanay Noriana recognizes the help that the Josefa Segovia Foundation provided. She said she owes JSF a goat, a carabao, a cow and a reservoir.

Even though it seems like their lifestyle is sim-ple and satisfying, there are things that Nanay desires not for herself but for her seven grand-children. She acknowledges the importance of education. That is the reason why she wishes to see them reach and finish tertiary educa-tion and get a good and decent job. But if not achieved, at least her teenagers could find a job in the city without any hindrance due to their religion.

MACACUA FAMILY ByAnn Mangkikis and Ma. Kristina Nardo

In a cozy house in Purok 1, proper Bantol, Marilog District lived the Moreno family. A family filled with dreams and love.

Mang Leonardo Moreno met his other half who is Manang Clarita when he was 23 years old. Manang Clarita was 19 then. It was in Sitio Banuayan where they first met and found love. They became good friends and eventually lov-ers and so they marry even at their young age.

They started to create a family in the Sitio where they met. Their main source of living was farming different crops such as corn and variety of vegetables. Then, their love yielded them with six children. Their eldest daughter, Lorelyn is far from home to look for a job; Shahane the second child is now 20 years old who works in the city seeking for a greener pasture; Angela is now with her fiancé at an early age of 17; Marlon is 13 and he is work-ing for the barangay captain so he could fin-ish highschool; Kimberly is 10 years old and currently in grade five; their youngest son is Carlo who is 6 years old. Lorelyn’s five year old daughter named Clarya Mae is under the care of Manong Leonardo and manang Clarita since her mother is not around.

Mang Leonardo became active in supporting political candidates, thus, when the barangay captain he supported won three years ago, the barangay captain gave them the privilege to live in an old abandoned house in Bantol and Mang Leonardo became the barangay secre-tary. Living in Bantol for three years is quite long enough to weave an emotional attachment to the barangay and now, they fear that they would have to go back again to Sitio Banuayan when the barangay capatain they are support-ing will not win this time.

With his job, he earns five thousand pesos a month where he should manage to equally divide the resources among his family’s needs and other expenses such as contribution, fare and etc. However, despite the lack of wealth they have they are contented with their lives. They are also very welcoming even if they have nothing to offer.

Despite the derisive hiss of poverty in their family, they remained to be strong emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. They’ve always kept the flaming hopes in their hearts that one day, when the sun rises they would never have to suffer poverty again.

MORENO FAMILY By Beatrice Feline Jabonero and Aileen Mae Jomocan

FAMILY PROFILES

Bernardino and Tessie Regidor first established their family along the southern portion of the Davao River, but in 1977, they were forced to evacuate due to NPA activities surrounding the area. It was their original Barangay’s initiative that the community transfer to Barangay Ban-tol for safer grounds. There, the Regidor family rebuilt their lives once again.

Bernardino is the head of the family. He is 52 years old and is currently a farmer working on his own land. He also works at the Mintal Seedling Cooperative Company along with his current wife, Tessie, where they make P150 every day.

Besides the Nursery, the family owns a half-hectare land where they grow coconuts, rambutan, lanzones, mangosteen, pomelo, and durian. For each harvest, they are able to make P7000.

The couple has 6 children, namely; Melecyn Regidor, 27 years old and is studying for a Master’s Degree in Education, Mailyn Regidor, 25 years old and is currently working in the city, Cresenciana Regidor, 23 years old and also works in the city, Maria Elena Regidor, 20 years old and is currently staying at home, Bernard

Allan Regidor, 18 years old and is looking after his grandfather who is also residing in the community, and lastly Ma. Andrie Regidor, 14 years old and the only other child studying in the family.

The family had troubles with financing dur-ing the first few years they relocated, which is why the Josefa Segovia Foundation aided them by providing pigs that elevated their income. The foundation also provided infant needs when their children were still babies. And the foundation also sponsored Bernard Allan’s schooling which allowed him to graduate from secondary school.

When asked about their dreams and aspira-tions, the common answer was to alleviate their family’s situation. The parents wish that their children will all be able to graduate college and that they would no longer struggle for mon-ey. Bernardino and Tessie want their children to be able to provide for their own needs by acquiring a stable job that will secure them of an easy life.

REGIDOR FAMILY By Jill Raya and Perry Sandoval

FAMILY PROFILES

Sariana Family lives in Purok 8 Sitio Mawato, Brgy Bantol. Pilomeno Sariana and Benita Sar-iana are both famers blessed with 5 children namely Glenda Sariana, Dexter Sariana, Den-nis Sariana, Dan Sariana and Teresa Sariana.

Aside from being the mother of five children, Nanay Beni is also the president of the Wom-ens Movement in their community.

Sariana family has been living up in the moun-tain since 1979. From Davao del Sur, they decided to live in Bantol because Nanay Beni’s father wanted to live peacefully in the moun-tains. Their relatives are also their neighbors so it’s convenient for them to visit during holidays or even on ordinary days. Nanay Beni told us that it was good for them because they never wanted to live in the city anyway. The life away from pollution and city noise seems to be the desired life of the family.

The family has a rice field just outside their house and different fruits and vegetables plant-

ed around for their everyday consumption. They also have few Banana trees and Cacao fruits for the family to sell to the market.

They have crops for everyday survival, herbs for medicines, they are away from pollution and noise from the city and all of their chil-dren got to finish school. So pretty much the family is contented with what they have. In fact when we asked Nanay Beni if she ever wanted to live in the city she said she liked their life in the mountain because they have everything there. Though they seem to have everything they needed, Nanay Beni’s only wish good health for her and her family.

Not everyone have these, so as the President, Nanay Beni noticed the problems in their com-munity and tries to help the others. Luckily they received help from Josefa Segovia Foun-dation. They now have a hanging bridge plus livelihood programs for the community.

SARIANA FAMILY By Eloisa Batac and Aidx Paredes

Knitly bounded to each other, the Sayad family has seen their share of life’s ups and downs, but have gone through every problem together.

Their father, Boy Sayad with his wife, Angelita Sayad worked himself down to the bones to get his children Junie Ann, Junielyn and Arnel through their studies, but luck isn’t always on their side.

His daughters knew love in college, while Ar-nel never really had his heart in studying. Their parents forgave them, and accepted that life has somehow played a cruel hand.

Every Sunday, they make sure to visit the big house where Boy Sayad and his wife lives, to eat luch together, talk to each other, bond, and maybe even spend the night. Every Sunday is valued sacred to their family, and must always be spent together. The grandchildren CJ and Hannah Sayson, Jovin Fiel, Arianne and Benz Arvin Sayad are greatly loved by their aunts, uncle and grandparents, shown by their warm, beaming smiles whenever the children are

around. Most of the time it’s difficult to say which child belongs to whom, as they look like and are always around each other like siblings. The kids love to have sleepovers at their grand-parents’house, and are easily missed when they aren’t around. They even get teased by their Lolo asking them “pila na man imong utang kay Lolo?” meaning the days they didn’t visit or didn’t sleep over. The children are a shy bunch, much like their parents and their grandparents. However, it’s very easy to receive a sweet smile from all of them.

We’ll face the joy and sadness this life has to offer, and we can either do it alone, or have a back up support team we call our family. Through thick and thin, they will always be there. And through thick and thin, we also must be there for them. The Sayad family’s closeness brought warmth in our hearts, prov-ing to us that at the end of the day, no one could ever love you as much as your family and no one else could give the tight, lasting bond they provide.

SAYAD FAMILY By Behnice Tesiorna and Cham Tanteras

The Sayad family is a resident of Bantol, Marilog District Davao City. Ernesto Sayad, 47 and Jessica Sayad, 39 have a daughter and three sons. Erna Jane is the eldest of them at 20. Jonathan, Jeynaldo and Erjem are the three sons at 18, 17 and 15 respectively.

