HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to our new Missions director, FR. EDWIN S. FLOR, CP. Fr. Edwin was officially installed as the new Missions director two months ago. Soon after installation he finds himself immersed in the many Indigenous People's communities that have been taken care by the Catholic Mission to the Indigenous People(CMIP). He has also asked all the Missions staff and workers to go through a series of updating seminars in order for all of them to maximize their abilities and potentials in the service of the poorest of the poor.
May you have many more birthdays to come and May God's blessing always rest on you and in your ministry. God bless...
Brothers,
This happened last August 5 in bet. 1:00-1:45 AM. Fr. Itok and I were sent there. I have conducted a lot of interviews yesterday pm August 6 until this morning August 7. NBI Digos conducted the autopsy; police Kiblawan were there as well as some personnel from the bureau of fire protection. We are still waiting for the result of their investigation and analysis. They have brought to their office some of the evidences and remnants from the scene. According to their initial reports, it was a crime- due to stab wounds on the left side of Amang's body, and his 2 ribs were broken. There was also a tie-wire on his chest and his legs were broken which were possibly hit w/ a sharp bolo.
There were a lot of possibilities, I should say. 1- Amang was drunk and that he possibly hit the lighted lamp while he was sleeping. 2- He attended a b-day party, ten of them had a drinking session, and the latest two companions fetched him to the staff house, in a matter of 5- 15mins. The incident happened. 3- he had a previous altercation w/ some of the residents due to his sincerity in his work.4- somebody from bong mal threatened the people and wanted to claim the land in the mission 5- the mining wants us to leave the place. These are the possible reasons, and I’m sure the truth is just inside in these possibilities.
This deeply hurts us all, esp. those missionaries who became part of the construction. We will miss the beauty of the building and the serene vicinity as well.
The people are threatened and the teachers feel that they are no longer safe. They are planning to leave the school. We need to strengthen them. We need courage, courage to remain and continue the mission in t' murok. Please pray for our endeavours to move on. Thank you! more pics
It is with profound sadness that the Mission informs everybody about the sudden, unexpected death of Mario "Amang" Dialodin.
He has been the caretaker of the Mision's staff house in T'murok, Barangay Datal Batong, Malungon, Saranganini Province.
Sketchy report says that it happened at about 12:00 midnight, Aug 5, 2009. Residents of the said place were simply shocked to see the burning staff house where Amang has been staying for quite sometime.
And as the staff house was totally eaten up by the huge fire and razed to the ground, Amang went down with it. His charred body was retrieved some two hours later. Sincerest condolence goes to the Dialodin family. May Amang rest in peace. (the pic at right is the staff house).
July 14, 2009
We warmly welcome, Rev. Fr. Rey Carvin Ondap, CP, to the Catholic Mission to the Indigenous People(CMIP).
The Missions must be so privileged to have with it a young, energetic, freshly-ordained Passionist. This descendant of Dagohoy is actually no stranger to this kind of apostolate. A good length of time during his pastoral year was spent in the many IP areas in South Cotabato and Sarangani Provinces.
We wish, Fr. Rey, all the best in his very challenging ministry. May he have all the strength to climb mountains and the heart to reach out to the poorest of the poor. Bong Kamdom, Fr. Rey and God bless...
DepEd GRANTS RECOGNITION TO NDB, T'MUROK AND NDB, LAM-AFUS!
Two of the mission schools, under the supervision of CMIP had been granted certificates of recognition by the Department of Education (Deped) in the divisions of Sarangani and South Cotabato. Consequently, after complying with all the requirements, Notre Dame of Bolul, T’murok located at Brgy. Datal Batong, Malungon, Sarangani Province was issued Government Recognition No. 057, S. 2009 and Notre Dame of Bolul, Lam-afus under the municipality of Banga, South Cotabato with Government Recognition No. 58, S. 2009. Both schools are operating complete elementary education, which is from Grade 1 to VI.
The Government Recognition is a permanent authority given by Deped to an educational institution to operate or implement educational programs in accordance with standards or criteria established under the Philippine Education System.
