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CS4 2013 Practicum Immersion Document
Citation preview
UMA
Mark Michael Ferrer & Martin Rey Guerrero
Editors-in-Chief
Section Editors:
Kathleen Veronica Chua
The Practicum-Immersion Experience
Portia Mae Merecido & Leo Angeli Martinez
Family Profiles
Vaneza Mae Aumento
Theological Reflections
Ma. Anne Therese Musong & Zyra Bravo
The Practice of the Church’s Social Doctrine
Cherry Mae Marquezo
The Practice of Cardinal Virtues
Kevin Barrosa & Jason Jon Carreos
The Practice of Class Values
1
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 4
THE PRACTICUM-IMMERSION EXPERIENCE ........................................................................ 6
FIRST VISIT ........................................................................................................................... 7
FINAL VISIT ..........................................................................................................................10
FAMILY PROFILES ..................................................................................................................12
AMBI FAMILY ........................................................................................................................13
ANGALAN FAMILY ...............................................................................................................15
BAGUIO FAMILY ..................................................................................................................16
BARATAS FAMILY ................................................................................................................18
BASINGA FAMILY.................................................................................................................21
CAGAS FAMILY ....................................................................................................................23
CASINILLO FAMILY ..............................................................................................................25
CORDERO FAMILY ..............................................................................................................27
COREDERO FAMILY ............................................................................................................29
DALAPAN FAMILY (I) ...........................................................................................................31
DALAPAN FAMILY (II) ..........................................................................................................33
DELO SANTOS FAMILY .......................................................................................................35
DELOS SANTOS FAMILY .....................................................................................................37
EGAD FAMILY ......................................................................................................................39
ELOG FAMILY ......................................................................................................................41
GUBAT FAMILY ....................................................................................................................43
GUMAPAC FAMILY ..............................................................................................................45
GUTIERREZ FAMILY ............................................................................................................47
IÑIGO FAMILY ......................................................................................................................49
LANGAG FAMILY .................................................................................................................51
2
LOPEZ FAMILY .....................................................................................................................53
NARCILLA FAMILY ...............................................................................................................55
PACTORAYAN FAMILY ........................................................................................................57
PATENTES FAMILY ..............................................................................................................59
PATINTES FAMILY ...............................................................................................................61
SALCEDO FAMILY ...............................................................................................................63
TIOSTUMBAN FAMILY .........................................................................................................65
VILLAGRACIA FAMILY .........................................................................................................67
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ...............................................................................................69
GOD‘S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE IN THE IMMERSION AREA .......................................70
GOD‘S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE AMONG THE FOSTER FAMILIES .............................71
GOD‘S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE THROUGH THE PRACTICUM-IMMERSION
PROCESS .............................................................................................................................71
THE PRACTICE OF THE CHURCH‘S SOCIAL DOCTRINE PRINCIPLES ...............................73
HUMAN DIGNITY AND EQUALITY .......................................................................................74
RESPECT FOR LIFE ............................................................................................................74
PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................75
COMMON GOOD ..................................................................................................................76
ASSOCIATION AND PARTICIPATION .................................................................................77
SUBSIDIARITY .....................................................................................................................78
DIGNITY OF HUMAN WORK OR LABOR .............................................................................79
UNIVERSAL DESTINATION OF GOODS (STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION) .......................81
PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR .........................................................................82
SOLIDARITY .........................................................................................................................83
PROMOTION OF PEACE .....................................................................................................84
THE PRACTICE OF CARDINAL VIRTUES ...............................................................................85
JUSTICE ...............................................................................................................................86
3
TEMPERANCE .....................................................................................................................86
PRUDENCE ..........................................................................................................................87
FORTITUDE ..........................................................................................................................88
THE PRACTICE OF CLASS VALUES ......................................................................................89
MAGIS ...................................................................................................................................90
RESPECT .............................................................................................................................90
RESPONSIBILITY .................................................................................................................90
LOYALTY ..............................................................................................................................91
PERSEVERANCE .................................................................................................................92
CAMARADERIE ....................................................................................................................93
PATIENCE ............................................................................................................................94
OPTIMISM ............................................................................................................................95
TEAMWORK .........................................................................................................................96
GENEROSITY .......................................................................................................................97
Closing Remarks .......................................................................................................................98
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................................... 100
ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................... 101
4
INTRODUCTION By Mark Michael Ferrer
The Ateneo de Davao University has
consistently strived to provide excellence in
all areas of academic endeavor that extend
beyond the realm of the four-sided
classroom sort. As a Jesuit institution, the
university aims to inculcate an inherent
theme and class of education. Moreover,
the Ateneo de Davao University, as vividly
penned by the University president, aims to
mold leaders of students—a specific type of
leader who demonstrate an incessant
―passion for truth‖ that translates to a
discriminating taste in learning and living.