The family has been staying in Bantol ever since Mr. and Mrs. Sayad got married. They own much of the land in the area since Mr. Ernesto inherited them from his ancestors who were from the Bagobo tribe, among the first lumads, to occupy the area.

The couple got married once with tribe rituals, and the second following the Roman Catholic tradition. Upon having kids, the couple raised their children in the same area. They now hope that their children will continue to take care of their heritage.

Sayads have made a permanent house far from the other members of the community. Their home is surrounded by vast lands where they plant various kinds of vegetables.

The family’s main source of income is selling their agricultural products including coffee

beans, corn and camoteng kahoy. Kuya Ernesto, also offers carpentry services in the community and gets paid for it.

The Sayad family has stopped participating in the activities of Josefa Segovia Foundation. However, they have benefitted from the said foundation before as the JSF has given the family one carabao. The carabao is now preg-nant and the family is excited to have a new addition.

They have also learned from the seminars that the JSF has been giving about farming. This has been a huge help to them in making their vegetable as big and bountiful as it is right now.

The family’s goals and aspirations are simple just like them themselves and their lives are. The Sayads are expecting their daughter to graduate HRM soon and they are also hoping that their son will finish school in a year. They pray to God to continue to shower upon them his blessings and help all their kids to succeed.

SAYAD FAMILY By Sahar Toghyani and Marbie Torro

FAMILY PROFILES

The Taño family situated in Sitio Mawato in the year 1979. When Mary Jane got married, they stayed in this place since then. For 34 years now, the couple together with their three chil-dren, live here.

They earn their living through farming. Arthur, 42, is a farmer and he plants bitter gourd, corn, and eggplant. And just last year, they tried planting guava but no fruit has been produced yet. Their harvest is sold to Bangkerohan Mar-ket. Sometimes, Mary Jane is the one selling it as a retailer in Bangkerohan.

First thing you would notice upon seeing Mary Jane, 37, is that she only has one arm. This is because she was a victim of a massacre when she was only 5 years old. Raymond, 18, goes to school at Calinan as a second year high school student every Sunday. Carlo, 16, on the other hand, is in third year high school right now, attending a regular school on weekdays and

comes home every weekend. Cristyl, 3, is still not yet attending school but she is hoping she could attend one day when she receives her own school bag.

Just like any other parents, Mary Jane’s and Arthur’s dream for their children is to finish school despite the hindrances such as pover-ty. Their children are so eager to go to school because they believe that this is the best way to help their family. The family said that they are already contented in their life in Bantol. They said they can see themselves living at the same place until the end has come.

The family benefits from the “Foot bridge Project” of Josefa Segovia Foundation. This footbridge makes their community accessible. Instead of taking a detour or crossing the river, they can simply walk across to head to the downtown.

TAÑO FAMILY By Rain Sim and Rona Buca

FAMILY PROFILES

The roots of the Untings can be traced back to 1966, the year when they officially settled in Sitio 12 of Barangay Bantol, Marilog District.

Alex Unting, 47, is the head of the Unting household. He married Venvenida Umbol, who bore him eight children: Joel (22 years old), Jenny Anne (17 years old), Alex Jr. (15 years old), Jemar (14 years old), Alvin (13 years old), Juvy,(10 years old) and Juvy Mae (10 years old).

In early 1990’s, Alex Unting and his fami-ly transferred to Venvenida’s hometown in Kidapawan, leaving his mother Segundina, in Marilog Disctrict. A few years later, they trave-led back to Barangay Bantol and permanently settled there.

They’ve been staying in the community for 47 years already. However, in July 2013, they trans-ferred to a new house situated just blocks away from their old home.

This is done in order to live close to Mrs. Segundina Unting’s house, so taking care of ill-stricken Venvenida can be made possible.

The family now lives next door to Segundina’s house. She is currently a 64-year-old house-wife who looks after the Unting grandchildren when her son Alex leaves for work.

The Unting family depends on farming for their source of income. The head of the house-hold, Alex, harvests bananas, native coffee beans, corn, sweet potato, peanuts, and other crops for a living. His eldest son Joel earns income through feeding chickens, while Jenny Anne travels to Ecoland to work in a terminal as a mechanic.

The Josefa Segovia Foundation has supported the Unting family by giving them seedlings of different crops for their living. The Unting family either uses these for their daily con-sumption or sells them for money. In addition to that, water systems were also improved by the foundation.

When asked about the family’s participation in the community, Segundina said that no mem-bers holds any position in the Barangay office but they actively participate in activities by attending meetings or conferences facilitated by the officers.

UNTING FAMILYBy Geneva Pangandoyon and Kathleen Pastrana

The Villanosas’ is a happy family composing of four members namely Joelito (father), Lucy (mother), Joelvin and Geylou (sons).

Joelito, 43, supports his family by driving a cab in Calinan. He usually only get 200 pesos or more daily from his driving. During special occasions like fiesta, he can earn 4000 pesos at most.

Meanwhile, Ate Lucy, 42, takes care of their pigs to help provide for their family. Everyday, she mixed pig feeds and vegetables to feed the pigs. These pigs are sold at the market and they can earn 20,000 pesos profit.

Aside from pigs, they also have chickens. But unlike the pigs, they do not sell it. Instead, they cook it for special occasions.

These live stocks were given to them by the Josefa Segovia Foundation. Because of this, on year 2010, they were able to buy a house and lot in Calinan. This is where her husband lives to save money, since he drives cab in Calinan every day.

Furthermore, they also have a small sari-sari store where they get their basic necessities in their home like soap, shampoos.They usually profit five thousand pesos from the store.

Despite the busy life of Lucy, she is still active in their community. She currently monitors the live stocks given by the said foundation. She was also a former catechist at their GKK, Sto. Niño.

Despite their area being far from the city, they will still choose to live in Bantol because it was their home.

It was on the early 90’s when they decided to live in Bantol. She and her husband were batch mates in High school. Lucy went into the city to work as a housemaid. When she discov-ered she has Leukemia, she decided to go to Bantol to receive free medicines from the JSF.

This was where she met Joelito again, fell in love, and built a happy family.

Now, she survived Leukemia and is now a healthy mother to her children. Lucy shared that if she did not have Leukemia, she would have proceeded to college and took agriculture. Meanwhile, Geylou or Plong-plong, 9 years old and is now on his grade four, said that he wants to be a policeman when he grows up. Joelvin, 16 years old and a 4th year high school student, said he wants to take automotive once he graduate.

VILLANOSA FAMILY By Ursula Calipayan, James Anthony Taboada, Kim Lumitap

Villarte family lives a simple lifestyle. They sell banana cues as their main source of income and all of the kids, except 2-year-old Gilbert, go to school. The heads of the family are both hopeful that they could all send their kids to college to finish their studies. That is how the Villarte family defines their dreams and aspira-tion in life.

Robert Villarte and Mercy Villarte are our foster parents during the practicum immersion in in Bantol, Marilog District. Tatay Robert is 40 years of age and the current purok leader of Bantol white Nanay Mercy is an ordinary housewife who sells banana cue and cocoa as their source of income.

The family has been staying in Lower Bantol for a year now. They moved from Upper Ban-tol for economic reasons. They decide to stay in lower Bantol and put up their own sari-sari store.

Life has not been that easy for them though they have source of income to send their 6 children to school. Their eldest daughter is Rica Marie Villarte, 16 is a graduating student in highschool. Their second eldest is Sori Jane Villarte, 14 which also a highschool student. On the other hand Lady Jane, 12, Rhea May, 9, Merbert, 7 and Roberto Villarte Jr, 6 are all in elementary. And ofciurse the apple in their eyes, their youngest son, Gilbert is still 2 years old.