CMIP would like to extend its deep gratitude to all substantial individuals who were part of the process leading to the issuances of the permanent permits. Congratulations! - CHARIZ
June 14, 2009- The past couple of days were busy days for Mrs. Tomiko Yamazaki, HANDS' president, who visited once again some of our mission areas and other places in southern Mindanao, following up the many projects that her group has been sponsoring.
Together with her two companions, Mr.Imaizumi (who is a movie director) and Mr. Furukawa, she went up to remote mission places like Gomelo, to monitor a water project there, as well as to places like Miasong, T'murok, Kilildatal, and Amguo.
She was also monitoring other projects in Koronadal,and Lake Sebu. Big thanks goes to her and HANDS for having been so consistent in their role as Mission's number one partner in its task of reaching out to the poorest of the poor. God bless!
THE MISSION IS DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO THE CFC OF MALMÖ, SWEDEN FOR HELPING US, TOO, IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SAID SEMINAR HOUSE. PRETTY SOON, YOU WILL SEE THE FRUIT OF YOUR GENEROSITY, NOT JUST IN THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE BUT IN THE BENEFITS IT CAN OFFER TO ALL OUR LEADERS IN THE AREA.
MANY THANKS ALSO TO THE YOUTH OF ST. GABRIEL'S PARISH, TORONTO, CANADA (through its chaplain, Rev. Fr. Brando Recaña, CP), FOR ITS GENEROUS DONATION OF 700 CANADIAN DOLLARS! MAY YOUR GENEROSITY BE RETURNED A HUNDRED FOLD!GOD BLESS...
May 17, 2009 Assumption Mission/CMIP was blessed, once again, by the presence of four Miriam College (High School Unit) teachers who shared their knowledge and expertise to our Mission Teachers.
First to arrive in General Santos City were Mr. Modesto G. Javier, Ms. Esmeralda S. Bunag and Ms. Natasha Lauren G. Arriola. Mr. Jay Keenson C. Acebuche, who was with the first batch (three years ago), came in later that week. Fr. Vic Supranes, CP (in yellow shirt) met them at the airport. They came down in this distant, southern part of the Philippines with the following objectives in mind:
1. Develop and strengthen the partnership between Miriam College and the Assumption Mission to the B’laans through teacher training, capability building, and resource development.
2. Cultivate the competencies and knowledge of the teachers to effectively respond to the challenges in the teaching profession;
3. Integrate teaching techniques and strategies in the classroom;
4. Foster a learning environment that promotes harmony, responsibility, love of country, cooperation, and commitment.
Moreover, Assumption Mission thanks Miriam College's High School Unit, for raising funds to help the Missions. Through its Solidarity Day Activity, its teachers and students were able to donate Php50,000 and gave them all for the Mission's projects, especially the construction of the seminar house in Kanfu'ltek. (click on the picture)
May 27, 2009- At the breaking of day. An early-morning shot, taken at Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province. The occasion was an overnight outing of Mission workers.
It was a time of being together, of sharing each others' presence and company in the simple context of rest and recreation. To many, it was their first time to come to this place, and thus the sense of wonder at its beauty and plain enjoyment of what it can offer - blue waters, white beaches and relative silence. It was indeed a refreshing and recharging break from the usual, day-to-day mission activities.
Adult baptism is not unusual in the missions. And Fr. Vic Supranes, CP is keenly aware of this as he immerses more and more into the life of the IPs. Here, in this picture, he is administering the sacrament to one of the eights adults who asked to be formally received in the church, through baptism, during the patronal fiesta of their GKK last May 04, 2009 at Sitio Torukbato, Barangay Basag, in the municipality of T'boli.
KASTIFON
The cultural show of the B'laans from Bolul became an instant talk of the town! All who came to watch it last April 24, 2009 at the Parish Center of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish were really one in praising the performers for their beautiful and very entertaining performance.
These young and talented artists were proud to present, Kastifon (gathering), the portrayal of "womb-to-tomb" B'laan rituals in dances to the delight of the big audience. After the one-and-half-hours show, some were even entertaining the idea of bringing this group to Manila for a series of campus performances.