This definite brand of leaders, or Sui
Generis, is neither proud nor vain but
partakes in a humbling enterprise of
servitude. In particular, a vital facet of being
such a leader is generosity toward
community service. The Theology Division,
through Theology 141, champions this
worthy mission of giving back to the
community by engaging students in a
worthwhile immersion experience.
Theology 141, formally known as
Christian Commitment and Solidarity, is the
culmination of all previous Theology
courses. In this subject, students are
expected to use all their knowledge of the
course and put everything into practice. As
uniquely Ateneo de Davao, the course
reminds the student not take the university‘s
vision and mission for granted but instead to
wholeheartedly push themselves into
committing to the values of a Jesuit-
educated student.
The course underlines the
significance of service of faith through the
promotion of justice via the three-pronged
thrusts: inter-religious dialogue, social
justice, and environmental protection. While
there is an emphasis in learning the
fundamentals of such mission, it is only
through exertion that these important
channels can truly be fulfilled. The vital
reason for a Practicum Immersion is hence
highlighted.
The goal of the immersion
experience, in sum, is to engage the
students into the realities of the Lumad
community. It can be seen as a thoughtful
reminder for the students to be mindful of
their surroundings just as they are, in the
utmost sense, familiar of their immediate
milieu. The experience encourages the
students to break free of their comfort zones
and reach out to the community. This of
course entails a transition from self-
importance to altruism. While the Practicum
Immersion indeed is carried out by the
students, it is not for them. Concern for
others and a true understanding of social
5
justice are crucial for the success of an
authentic immersion. A focus is placed on
the whole instead of the self in order to help
the students understand what solidarity and
equality truly means, and especially what
follows on their absence.
It is central to highlight value
formation as part of the Practicum
Immersion because the experience is a
means of practicing a certain adopted value.
As such, the Practicum Immersion can also
be seen as a step toward the right direction.
By providing students with an avenue, the
experience actually serves as an element
that the students can use to become a
catalyst for change.
The Practicum Immersion is done in
cooperation with the Josefa Segovia
Foundation. The community assignment is
the Tawan-tawan barangay located at
Baguio District. This written output serves
as an in-depth documentation of the two-
day experience.
6
THE PRACTICUM-IMMERSION EXPERIENCE
Edited by Kathleen Veronica Chua
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for
the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the
statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14
7
FIRST VISIT By Hans Jan Villejo and Ben Antonio Santos
Theology 141 granted us the opportunity to visit remote or isolated places to give help
and immerse ourselves in such environments. We were assigned at Tawan-tawan, Baguio
District. We have never heard of the place but we did have an idea of what it was going to be
like.
We had our assembly by the
Ateneo de Davao University, Roxas Gate,
and finally, set forth for Almacen
(Alternative Marketing Center), where we
had our orientation for the immersion.
There in Almacen, we were called, one by
one, to line up alongside our respective
partners for the immersion activity. We
were given a brief introduction on how the
immersion process should be carried out,
including reminders on how we are to
conduct ourselves in the area. After the discussion, we were dismissed and travelled to the
area. Since we were to conduct the visit by pair, we were told to travel with our partner to avoid
any problem.
Alternative Marketing Center
Student assembly in front of Roxas Gate
Transportation bound for the assigned area
8
The trip from Almacen to Tawan-tawan
took about an hour and a half. The road was
dusty, bumpy, rocky, and narrow. It cannot be
denied that the trip provided certain
discomforts. Yet even though the travel was
uncomfortable, we can only imagine how much
more difficult it is for the residents of the village
to descend to town and to buy necessities.
When we arrived at
the area, our initial musings
on how urban it would be
disappeared; it was quite the
opposite: Although some of
them had cement houses,
televisions, sari-sari stores
(other families even had
pets), it was different from the
common sights of the city with
which we were familiar. It was
clear to us that some of them
had enough wealth to live
until they can. But as we
came closer inside the village,
we witnessed the reality of
the place. Our expectations
and preconceived notions
started to disappear before
our eyes. Some houses didn‘t
have the luxury of electricity
while others still were poorly
built. The place didn‘t have
constant water flow as well. It
Our instructor, Mam Dayrit, giving out final instructions
Arrival at the area
Mam Judy Anne of the Josefa Segovia Foundation, assigning us to our foster families
9
was really a different environment to what we were used to. We didn‘t appreciate the little things
we had until we were immersed in such a place. At the end of the session, it was clear to us that
they really needed help (especially those who are really poor).
In a way, we were shocked by the
reality of poverty in the area. Some of the
families there are barely making ends meet.
Some houses shelter two to three families
consisting of at least three to five members
each. Their dinner is constraint but pushed to
try to feed eight mouths living under one roof.