Though life may seem to be hard for them with the situation that they have, but that doesn’t stop them from dreaming and aspir-ing that someday, they can get over these trials together as a family. Indeed, the Villartes is an epitome of a family that finds contentment within each others’ presence which is the real essence of happiness.

VILLARTE FAMILY By Faith Gamulo and Paola Hernandez

 

The Villasoto Family originally is located at Bantol, Marilog District, Davao City. This family moved to Bantol with their eldest child in 2007.

Eduardo Baretto Villasoto, the head of the family, is 61 years old. His birth date is June 6, 1992. He originally was born and lives in Davao City but stayed in Bantol since 1996. He is a retired teacher and principal of Bantol Elementary School (June 2013). He lived in a cottage with his fellow teachers and goes home to Davao only during weekends. He was sepa-rated with his first wife.

Perlita Corvadora Villasoto, Eduardo’s wife, is 33 years old. Her birth date is September 15, 1979. She was born at Cotabato City. She grew up in Dona Pilar with her aunt. She also worked at Felcris, Sales Branch as a saleslady. She moved to Bantol with her husband and eldest child in 2007.

They have two children namely Muhammad Dioscoro Corvadora Villasoto and Thea Jas-mine Corvadora Villasoto.

Muhammad Dioscoro Corvadora Villasoto is 7 years old. He is now in grade 3 level. He was only 2 years old when they transferred to Ban-tol. He is the eldest child of this family.

Thea Jasmine Corvadora Villasoto on the other

hand is 3 years old. She is studying at a day care center near their house. She was born in Bantol.

Aside from the four original family members, they also have two additional members name-ly John Mike Cadungog Villasoto and Hazel Batawe.

John Mike Cadungog Villasoto is 7 years old. He’s currently at grade 2 level. He is the neph-ew of Eduardo. He was brought in Bantol last April 2013.

Hazel Batawe, the helper, came from Matigsalog tribe. She’s 15 years old. A 1st year high school in Holy Cross, Sunday school. Perlita supports her financially in studying. She’s been a helper for 1 year now.

Their source of income is from Eduardo’s pension as a retired teacher. Perlita on the other hand is a member of Josefa Segovia Foundation’s Women’s Club. JSF has a pro-gram that involves investment using animals. Perlita invests her animals such as pigs, chick-ens and etc. for her to have extra income. She also loans in a money lending system named CARD.

This family only aims to let their children graduate on time and to never let their chil-dren starve.

VILLASOTO FAMILY By Farrah Galang and Jo Antonette Espina

FAMILY PROFILES

THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

–FIND GOD IN ALL THINGS

We, students, are living in comfort everyday. We get things we want in an instant, go to school and go home with a transport vehicle, and get to eat three times a day.But with the two Sundays of immersion, we saw our fellow Davaoeños in Barangay Bantol who are strug-gling, yet contented with their simple lives. This immersion is God’s way for us to look into reality. We will never know their situa-tion unless we reach out our helping hands to them, to fully immerse ourselves to their kind of living.

Muslims, Lumads, and Christians. Barangay Bantol is a community with diverse religions, but lives in harmony. Their beliefs might be different, but they recognize God’s presence in their peaceful community. Each one believes that someone mighty up there is worthy to be praised.

From Matthew 5:3, Jesus said to His apostles, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the

kingdom of heaven.”Jesus is saying that, what-ever your status in life is, you must recognize your spiritual poverty before you can come to God in faith to receive the salvation He of-fers.This Bible verse does not pertain to the spiritual aspect alone but to the whole being of a person.

For whoever needs God the most, He is there for them. Barangay Bantol is a poor-stricken community, but God is truly with them for they are blessed with abundance. God has given them means to survive and to sustain their needs – a fertile land to cultivate, the fresh air and water, the presence of their families, and the close ties with their co-barangay. These are t clear evidences that God never abandons His people in whatever situation they might be in. Each is loved by God beyond measure.God loves the poor dearly. The community might be struggling in the face of the earth, but with their strong faith in God, an eternal place in God’s kingdom awaits them.

GOD’S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE IN THE IMMERSION AREA

By Kaye Nebrija

It doesn’t matter who you are, what situation you are in or what is your disposition in life because He will always be there to give guid-ance and courage to His people.“Ang Allah ra jud ang nakahibalo,” said Mrs. Noriana Macacua, a Muslim and one of the foster parents in Brgy. Bantol, Marilog District, Davao City.

The foster children of Mrs. Macacua felt God’s presence through her statement “Only Allah knows.” Regardless of her religion and belief, she always tells her foster children that God is always equal to His people no matter what they call Him.

The students under Mrs. Macacua felt the mes-sage that God wants to convey. The message is to have strong faith in Him because it will always put you through in spite of all obstacles.Faith Gamulo, one of the students during the immersion, shared that she felt God’s presence through the situation that her foster family is going through. Her foster family has seven children, yet they still manage to go to school. The family is also grateful for having food to eat daily.

According to Faith, she realized that God pro-vides all the needs of a person in order to live and that as God promised, He will never leave

His people in every trial they may face.L.A Subido shared how she felt God’s pres-ence through her insight about the immersion. She said that she is blessed with so much more than she deserved. She also expressed that she has no right to complain.

“Wala akong right magreklamo. Kahit sila mismo may kakulangan, happy pa rin sila.” said L.A.

Her insight is always a reminder that God has abundantly blessed us more than what we ask from Him. We just need to appreciate it and be grateful for whatever it is. Ursula Calipayan also shared how she felt God’s presence in her foster family.

“Gi-welcome ta sa atong mga foster family maskin wala sila kaila sa ato ug gihatagan pa jud ug mga prutas. Like God, gi-welcome ta niya always sa Iyang heart maskin usahay gi-na-treat nato Siya as a stranger because of our wrong doings.” said Ursula.

Through this, she was reminded that God welcomes all people who wants to know Him and even those who want to come back to Him. God welcomes them with open heart without prejudice.

GOD’S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE AMONG THE FOSTER FAMILIES

By Ann Mangkikis

FAMILY PROFILES

God bestowed us with different gifts and talents that we could use in different fields of endeavours we have. God has left a room for generosity and kindness in our hearts to re-lieve the situations of those left behind in this fast changing society.

For two consecutive Sundays of our immersion in Brgy. Bantol, Marilog District, God’s pres-ence was seen through us who were willing to assist the people in the area. The good deeds we’ve shown among the people in the area was a reflection of how merciful and kind our God is.

During the immersion,despite of being a stranger to each other and having different status quo, we’re there to open our arms to show love and kindness. In the same way, God is so much merciful that heaven is welcome for everyone. He does not induce bias, but He treats everyone with equality.In our stay, God kept everyone from harm. He did not allow any evil to ruin the immersion, which showed that God is present in the place. God wants everyone to enjoy the peace and happiness.

Through the immersion, God’s message was also revealed. He wanted us to help each other.

Through the little things, such as giving a hand for household chores, taking good care of the little children, and sharing what we have with the foster families, we had shown them the goodness of God.

. In the book of Matthew 5:16, the Bible quotes, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” It says that we are the salt and the light that could influence the world for good and will glorify God because of doing what is right.

Even with the end of the immersion, God’s message still continues. In fact, the immersion was just the beginning of His message to all of us that we should help everyone. It was only an eye opener that someone in the society needs us, and that God will use us as a channel to help those people in need.

As God continues to sow seeds of kindness and generosity in our hearts, we will contin-ue to bear the value of helpfulness. Through the immersion, a single step of helping will soon become a practice and it will be a way forspreading God’s message and presence to everyone.