Our kudos goes to the performers for a job well done as well as to the Indigenous Peoples' desk of the Social Action Center of Marbel (most especially Mam MC Barrameda, Inday Sionosa, Fr. Roming Catedral, & Fr. Nonoy Benitez, CP) for organizing these young kids into an amazing stage performers.
Our deep appreciation and gratefulness also go to GING GONZALES, TATA GO, EDWIN YAP, CHARIZ CARRIEDO, ARLAN & VITA VELASQUEZ, AYENG ACHARON, LINDA GO, JORGE LUMANTA, FR. VIC SUPRANES, CP, & FR. WILLIAM PONDO, CP for organizing the show in General Santos City. Without them, it would have been impossible for CMIP alone to host it. Moreover, to all our ever-generous friends and benefactors, a million thanks for all your support. You are an indispensable part of the success.
And so to our dear B'laan performers and all the instrumentalists and production staffs, may your tribe grow and may you continue to be proud of who you are and what you have - your rich cultural heritage. Bong Kamdom!- Ma Bleela
Participants of the recently-held leadership seminar (April 27-29, 2009) in Sitio Datal Safang, Mongokayo, T'boli, South Cotabato. Kanfu'ltek is the mountain at the background. That's where the future seminar house will rise. more pics
Marhaba Kaman. (Hello again.) Kiff halkom? How are you? Ana kwayyes imhamdilla. I am fine, thanks be to God. The picture on your right was taken in our new chapel in Tel Aviv with some of the leaders there and Sr.Salvi, OSB. This part VIII of my journey to the Holy Land. Aahlaan wa saalaan. Welcome.
March 9, 2009, Holy Thursday. All four of us in the community attended the celebration at the Holy Sepulcher at 8:00 am. It was the Chrism Mass combined with Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Fuoad Twal was the main celebrant and almost 200 priests concelebrated. The whole liturgy was in Latin and it lasted for four hours. It ended with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the Holy Sepulcher three times. As part of the Mass, we had the renewal of our priestly commitment. I received Congratulations through text message from Annie and Cyrel of Bagong Silang PAYO. read more
April 22- Construction has begun at Kanfu-altek. Remember the plan to build a seminar house at the top of the mountain? Yes, pretty soon, with your generous support, this dream will come true. Mr. Edgar Montejo(the building designer) looks on as Bro. Sherwin Detuya, CP, together with a young companion,mixes cement and sand; testing their "okay-ness". Do continue to support us on this noble project. BONG KAMDOM(thank you)!
April 21 - We greet Frs. Antonio Saligan, CP, Gwen Barde, CP, Dandy Traje, CP and Joseph Alesna, CP HAPPY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY! May you continue to grow in your priestly zeal to serve the Lord and his flock. May God bless you always...
Last April 19, 2009, Catholic Mission to the Indigenous People held their annual general assembly for the high school and college educational beneficiaries of HANDS-CMIP Scholarship Program at St. Paul of the Cross Novitiate compound. The event was well-attended, with the students being accompanied by their parents. This yearly event is anticipated by the parents and students of the program as well as the CMIP.
The half-day activity started with a liturgical mass celebrated by Fr. William Pondo, CP. After the necessary opening amenities, a group dynamics was introduced by Fr. Nonoy Plaza, CP. And Fr. Vic Supranes, CP followed it up with a solid synthesis of the groups’ report. Though it came as a surprise, the activity was well-taken and very much appreciated by everyone since they were able to express their viewpoints as parents and as students. Despite hardships, many were grateful of the opportunities given to them. - chariz
FR. CARL SCHMITZ, CP
This coming April 07 is Fr. Carl's 21st death anniversary. The CMIP, together with the Passionist priests and brothers and the people of Barangay Assumption, are going to commemorate it with a Eucharistic celebration at 2:30 PM, right up there in the village where he was slain twenty one years ago.
For more details about his life and death, kindly click on his picture.