Some of the houses are even structurally
unsafe, relying on a withering chunk of wood
for support and if it corrodes and gives in, the
whole place would fall apart. This may all sound worse than it actually is, but from the
perspective of someone who has lived in some sort of comfort and luxury, it is definitely an eye
opener to the reality of this world.
We‘ve been so accustomed to easy living that when a bit of difficulty comes along our
way, we grumble and complain like there‘s no tomorrow. We‘ve taken for granted what we have
and developed a destructive mentality of entitlement, thinking that we deserve and have a right
to the things we enjoy now. After seeing the state and condition of life there, it‘s like we‘ve been
given this sense of responsibility to treat every blessing we enjoy as a privilege and not a right.
To be good stewards of blessings and to be more grateful for what we have. People say you
never know what you have until they‘re gone. Well, the truth is, you‘ve always known what you
had. You just didn‘t think you‘d lose them in your lifetime.
We are not entitled to anything, so don‘t take for granted what you currently have.
The newly built tram line that would soon ferry people and crops to the neighboring farm
10
FINAL VISIT By Jolu Ezra Zamudio
The tenth of August of 2013
marks the day of our final visit for our
Theology 141 Immersion. Everyone in
the class prepared their tokens of
appreciation for the foster families who
accepted them in their homes, who
bonded with them during their stay,
who looked after them, and who openly
shared their lives with them. These
tokens varied from grocery items, which
would provide assistance of food and
basic home necessities, to hygienic
items for families who can sustain
themselves with food. Everyone
involved shared in order to fulfil this
commitment. Students even came to
help pack the tokens the day before,
even though it was a holiday; this action showed how devoted these students are and how
much they care about for their foster families.
Saturday came
fast, it was a cool morning;
the weather was not so hot
and not so cold, it was just
right. The students got up
early and prepared
everything that they were
going to bring. Gathering
at Ateneo Roxas gate, the
chatter of the students
were brimming with
Packing the family tokens
A resident drying coffee beans 1
11
anticipation of their activity to come. The students finally began to board their transport, and
went their way to Tawan-tawan.
During the trip on the way, no matter how tiring, uncomfortable, and dull, everyone held
their heads high and their hearts strong for it will be the last that they would be spending time
with their foster families. Arriving at Tawan-tawan, the students went to their families directly,
not needing any instruction. Each house was filled with smiles coming from both student and
family, a bonus was the added sound of children laughing in enjoyment upon seeing their ates
and kuyas return. Another bonus treat was that the students were taken to explore the
surroundings. Most of the students went down the mountain, through the hanging bridge, and
down to the river or spring. After exploring, the students brought out the celebratory food for
their lunch. It provided a ―farewell party‖ feel. Saying their goodbyes, the students gave their
tokens of appreciation to the families; in return, smiles of the families were seen. It was more
than enough for the students to know that they gave something to the families, in such a way
that it made them smile. However, it wasn‘t only the
families that were given tokens; even the students were
given fruits as gifts from their families as a sign of thanks
for spending time with them, even if it was only for a short
while.
The immersion was a very memorable experience.
I‘m sure it will be burned in the memories and hearts of the
students and everyone involved in order to make it an
eventful one and a success. Like what Tony Robbins said,
―Only those who have learned the power of sincere and
selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true
fulfilment‖.
Immersion participants preparing to leave
12
FAMILY PROFILES
Edited by Portia Mae Merecido & Leo Angeli Martinez
Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.
Proverbs 22:2
13
AMBI FAMILY By Stephen Galagala & Shannice Gaile Sedeño
Father: Marlon Ambi (30 yrs. old)
Mother: Josephine ―Pin‖ Ambi (21 yrs. old)
Children:
Kathleen Faith Ambi (5 months)
Address: Brgy Durian, Tawan-Tawan, Baguio
Dist.
History and Economic Information
Marlon who originated from Kidapawan came along with his Uncle to Tawan-tawan
when he was 9 hoping for a better life. On the other hand, Pin, one of 12 siblings, came from
Tambubong, Calinan. The two met when Marlon went to Josephine‘s place. There, their love
story blossomed. On March 3 2013, Josephine gave birth to their first baby, Kathleen, after a
year of living together. The couple, both of Bagobo descent, opted to settle in Tawan-tawan
since Marlon owned a one-hectare land in a neighboring place. Currently, the couple together
with Marlon‘s parents has been living simply in their rented house for one and a half years.