GOD’S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE THROUGH THE

IMMERSION PROCESSBy Bea Jabonero

THE PRACTICE OF CHURCH’S

SOCIAL DOCTRINE

PRINCIPLES

For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17)

Every human person possesses a God-given dignity. The Catholic Church proclaims, in this sense, that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.

This is one of the few things our immersion days have infused to us, that every human be-ing has the right to life—to enjoy and to sus-tain it.

We all have the right to receive respect regard-less of age, gender, race or rank or any other way in which we define human beings.

It is essential as a human being to freely direct ourselves to this fulfillment. This is the very core of this particular Church’s teaching.We, as Human beings, make our own contribution to our interior growth; we make our whole sentient and spiritual lives into means of this

growth and thus everyone of us is entitled to this growth.

Being the image of God, we possesses the dig-nity of a person who is not just something, but someone. We are capable of self-knowledge, of self-possession, of freely giving ourselves and entering into communion with other persons. Everyone of us must be of equal importance regardless of our respective demographics.

Every one of us, created in the image of God, has the natural right to be recognized as a free and responsible being. We owe to each other this duty of respect. The right to the exercise of freedom, especially in moral and religious matters, is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of the human person. This right must be recognized and protected by civil authori-ty within the limits of the common good and public.

We, as human persons are willed by God; we are imprinted with God’s image. Our dignity does not come from the work we do, but from the persons we are.

HUMAN DIGNITY AND EQUALITYBy Jessica Marie R. Caliso

One of God’s greatest to gift to us is our life. He gave us life in order to protect the earth, love each other, and multiply. It is a gift which all of us received. We may have different lives but all came from God and we must respect that. We are all equal in His eyes no matter what our race, nationality or skin color is. The experience of the immersion taught us that even if we have a different culture from

our foster families, they are still very much like us and we should respect them. They took care of us and welcomed us with arms wide open. This proves that even if we have different lives from them, we can all still get along. We must respect each other despite out differ-ences. We may have different lives but we are all creations of one God.

Every human being has the right to life—to enjoy and to sustain it. Photo by Rona Buca

RESPECT FOR LIFEBy Pablo Sim

THE PRACTICE OF CHURCH’S SOCIAL DOCTRINE PRINCIPLES

Even before we enter into this world, we al-ready have a particular inherent human right: the right to live.

Human rights, regardless of one’s situation, must always be exercised. Whether you live deep in the jungle, on a mountain, in a busy city, sailing the seven seas, or in an arid desert, you are always entitled to your human rights. You have the right to live, the right to educa-tion, to health, liberty, recognition, freedom to speak, to found a family, or to work. All of these rights were made to ensure that we live our lives fully, based on our capabilities.

According to the article Poverty, Inequality and Human Rights of Donald and Mottersaw, human rights conceive poverty as being multi-dimensional, encompassing not only a low in-come but also other forms of deprivation and a loss of dignity and respect. Using human rights entails a shift from needs to socially and legally guaranteed entitlements and from charity to duty.

During our immersion in Bantol, we witnessed different scenarios on how human rights were being exercised despite the place being so far from what we call “civilization”.

Different stories opened our eyes into deep-er realities of life that we have at some point, forgotten while we are busy accomplishing our own responsibilities as graduating students. “For me, it is important that right to freedom between family members is being exercised. Also the importance of respect; if members of the family respect each other then everything follows,” Chary said.

“Their father gave them the right to education. He did everything just to send his children to school,” Behnice shared.

“The promotion of human rights is present in my family because they’re all given the free will. Since my family’s Muslim, we’re quick to assume they all practice fixed marriage—but to our surprise, not in my family,” Chandi said.

“I saw how much they care for each other. No matter how difficult some of their experiences may be, they will never ever give up on each other. They started from scratch since they were from Davao City but since 2007, they did everything to build their own home and find a living. And they made sure to send their chil-dren to school. Aside from that, they also send their nephews to school as well as their yaya,” Farrah said.

On the other hand, it is undeniable that not all actually have the privilege to practice their human rights. Here are some statements nar-rating how dismaying they were upon seeing these situations within their family, which even the right to education which is considered very basic was not given to them.

“My foster sister was deprived of the right to education. The Josefa Segovia Foundation stopped giving support to her studies and they can’t afford to have it. The other foster sister works as yaya just to support her own school-ing,” Jill shared.

At the end of the day, we realize that it’s not actually the place we live nor the situation that’s important. No matter how far-flung our places are, human rights should be observed and practiced, and we should never forget our respective responsibilities as human being.

PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

By Rona Jane S. Buca

Through the initiative of the Catholic resi-dents, the people in Marilog district were able to have two chapels (GKK) in Baranggay Ban-tol. The first chapel, whose founder is a priest from Leyte, is on the other side of the river while the second chapel is in the lower area of the Muslim Village of the same Baranggay.

The residents assigned officers and repre-sentatives for their GKK. These officers and representatives relay announcements from the church they are assigned in. They gather com-munity funds for financing their community projects, activities for their fiesta celebration, and for emergency purposes. Some of the residents are also involved in making plans and activities for the GKK. They are actively participating in GKK meetings, assemblies, and activities.

Also, Josefa Segovia Foundation (JSF), a reli-gious and non-government organization, as-sisted the residents of Barangay Bantol Marilog

District, Davao City on their livelihood. They provide opportunities for the poor by provid-ing seeds for planting such as cacao and buko, tools for farming, and in raising a male or female goat.

These allow the residents to have a good start in their livelihood especially to those residents who do not have any source of income. But the residents still have to pay the JSF with money, harvested fruits and crops, or by giving one or two kids (young goat). Through this, the JSF can widely help other residents assigned to them and continue their mission for the poor.

In this way, with the initiative of the residents and of the Josefa Segovia Foundation, the people are guided with the church’s social doc-trines and principles and together, they reach for the common good.

Common good -- Residents of Bantol celebrates the Holy Eucharist in a chap-el built through the help of Josefa Segovia Foundation. (Photo by Charydel Malintad)

COMMON GOODBy Vanna Marie Isles Alejandrino

Association and participation, in the clearest sense of these words, means connecting, relating, and in-volving ourselves with somebody or something. In regards with our immersion, it is all about allowing ourselves to engage with the foster families we were assigned to.

Our immersion was only for two days in two dif-ferent Sundays with very limited time. But that did not hinder us from knowing, serving, and learning from our foster families.

Unlike the usual immersions where the visitor would help their foster parents through going with them to their farm lands and learn how to plant and harvest crops or take care of farm animals, we were able to completely involve ourselves and know our foster families through simply helping them with the household chores while talking to each other about the rural and anything else about life.

Aside from helping in some household chores and listening to our foster parents’ life stories, some of us got a glimpse of what they do for a living when

foster parents were warm enough to tour the stu-dent to their farm land.

Like for KC Nardo and Ann Mangkikis, even with-out asking, they were brought by their foster parent to the hill where she brought her pregnant carabao and invited KC to ride onto it.

Through carefully observing and understanding the situation of our foster families, most of us were able to identify what other things we would be able to give to our foster parents that they can really use in their day to day living other than the pail as to-ken. Most have brought kitchen utensils, groceries, and school items their children can use in school.

Coming to Bantol, Marilog District for our immer-sion was one rare chance that gave us new experi-ence in a different yet relaxing environment. More than the scenic beauty that took all our breaths away, our encounter with our foster families gave more meaning to our visit. It gave us deeper reali-zations about life, making our experience worth-re-membering.