A Passionist nun shares a poem for the priests who are to renew their priestly commitment at the CHRISM MASS. CLICK HERE
April 05 - We wish Fr. Vic Supranes, CP & Fr. Ireneo Galbo, CP a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May God bless you always with good health and joyful heart...
April 04 - HAPPY 28th ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY! greetings to Fr. Wilfredo Estraza, CP. May you have many more years of fruitful priestly ministry. God bless...
March 29 - Our warm HAPPY BIRTHDAY! greetings to Fr. Giovanni Oncog, CP. May God bless you always...
March 25, 2009 - It was a very memorable day for the people of Balnabu, one of the remote villages of Barangay Maan, T’boli municipality. It was a day to remember because their dream finally came true.
The older people of that place could still remember the moments when Fr. Carl Schmitz, CP used to visit them on his way to nearby mission communities. Some of them even claimed to have been baptized by him. But when Fr. Carl was murdered in the 7th of April 1988, their dream of establishing a Catholic community in their place came to an abrupt end, too.
And for quite sometime, they thought the mission has forgotten them. But the new breed of missionaries in the likes of Frs. Vic Gabut, CP, Edward Loberiano, CP, Ferdinand Dulong, CP retraced the footsteps of Fr. Carl.
In the early 2000’s, missionary activities gradually came back to life again in that side of T’boli municipality. Mission communities in Tablo, Sufo, and Fitak began to flourish. And when the people of Balnabu heard about this, they sent a delegation, pleading the mission to come back to their place.
The zeal of our lay ministers encouraged them to put up their own chapel. And not long after, they were now excited to welcome the mission once again. And so after more than a year of preparation, through catechetical instructions and bible services, they were now ready to celebrate their first patronal fiesta.
Tears rolled down the cheeks of some adults as they submitted themselves to baptism. At long last, what Fr. Carl has planted is now bearing fruit. And as they honor Mary, (at Gabriel’s annunciation), as their patroness, they look forward with hope to a more dynamic catholic community in their village. Deo Gratias!
These remaining days of March and first week of April are busy days for CMIP priests. The reason for this are the graduation and recognition activities of our mission schools. Fr. William Pondo, CP, the schools’ principal, made the opening salvo by going up to Kiame, last March 20, in order to be there for their recognition day which was scheduled on the 24th. To get there, he had to cross rivers, more than 15 times. Then the other day, March 25, it was Fr. Nonoy Plaza’s turn to go up to Datal Safang for the pupils’ culmination activities the following day. And yesterday, Fr. Vic Supranes, CP, went up also to Torukbato to do the same task – of saying mass for the parents and their elementary kids and representing CMIP during the culmination exercises. More fat-burning activities await CMIP staffs in days to come!
March 18, 2009 -
We’re expecting this afternoon the arrival, from Manila, of Ms Makiko Tamaki of HANDS. She’ll be here for a couple of days basically to observe our Health Staff, headed by Ms Jojo Tripoli, as they conduct once again a three-day health seminar in Gomelo.
Much as she wanted to attend also the graduation of some of our educational beneficiaries, but due to time constraints she would not be able to do that. Anyway greeting cards from the sponsors for these graduates will be given to them through the kindness of Makiko.
To, Makiko, welcome once again to the Missions. And to the graduates, congratulations in advance. God bless…
Just very recently, the founding president of HANDS, Mrs. Tomiko Yamazaki, communicated to our office the approval of another water project for Gomelo, Barangay Datal Batong, Municipality of Malungon, Sarangani Province.
In her letter , she said, ” I've just received from POSIVA the approval of our proposal for the funds of the water system construction in Gomelo.
Our proposed subsidy was ¥1,013,000 but the approved amount is ¥906,000 ,so you/we have to save some amount to implement the project. I hope the community people will work more voluntarily for their own benefits.
I suppose the POSIVA evaluated your works about the previous water system project in Fitak, Sufo and other two communities. We are thankful to you, Karen and Rico's good jobs about the previous project.
I'll inform you about the revised budgets later.
Please extend our best regards to everyone.”