ASSOCIATION AND PARTICIPATIONBy Vikki Mae Amorio

One of the social teachings of our institution, Ateneo de Davao University, is Subsidiarity. Oxford English Dictionary defines subsidiarity as the idea that a central authority should have a subsidiary function, performing only those tasks which cannot be performed effectively at a more immediate or local level.

Furthermore, Pope Pius XI in Quadragesimo Anno, explains subsidiarity as a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. With this, the Theo 141 immersion brought us clos-er to what subsidiarity really is in the social teach-ings of the church. For the two-day immersion, we experienced how

the Lumads and Muslims in Bantol, Marilog Dis-trict, lived their everyday lives. We were lucky enough to have immersed in a family that has their own rice field just outside their house. The rice field was supposed to be for the everyday consump-tion of the family only, but we have witnessed their neighbours working on the field. What they har-vested and worked for will be weighed later on and become theirs. The family also volunteered to check the water res-ervoir from time to time. It’s a long walk from their home but they were happy to do so for the safety of the community regarding their drinking water. Truly, a manifestation of committing to the commu-nity what they can accomplish by their own enter-prise, is one that we should embody for the better-ment of the community we are part of.

SUBSIDIARITYBy Eloisa Batac

THE PRACTICE OF CHURCH’S SOCIAL DOCTRINE PRINCIPLES

Everyone knows that the People Power overthrew the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and filled the air of the talk of new representation of true democ-racy for the Philippines. But today, the government is still packed with the same political dynasties. The whole nation continues to ask whether or not the wealth of the country is still distributed among the elite and continues to search for the truth if the Philippines is truly a democratic nation or just a lucrative family business.

There are many who defended the system of po-litical dynasties in the Philippines. They claim that families bring a continuity and new experience that are necessary for a successful government. But some critics say that it is demonstrably untrue. The economy in our beloved country is among the worst in Asia for decades, and the political system is among the most corrupt in the world, not to mention the military and civil uprisings.

For many observers, the reason behind neglecting

the poor lies squarely in the hands of the Congress and the Senate. It said that the dominance of the small number of elite families had caused grave problems of the country. Their powers in the gov-ernment are being used to create laws and policies to cater to the political interest of these elite.

However, there are still huge challenges in “trick-ling down” the growing economic pie. The country is benefiting from the “clean governance” initiatives of its top leadership, with ramped-up infrastructure spending fuelling economic expansion, but the current development paradigm is in need of some fundamental re-configurations if it is to address rampant poverty, mind-boggling inequality, and double digit underemployment rates.

In Bantol, Toril, Barangay Captain Dionesio Ban-tol-Sayad was able to take care of his own. They can survive even with what they currently have. There-fore, the role of political and public authorities in Bantol is properly served.

ROLE OF POLITICAL AND PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

By Cham Tanteras

During our two Sundays immersion, we went to Bantol, Marilog district. It is located far from the city proper. It took us about 2-3 hours to finally reach the place. Our class was divided to go into two places, the Muslim village and the Bantol prop-er. Our group was assigned at the Muslim village. When we arrived at the community, it was so quiet. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. Seeing the place, one can say that the people living in the village are into agricultural work. Almost all of them own a Carabao and have their own land. Ate Gaga, for example, owns a 7 hectare agricultur-al land which she uses to gain money to be able to send her offspring to school. Through this, one can see that dignity of labor and work is an important aspect in our society. Workers are the prime movers of our society and economy. Even though the people in Bantol are common villagers, they also contribute to the economy of our country as a whole. These workers are the ones

giving us food. They grow crops for us, sell in the market, and then we buy and eat them. Basically, people like them are our providers. According to ate Gaga, she sells coffee beans in the market for about 35PHP per kilo but the mar-ket sells it for about 200 pesos to the consumers, which quite unfair. Since the market owner gains a lot, he/she should let sellers like ate Gaga increase their selling price. Ate Gaga even added that even though they wanted to increase their pricing, it would be hard for them because no market owners will buy their product. This leads to the realization that that agricultural workers must be given the right to have what is due to them.

The people in the village believe that work is not only for private gain and it is not all about the maximization of profits or accumulation of materi-al wealth. Rather, work is a fundamental factor in achieving the common good of society. These kinds of people are the people whom we should protect, whom we should give rights to. They can be called as “dignified workers.”

DIGNITY OF HUMAN WORK OR LABORBy Doyen Castano

We were sent to a remote area, far from the civiliza-tion. These people living in the area seem like they are isolated from the society. Yet, they do not miss a lot. In fact, they have more compared to anyone living in the city.

While city people live in pavements and concrete, these people from Bantol live in soft grounds and grasses. While we consume processed foods, they eat fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables.

God created the earth and everything in it is in-

tended for the earth’s inhabitants. These people from Bantol recognise these creations and they use it for their good.

We can’t entirely say that these people lack in resources or that the city people have more. Even when they do not have the proper cellular mobile signal or proper electricity, these people depend on the sun for solar energy, which is very helpful for the environment, and they reap what they sow. the people from Bantol live harmoniously in their homes, away from the noise and mess of the city.

UNIVERSAL DESTINATION OF GOODSBy Dawn Carlisle Cocjin

First visit Field of Hope. The Sariana family work hard for their everyday consumption. (Photo by Eloisa Batac)

THE PRACTICE OF CHURCH’S SOCIAL DOCTRINE PRINCIPLES

Sometimes, society defines the poor as low class people. They are classified as the one being put at the low level of the society’s hierarchy. They seem to be classified as vulnerable, insufficient and infe-rior.

On how they are placed in society reflects the way some people treat them. Changing this perspective is the challenge of the church. The Church has the role to introduce God and his word to the lives of the poor people. In order to do so, the Church should encourage others in lending help to these individuals.

In line with this, a couple of memory verses from the bible will remind us of the potential life of a poor person as he or she surrenders himself or herself to God and the role of capable individuals in helping the poor. Psalm 140:12 says, “I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy;” and Isaiah 41:17 says, “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not for-sake them.”

These two verses predict how faithful God is in lending his ears to the concerns of the poor and

supplying help to them. Because these poor indi-viduals believe and make God as part of their lives, nothing is impossible with regards to the crisis that they encounter. Matthew 25:34 says, “What you do for the least among you, you do for Jesus.” Chris-tian complies with the Christian values, which are taught by the Church. The Church taught us to help one another as brothers and sisters in the eyes of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is intended for the poor is preferential re-spect. They might be in a position which is con-trary to those capable individuals but we must take note the equality that we have in the eyes of God. Through respect, we can encourage them to live life with hope, love, and faith. Helping them and showing respect will let them realize that life has so much to offer despite the differences and problems that they might encounter.

This has been performed in the Theo 141 immer-sion wherein despite our differences with the foster family’s social statuses, conviction, and culture; respect still exists. As students, we respect our foster parents even if their beliefs and life styles are different from us. In this simple way, we let them feel that being poor is not an excuse for not getting along with us.

PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POORBy Lovely Rosenil Dumagan

Everyone is encouraged to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate.Photo by Rona Buca

Practicing solidarity was never easy but could never be difficult at the same time. We could compare practicing solidarity through picket lines.

Picket lines are always different and always the same. You picket with different people. You sing different songs. You target different locations. But you are always walking in a circle, a few steps be-hind one person and a few steps in front of anoth-er. After the novelty wears off – and when you’re walking in a circle, it wears off quickly – you grow bored and want to leave.

But there’s an inertia to walking in that circle. You go around one more time, and then one more, and then one more. Because if you leave, the circle will be smaller and the chants will be softer.

That is the ethos of the picket line. You grab a sign. You get in line. You sing the songs and chant the chants. You walk through blisters. You chant past hoarseness. You give yourself over to the line.

Just like us, Mass Communication students. We may

have differences; we may be different people of the same course. But one way or another, we only have one goal: to help the families in Marilog District.

Stories of different people were being told and it touched our hearts which pushed us to have one goal, it is to make them happy and at least give a little for them to breathe the life that we are living.

This immersion taught us that if we work hand in hand, we will achieve the goal that we’ve already set. The thought itself, it makes us united and we could say that we’ve created change in this society. Creating a change was never easy, but this is a good start.

Solidarity isn’t just for people who are hopeless, solidarity is for everyone.

There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of voices in unison. The challenge is ensuring that people of this city hold the bullhorn. So grab a sign and get in line. There are plenty of works to be done.

SOLIDARITYBy Jo Antonette Espina

One of the social teachings that our institution, the Ateneo De Davao University, stresses is the Promo-tion of Peace. The teaching emphasizes the voca-tion of the church and all Christians to be peace-makers. In line with this, the immersion, which was an activity of helping our fellowmen, somehow enabled us to accomplish one of its objectives, the promotion of peace.

For the entire duration of the immersion, we had a glimpse on what reality is and how hard life is for the Lumad and Muslim families in Marilog District.

But then, that experience was also an opportu-nity for us to feel the essence of helping without any compensation and the fulfilment that it gives afterwards. Aside from that, the activity was also an avenue for us to exercise the teachings of the church like the promotion of peace.

In biblical revelation, peace is much more than the simple absence of war; it represents the full-

ness of life. The image of the fullness of life should be paired with a vision of all things being rightly ordered – of all persons living with dignity and in harmony with one another. To be at peace, human-kind must live in right relationship with one anoth-er and with God.

In relation to this description, our community en-gagement in Marilog area was a way for us, students to promote peace through helping them in our own little ways. With that help, we were able to build a good relationship with our fellow men which leads to unity, and that unity would then lead to peace.

Each and every one of us may have different inter-pretations as to how we can promote peace. But to students like us, helping is our little way to give not just peace but happiness to our fellow men. Indeed, the immersion itself helped us fulfil the thought of promoting peace in reality.

PROMOTION OF PEACEBy Paola Hernandez

THE PRACTICE OF CHURCH’S SOCIAL DOCTRINE PRINCIPLES

THE PRACTICE OF CARDINAL

VIRTUES

People have different concepts of justice. Most people would want to live in a society where jus-tice prevails and resides. Some would want to be in a community where preferential treatment is upheld for the less fortunate. Others would insist that for justice to be achieved, the economy should serve the people and not the other way around. Some would think that everyone, regardless of status, must work for a peaceful society with mutual respect for one another in order for justice to be present. But what do we mean by justice? Justice refers to the quality of being fair, reason-able and just. It is action that pays due regard to the proper interests, property, and safety of one’s fellows. The problem with some people sometimes, they view put in a big context, thinking that acts of justice could only be done by people in authority, which is not true. Acts of justice can be done by everyone no matter how much wealth or power you have in the society. Last August 11 and 18, we, the fourth year Mass Communication students went beyond what is usual in our everyday lives. We immersed ourselves in a place far from the urban area and experienced a life different from ours. It was indeed challenging on everyone’s part since it was a new environment. We have to be in their house for how many hours to interact with them as if they were our very own families.

For two days, the justice we offered was served on every family’s plate. It may not be the justice that some people visualize but it was enough to put smiles on their faces.

An act of justice was already done from the mo-ment we showed respect to our foster families. Despite our differences with the residents, we put into our hearts the reality that they are also human beings who deserve respect and opportunities. This is how justice prevailed in the two day immersion.

As a class, we also practiced compassion, especially to this group of less fortunate people who are often ignored by the legal system. We also tried to under-stand life from their perspective knowing that we haven’t had the same experiences. We also willingly helped in doing and finishing some household chores.

During the second and day of visit, acts of justice were more intensified through the tokens and oth-er things that were given to each family as a sign of gratitude. The immersion was a success. It was evi-dent in how we incorporated justice in our own lit-tle ways. For two days, we ignored our self-interests and prioritized the needs of our families. The most beautiful act of justice practiced in the immersion was helping and assisting the families without let-ting our differences interfere in the process.

THE LITTLE THINGS(JUSTICE)

By Mariel Macrohon

THE PRACTICE OF CARDINAL VIRTUES

Temperance is that virtue which attempts to over-come the human condition that “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). The Theo 141 practicum immersion gave enlightenment and an opportunity for us to practice this cardinal virtue.

We were able to interact and respond to the given situation in an orderly and respectful manner. This was the first act of temperance in the area. This immersion was a novel experience and being able to interact and respond to the situation was already an act of temperance. We have abstained from our desires and focused on the needs of our foster families.

As students, we have shown that we are mature individuals up for the challenge. This experience has also taught us to behave in a more desirable manner through taking into consideration other people’s feelings especially our foster families. In the two Sundays of our immersion, the preparation and willingness to journey Bantol, Marilog District

already posed as a challenge. Without the cardinal virtue of temperance, we wouldn’t be able to com-mit ourselves to our responsibilities in our foster families. The greatest manifestation of temperance in our practicum immersion was the level of com-mitment we have shown to our foster families.

Waking up early on a Sunday might be hard for us but putting our responsibilities first and set-ting aside our desires for pleasure helped us get through this. Activities such as struggling to wake up early, preparing food for the family, and cutting our allowances were just some of the sacrifices we made for this immersion. The virtue of temperance corresponds to doing acts while setting aside our desires. This would also tell us that the idea of temperance would summarize to being selfless. In the course of our two-day immer-sion, we have become selfless as we accepted the duties and challenges in our foster families.

IN CONTROL(TEMPERANCE)

By Charydel Malintad

Prudence is defined as the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. It is also a caution or circumspection as to danger or risk. Pru-dence is one of the four cardinal virtues. Prudence, in other words, is simply carefulness. From the definition given above, let us relate pru-dence to the immersion we had for the past two Sundays.

Prudence can be seen on how we, students, han-dled various situations while we were in the com-munity. Our teacher did not fail to remind us on the proper behavior and manner of approach to the residents. With these reminders, we were extra careful on how we interacted with them.

In the course of the immersion, we have detached ourselves from our accustomed characters and ac-tions. We avoided using jargons and certain expres-sions while talking to our foster families because surely it will create a hindrance for interaction. We have learned to adapt and connect with them by becoming one with them. Also, we avoided bringing

many things such as gadgets and jewelry with us because we wanted to show them that we are also like them. There were foster families who invited us to go to their farms located far from their houses. We were uncertain of the danger we might face there but we still decided to go because it was their request and we didn’t want to disappoint them. We went with them but it did not mean we were not cautious of the risk; we made the decision because we knew that it was a starting point of building good rela-tionships with them.

Our experience in the immersion was a good practice of prudence because it taught us how to discipline ourselves when it comes to unexpected situations, whether risky or not. It also taught us how to make decisions without harming anything or anyone.

MAKING RIGHT DECISIONS(PRUDENCE)

By Romania Mangin

THE PRACTICE OF CARDINAL VIRTUES

What we felt on the first day of immmersion was the fear of the unknown. It was like a child who fears to look underneath the bed without the lights on. The moment we decided to ride the jeepneys was the first act of fortitude. It was the act of ac-cepting the challenge. It simply meant there was no turning back.

Fortitude - it is a noun which refers to courage in pain or adversity. What was the adversity during the immersion?

First was the meeting of strangers. Second was the new environment. Meeting strangers meant en-countering new cultures. There was the fear of not being able to cope up, to not understand their per-spectives, to have that moment of answering ques-tions with doubts deep inside. It might have been the difference in religion, of educational attainment or even of the simple definition of “near” when it comes to distance.