In the name of CMIP, I’d like to thank, once again, HANDS, for the countless assistance it has been extending to the many communities we serve. Without HANDS the Missions’ work in the field of health, education, livelihood, scholarship, agriculture, and water systems would have been severely handicapped. May the generosity that HANDS’ members have been extending to us be returned a hundred fold. God bless…
AK 2009 was launched on 17 February at St. Ignatius Cathedral, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The Military Ordinariate (Military Diocese) hosted the event.
Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak, Military Ordinary was main celebrant and homilist. Arch. Antonio Ledesma, SJ (Cagayan de Oro), Retired Bishop Francisco Claver, SJ, Bishop Gabriel Reyes (Antipolo) and Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez (Marbel) concelebrated together with some 25 priests. read more
Dear brothers of the Congregation and the sisters and brothers of the Passionist Family,
In 2009 we are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the approbation of the Constitutions by the Holy See through the Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes, signed by the late Cardinal Eduardo Pironio, now the “Servant of God”. read entire letter
Sabaah Ilheer kull kom (Good morning to all) or Masah Ilheer kull kom (if afternoon or evening). Kiff halkom? (How are you?) Assalaamu aahlayykum. (May peace be on you). Allah yssallmak (God keep you safe and sound). I hope you are all in the best of conditions.... Naahtrak Saahiid (Have a nice day). read more
PASPAC CONFIGURATION MEETING
From 3rd – 5th February 2009 I attended a meeting of the Leaders of the PASPAC Configuration held at the Passionist Theologate House in Loyola Heights, Manila.
As PASPAC Coordinator for Restructuring, I called and chaired this meeting, which was also attended by Fr Clemente Barrón, the General Council representative for the Configuration.
read more
Letter Convoking the 3rd Provincial Chapter of the PASS Province, Philippines
February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
My dear brothers in Christ,
Our Legislation number 54 states that “The Provincial Chapter is to be held every four(4) years. The Chapter shall be convoked by the Provincial with the approval of the General Superior at least three(3) months in advance”
Let me quote three more points from our Legislations; read more
March 10 - Fr. Meliton, "Itok" as he is fondly called, is now a senior citizen! Fr. Tony, on the other hand, is now a golden ager! Both celebrate their birthday today.
Enjoy God's gift of life! And may you have many, many more birthdays to come. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! God bless...
It has been our dream to put up a modest seminar house in one of our areas in T'boli municipality, at a village called Kulufandi. Kulufandi is an ideal place to put this up because it is at the center of our many mission areas in that locality. Surrounding Kulufandi are the mission areas like Tablo, Balnabu, Sofu, Fitak, Bagong Silang, Tanda, Datal Safang, Mongokayo, Talambong and Motokling.
For the on-going formation programs of our lay ministers and leaders and the youth of these areas, it is too expensive for them to come down all the way to General Santos. If this seminar building materializes, then all they need to do when there are seminars is simply go up to that hill and enjoy the usual mountain breeze and the breath-taking view of Sarangani Bay.
The house' perspective was made by Edgar Monteza, from PAYO (Passionist Youth). It looks big but not really. And if you want to help, it is not actually that expensive; for all the walls would be made of bamboo slats. The biggest expense will only go to the roofing.
WITH THE INITIAL DONATIONS THAT WE RECEIVED FROM GENEROUS BENEFACTORS & FRIENDS, CONSTRUCTION WILL SOON BEGIN. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
The annual celebration of the Solemn Commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ was a success. The atmosphere was festive despite the gloomy and cloudy skies at the start of the celebrations. It even drizzled for a while during the mass, prompting those who were staying outside to squeeze in at that small hall in Labu Retreat Center.
Although it was just a half-day affair, everybody seemed to each other's presence as members of the Passionist Family. A short but very entertaining program followed right after the mass and an agape soon after.
Feb. 27 - HAPPY 8th ANNIVERSARY of priestly ordination! Come stai? Tutto bene? Spero di si. May you have many, many more years of fruitful ministry. God bless!
I am sending this unsolicited communication to stay in touch with all of you. Much as I had anticipated this stage of my life—as a Passionist and as an academic—I really missed you all even since the very minute I parted ways with Fr. Dandy, who drove me to the International Airport.