For some, or perhaps for most of us, going away from the usual routine was a problem. The sig-nal was weaker, there was the distance from each house, and some have had one shared source of water.

But being students that put our trust in the power of communication, we bravely faced it whole-heart-edly. We stepped into the house, met our foster family and, at the end of the day, went home with treats from the family that accepted us. There was the exchange of ideas and beliefs, of problems and advices, of experiences of learning. There was the experience of something new, to ride behind the back of a carabao, to see the river in another an-gle, to reach the other side of the river against the water’s flow. These were simple experiences that have made us students practice the cardinal virtue of fortitude.

FACING FEARS(FORTITUDE)

By Ma. Kristina Camelia B. Nardo

THE PRACTICE OF CARDINAL VIRTUES

PRACTICE OF CLASS VALUES

Will I obey another person? Should I obey another person? The answer could be yes, if I have made a commitment.

We have always been a people used to following those who have authority over us. In the work situ-ation we often take orders. As a student, there were times when we are given specific instructions to be followed.

Needless to say, I was always thankful when I and my partner were able to be obedient. What is even more encouraging are those times when we have complete liberty in making a decision and choose correctly with sound reasoning to back up that

decision.

We were able to do what our teacher asked us to do - that is to live the lives of our foster families. We were also able to obey our foster families. We responded to whatever they asked us to do, if we thought that that was the right thing to do. We helped them in their household chores and did not disturb their work when they asked not to be disturbed.

These might be simple acts, but such were acts of obedience that the class was able to practice during the practicum-immersion.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OBEDIENCEBy Anthony Taboada

“In the end we are all separate... We are drawn to each other because of our similarities, but it is our differences we must learn to respect.”

Different lifestyles. Different personalities. Differ-ent beliefs in life. We all know respect is something which is earned and we also know that they are all worthy of earning it.

We practiced the value of respect with each of the families that they have been with during the practicum-immersion in Bantol, Marilog District. This was shown not only by saying “po” and “opo” in everything we say. There’s this deeper kind of respect that we have offered to each the families, shown by respecting our differences.

Differences were not only understood but were also embraced. Their lifestyle, hard as it may seem, was not put down in any way. Instead, the class gave respect to the family’s way of doing things, and even learned life-lessons from it.

We showed respect by giving value to each person’s point of view. There was no dissing and no mocking behind their backs. We conversed, and we spoke words of kindness coming from the bottom of our hearts.

Respect was given not because we were reminded to behave that way, but because from the moment we saw them, every one of us, believed that they are worthy every inch of it. We were bound to give respect where it is due.

RESPECT IS GIVEN WHERE RESPECT IS DUE

By Geneva Pangandoyon

THE PRACTICE OF CLASS VALUES

Integrity is doing what is right even when no one is looking. Our class had the chance to practice such value during the practicum-immersion, and we practiced it to the best of our abilities.

It is not easy to practice integrity, especially if the wrong thing you are supposed to do would benefit you so much. It is not easy to turn down tempta-tion, especially if you would really like to do the things that could help you get what you want.

We were able to practice doing the right things by accepting only those things they gave us and not

asking for more. They deserved to enjoy the fruits of their hard labor, and we gave them the chance to do just that. Many of us really wanted to take a lot, since they were good fruits/vegetables and they were for free.

This simple gesture of not taking too much was a simple act of integrity that we students could do. It’s not much, but its still something, and that is better than not doing anything at all.

LITTLE ACTS OF INTEGRITYBy Joanna Marie Sim

One of the values for the immersion that we chose as a class is humility. We knew this was needed, and we were more than ready to carry it out.

As defined by the dictionary, humility is a noun which means a modest or low view of one’s own importance. True enough, the members of the class internalized this value and practiced it during the immersion.

It is evident that the new environment we were in was not what we were used to and the people are not the usual kind of people we interact with every-day. There are obvious differences, yet as a class we decided to shove these differences under the table and totally immersed ourselves in experiencing what it is to be like them.

We applied this value in different concrete ways. We went inside our foster families’ homes without any footwear. We did not mind feeling the cold underneath our feet. No slippers, no socks, no anything. It’s a simple gesture that says, “We feel at home in your home.”

Others who got the chance to sleep willingly slept

on their bed made of wood without complaining even if there is no foam.

During mealtime, we let them eat ahead of us. We made sure that they get their share first and that they get to enjoy the food we brought. Some of us might be hungry, but they put aside their hunger for the foster families.

When the family offers something, we modestly accept. These are things such as their harvests like fruits and vegetables. They are so accommodating, so caring and so contagiously happy people.

All of us put our foster families ahead of us. Those two days of immersion were all about them. Their lives, their experiences, sentiments, everything. It was a time when we forgot about ourselves. We forgot about our assignments, our worries, how we looked, how we ate. It was a selfless experience.

A famous novelist once said, humility is not think-ing less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. And this is exactly what we did as a class.

THINKING LESS OF OURSELVESBy Louise Anne Subido

Everyone had their own matters occupying their minds. We all had our tasks left undone back home and each one had their own problems and issues. But when it came to the field, everyone was at their best at exercising the spirit of selflessness. When each pair got to meet with their foster families, the attention immediately shifted from themselves to the family. It was as if everyone got stricken with amnesia and forgot their individual concerns. Everyone gave their all to the family, for it was them who mattered. Acts of selflessness were evident in the area. In every house you could see AdDU students spend-

ing time with family. Everyone had a great time by sharing meals with the family, having simple chats with the parents and for some, conducting dance showdowns with the children. Smiles were abun-dant and laughter was all you could hear. Reality had to kick In though, and eventually we all had to go back to our lives and face what we had temporarily left behind. However, the genuine smiles that we saw that day were priceless. Know-ing that we’ve spent the day for someone aside from ourselves is a nice feeling after all.

EVIDENT ACTS OF SELFLESSNESSBy Paul Tan

“Gentleness, self-sacrifice, and generosity..”

Generosity means having the liberty or freedom to give without expecting anything in return. The 11th and 18th of August were no ordinary Sundays- two Sundays of temporarily immersing and experiencing ‘life’ in another stance. What made this two ordinary Sundays extraordi-nary? Meeting new faces, encountering unexpected events and sharing untold stories were just some of the many reasons that made the immersion expe-rience exciting. The mere idea of immersing in an unfamiliar community and interacting with our foster families was thrilling. When placed in this kind of situation, certain val-ues are developed, characters are gradually shaped, and views of life, in some ways are altered. The liberty of extending or giving out was pro-foundly expressed when we prepared meals for each families and gave them simple tokens, such as toiletries and other grocery items. We were able to practice generosity through this simple act of kind-ness without demanding for reciprocation from our foster families. The opportunity to dine with them was enough to make our day. To be warmly welcomed by our foster families was another form of generosity. To show how grateful we were, we tried to get to know them better by

sharing stories about our lives to encourage them to have faith in us too.

Sharing what we have to our families also meant that we are students who are more than willing to of spare even the simplest piece of bread. The recognition of the community’s poor condition inspired us to know how it feels like to be gener-ous, especially to those who are really in need. The next Sunday, which was unfortunately the last, we tried in our fullest capacity to surprise our foster families with presents and tokens of appreci-ation. Honestly, it was another load for us to carry, but seeing the smiles on their faces when they received the gifts made it all worth it. The lessons we learned, the realization that came upon hearing their narratives, the beautiful conver-sations we shared, the warm welcome, the exchange of laughter and smiles, and the joy of serving them for a short time were definitely like a basket full of teachings and insights that can be useful in our everyday lives. We then learned generosity in its simplest and full-est definition. We experienced generosity the way we should. We embraced this value because of its importance in this world ruled by selfishness. And like how Mahatma Ghandi expressed it, “Gentleness, self-sacrifice, and generosity, ...are exclusive possessions of no race or religion.”