It’s my first week here in the Netherlands. A fortnight before I departed Manila, I was warned by my academic counsellor here that I may experience both a cultural and climatic shock. Of course, many Filipinos have experienced like these in whatever country they are or were in....read more...
Today, Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, signals big and joyful carnival celebrations in some parts of the globe. Fr. Rogie Castellano made this as a jumping board for his reflections during our community mass at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Rectory.
He says: the word carnival could mean a farewell to the flesh. And in today’s gospel, Jesus prayed with greater intensity; saying farewell, as it were, to his life in the flesh…
Let us remind ourselves again in the meaning and importance of prayer especially as we prepare ourselves for Lent. Regular prayer nourishes our spirit. Jesus himself regularly goes to secluded places to pray.
And St Paul of the Cross, our founder, tells us the importance of prayer- wishing his followers to pray without ceasing.
How faithful am I in my individual prayer?
As we celebrate today this unique Passionist Memorial of Jesus praying in the garden, we are reminded to free ourselves from the flesh by having an intimate union with God through regular prayer, relished prayer.
February 20 has always been a special day for the Diocese of Marbel. It is our beloved bishop's birthday. And just like his previous natal day celebrations, the one that was held yesterday was well attended, too.
The priests and religious of the diocese started congregating at the bishop's residence as early as 5:30 in the afternoon. Civic as well as military leaders were also there to join the bishop in thanking the Lord for his 70th birthday.
As usual, food was sumptuous and everybody did enjoy that pleasant evening with the celebrant. And by the way, the evening became enchanted, as it were, as the bishop was "serenaded" with classical guitar music from Roberto, an Italian musician who is said to be internationally known.
The Catholic Mission to the Indigenous People wishes our beloved bishop many, many happy returns of this joyful day. May God give you good health and more fruitful years of shepherding the Catholic Church of the Diocese of Marbel. Deo Gratias!
WHAT'S GOING ON...
And as the staff house was totally eaten up by the huge fire and razed to the ground, Amang went down with it. His charred body was retrieved some two hours later. Sincerest condolence goes to the Dialodin family. May Amang rest in peace. (the pic at right is the staff house).
Our kudos goes to the performers for a job well done as well as to the Indigenous Peoples' desk of the Social Action Center of Marbel (most especially Mam MC Barrameda, Inday Sionosa, Fr. Roming Catedral, & Fr. Nonoy Benitez, CP) for organizing these young kids into an amazing stage performers.
And for quite sometime, they thought the mission has forgotten them. But the new breed of missionaries in the likes of Frs. Vic Gabut, CP, Edward Loberiano, CP, Ferdinand Dulong, CP retraced the footsteps of Fr. Carl. 
These remaining days of March and first week of April are busy days for CMIP priests. The reason for this are the graduation and recognition activities of our mission schools. Fr. William Pondo, CP, the schools’ principal, made the opening salvo by going up to Kiame, last March 20, in order to be there for their recognition day which was scheduled on the 24th. To get there, he had to cross rivers, more than 15 times. Then the other day, March 25, it was Fr. Nonoy Plaza’s turn to go up to Datal Safang for the pupils’ culmination activities the following day. And yesterday, Fr. Vic Supranes, CP, went up also to Torukbato to do the same task – of saying mass for the parents and their elementary kids and representing CMIP during the culmination exercises. More fat-burning activities await CMIP staffs in days to come!
It has been our dream to put up a modest seminar house in one of our areas in T'boli municipality, at a village called Kulufandi. Kulufandi is an ideal place to put this up because it is at the center of our many mission areas in that locality. Surrounding Kulufandi are the mission areas like Tablo, Balnabu, Sofu, Fitak, Bagong Silang, Tanda, Datal Safang, Mongokayo, Talambong and Motokling. 
As usual, food was sumptuous and everybody did enjoy that pleasant evening with the celebrant. And by the way, the evening became enchanted, as it were, as the bishop was "serenaded" with classical guitar music from Roberto, an Italian musician who is said to be internationally known.