SIMPLE GENEROSITYBy Kevin Villanueva

One value that we give importance to is resource-fulness. We apply this value in times of need, when we have to depend on ourselves to deal with certain circumstances.

How do we really define resourcefulness?

Resourcefulness, as defined in an online dictionary, is the quality of being able to cope with a difficult situation. This comes with creativeness, because to be resourceful is to be equipped with ideas that en-able a person to produce something out of nothing and enhance useless things to become useful.

Indeed, our section has practiced resourceful-ness all throughout our stay in our foster families’ homes in Marilog District. We’ve witnessed within ourselves how resourceful we were from our first to our final visits.

We’ve all shown resourcefulness by dealing skilful-ly and promptly with new situations and challeng-es. We’ve been through immersions since second year during our NSTP but areas like Marilog Dis-trict are new to us. They don’t have televisions, refrigerators, music players, microwaves, or other appliances. Only some households have radios and cellular phones due to the lack of available electric-ity in the area. Almost all of us haven’t tried expe-riencing having foster families and because of that, the experience has become very epic, memorable,

and at the same time, challenging.

Staying in an area without cell phone signal was really inconvenient for us. We got so used to liv-ing in a techie world with network coverage and unlimited Internet connection. In those two days we were able to entertain ourselves and our foster families without the use of these gadgets. We’ve discovered that we can be productive by simply engaging ourselves in activities that do not require signals and WiFi connection. If our foster families lived a happy life not dominated by technology, we could too.

Even though we are not used to their environment, we really showed resourcefulness by trying our best to fit in and adapt to their environment. We’ve tried climbing rocky roads and walking under the scorching heat of the sun. We all became cowgirls and cowboys.

Despite the challenges we have faced, we’ve man-aged to accomplish a lot of things. This included making our foster families happy even though we’ve only offered simple gifts to them. Most of all, we’ve offered them our time, something that truly encompassed the whole concept of resourceful-ness. The time we have spent with them substituted for the absence of the greater things that we could have given them.

THE ART OF BEING COWGIRLS AND COWBOYSBy Trisha Larah Villapaz

THE PRACTICE OF CLASS VALUES

A sign of humility. A student willingky tried to ride carbao,

Patience, as defined by Oxford Dictionary of Eng-lish, is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, prob-lems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. It took us a lot of patience to get up earlier than our usual wakeup time, get ready, and head to school before six o’clock in the morning to avoid being late for our call time. On the first day of immersion, we had to patiently wait on our assigned jeepneys. For about an hour, we waited for the barangay captain, who has the list of the list of families we would be living with for two Sundays. With aching butts and backs, we finally proceeded with our journey. Not being familiar and comfortable with the place that we immersed in, it took all of us another wave of patience to get into the houses of their foster families. Others had to walk or hike, as others

would like to call it, for 20 minutes or more to reach their designated houses. Everybody was patient enough as we started to set-tle in the homes of their families. We had to engage ourselves with the kind of lifestyle that our family is used to, the kind of living that we are not familiar with. Doing such takes a lot of patience and under-standing on our part. Indeed, the activities for the past two Sundays were very exhausting but our the patience, determina-tion and the commitment to learn and be with our families allowed us to enjoy the awesome and rare experience in Bantol, Marilog District. We may have given up two of our Sundays when we could have had some rest from schoolwork. Instead, we have acquired immeasurable values and experiences that we will carry in our hearts forever.

PATIENCE IS THE PRICE TO PAYBy Faith Gamulo

Students patiently followed their foster parent despite the long trail. (Photo by Joanna Sim)

The dictionary defines fidelity as strict observance of promises and duties, as loyalty, adherence to fact or detail, conjugal faithfulness, accuracy and exact-ness. Fidelity may seem simple to define but it will never be easy to practice. Fidelity may not be easy to practice but it is not impossible to be faithful. Fidelity is a challenge for all men and women. Regardless of how strong your faith is it can never be perfect. No matter how religious you are you can never be 100% immune to temptations. Being faithful requires hard work. To be loyal, before anything, we have to want to be loyal. We have to care for the details first so we can properly observe them. Loyalty also requires decisions. We can never be loyal to everything and all that we do and/or have. We have to choose what is important, what is worth our faith and what will not let us down when trust-ed. Loyalty should be to a specific and clear matter like to a certain person, religion, or task. But the decision is just the first step for the long journey. It is after that decision of what to be faith-ful to that the real work begins.

What if things change? What if you meet a better person? What if the truth is in another religion? These are the questions that can never have certain answers. But one who is conjugally faithful believes that things may change, though the faith stays strong, that more beautiful/handsome women/men may exist but not in the faithful’s eye, that other religions may claim the truth but truth is one and truth is what we believe in. What makes the difference between the faithful and the unfaithful is the effort to keep the faith, the struggle to preserve the belief and the devotion to the principle. The immersion was a good test for our fidelity. We had to be committed to waking up before 6 am, preparing the food and going to Marilog after the 3-hour drive just to connect with the families. We had to believe what they told us and we had to trust them and be honest with them when they asked us about something. We practiced loyalty also by keeping their secrets. Fidelity may seem simple to define but it will never be easy to practice. Fidelity may not be easy to practice but it is not impossible to be faithful.

FIDELITY: EASY TO DEFINE, HARD TO PRACTICE

By Sahar Toghyani

Honesty is an important value to us because it reveals the truth about ourselves to others. It is the value that compels us to be honest, despite being exposed to situations that tempt us to tell lies.

During the practicum-immersion, we es-tablished relationships with our foster families by being honest individuals. We knew that the only way to gain their trust was to express sincerity. Being honest does not necessarily mean being frank and direct when speaking. It means being cautious and at the same time, truthful. When conducting conversations, we made sure that what we shared actually happened, not narratives that

were enhanced, embellished, or conjured for the purpose of impressing and intimidating our foster families. All relationships require honesty to be healthy. In those two days, we created a bond with our foster families because we practiced honesty, a value that is inherent in us. Honesty is always part of us. There are situations when people misunderstand us even question our honesty, but that should not stop us from being genuine not only in actions but also in words.

HONESTY BUILDS STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

By John Cedrick Lloren

THE PRACTICE OF CLASS VALUES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTWe, Mass Communication 4A, under the class of Theology 141, would like to express our deepest appreciation to all those who provided us the possibility of having a fruitful im-mersion. A special gratitude to Mrs. Marlina Dayrit, our Theology professor, to the staff and volunteers of Josefa Segovia Foundation specifically Ate Lucy Villanosa, Joy Daman, Judy Ann Enriquez, and “Remy”, whose contribution in monitoring and coordinating assured

the security in the practicum- immersion area.

Furthermore, we would also like to acknowledge with much gratitude the families Atubar, Bansilan, lumagbas, Sariana, Villanosa, Villasoto, Fiel, Villarte, Moreno, Loque, Macacus, Lendiu, Lendio, Regidor, Sayad, Unting, Esco, Sayad, Loque for welcoming and sharing

their homes with the class.

We would also like to thank the Barangay Captain of Bantol, Mr. Dionisio Sayad, Barangay Kagawad of Muslim area, Mr. torres Lumagbas, and Barangay kagawad of Bantol proper,

Mr. Edwin Fiel, who allowed us to have the opportunity to meet our foster families.

Last but not the least; we would like to thank the Lord for the guidance and the learnings that the class acquired through the immersion.