The said land is composed of Banana and Cacao trees and Robusta coffee. However
the cacao and robusta are not bearing anything. Hence the family relies on banana fruit as their
main source of income. For every 15 days they can collect 50kg and sell it at P7/kilo. Other than
that, the household members, except for Josephine, also cut weeds when contracted to do
them. The household also annually produces soft brooms using materials from their land.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
All the members of the family are adherents of the Iglesia ni Cristo faith, and have been
regularly attending to masses. Pin being mostly left at home alone; she takes part of bible studies
conducted by the Iglesia ni Cristo devotees on house to house arrangement.
From left to right: Josephine, Baby Kathleen, In-law Julia, Shanice
14
Dreams and Aspirations
If opportunity will be given, Pin would
like to continue her studies, where she left off
after her 3rd year in high school. She would
also want to have a small business so she can
help her husband with their daily expenses,
also have their own residence and save for
Kathleen‘s education. Pin also affirmed that
Marlon wants the same all for Kathleen‘s
future.
From left to right: Stephen, Kathleen, Josephine, Shanice
15
ANGALAN FAMILY By Andrea Bernardino and Paolo Austria
Father: Enrico Angalan (41 yrs old)
Mother: Alessandra Angalan (34 yrs old)
Children:
Judilyn Angalan (17 yrs old)
Judirick Angalan (14 yrs old)
Dyname Angalan (13 yrs old)
Rachel Angalan (10 yrs old)
Ivy JoyIvy Angalan (5 yrs old)
Reisa Mae Angalan (2 yrs old)
Joicylyn Angalan (2 weeks old)
Address:
History and Economic Information
It has been a year since the Angalan family stayed in Tawan-tawan after moving out
from their previous place due to a landslide. Mr. Angalan works at a farm to crop and produce
cocoa and banana. His salary during every season is 10,000 pesos. Mrs. Angalan is a
housewife but she also sometimes goes with her husband at the farm to help. The family‘s
religion is Church of Christ.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The Angalan Family has no community involvement yet since they are new to the place.
It has only been a year since they transferred to the village and opportunities for community
involvement are still unfamiliar.
After the natural disaster from their previous area, the family received the aid of the
Josefa Segovia Foundation. The foundation helped them move out from their former home and
transfer to Tawan-tawan.
From left to right: Paolo Arayan, Andrea Bernardino, Alessandra Angalan, Joicylyn Angalan, Ivy JoyIvy Angalan, Dyname Angalan, Resia Mae Angalan, Rachel Angalan, and Judilyn Angalan
16
Dreams and Aspirations
The dream of Mr. Angalan is to provide
for the family and schooling the children.
From left to right: Ivy Joy Angalan, a friend, Dyname Angalan, Rachel Angalan, and a friend
17
BAGUIO FAMILY By Eduardo Esternon Jr. & Theressa Quiao
Father: Rene Baguio (47 yrs. old)
Mother: Merlyn Baguio (44 yrs. old)
Children:
Roni Baguio (26 yrs. old)
Roman Baguio (22 yrs. old)
Evangeline Baguio (20 yrs. old)
Rachel Baguio (17 yrs. old)
Address: Madaum, Durian Bacuring-San
Isidro Road, Brgy Tawan-tawan, Baguio
District Davao City
History and Economic Information
Merlyn Baguio originated in Marilog. She moved in with Rene Baguio when they got
married on 1986. The reason why the married couple decided to live in Tawan-Tawan is because
generations of Rene‘s Family has been staying in Tawan-Tawan for a long time.
Currently they are still living in Tawan-Tawan and blossom four offspring, two male and
two female. Rene and Roni are both working for the family outside Tawan-Tawan while Merlyn
goes to a one-hour travel field and get their crops. Their crops are durian, cacao, banana,
lansones. They sell cacao 75 pesos per kilo and sold 20 kilos per week.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The Baguio family is a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). They set aside
time to attend church service in Iglesia ni Cristo and are also an active member of a religious
organization. Also, they are one of the benefactors of Josefa Segovia foundation which means
that the said foundation took care of the expenses of the development plans in their community
including livelihood opportunities. With the support of JSF staffs, these experiences taught the
residents of Barangay Tawan-tawan claim their rights to human security and development.
From left to right: Theressa, Merlyn, Evangeline, Eduardo
18
Dreams and Aspirations
The dream of the family is not really a
fancy dream but rather simple and sort of
sweet. They just want to live happily and
healthy together. ―Maayong pang-lawas‖ as
Merlyn said in our interview.
From left to right: Theressa, Merlyn
19
BARATAS FAMILY By Perry Louise Saavedra & Chin Ai Millan
Father: Ernie P. Baratas
Mother: Elsie C. Baratas
Children:
Errol Mark C. Baratas
Ercel John C. Baratas
Ern Matheo C. Baratas
Address: Purok Bagong Lipunan, Panigan
Tawan tawan, Baguio, Davao City
History and Economic Information
The couple‘s each family has been there for 31 years already. Mr. Ernie is a farmer
while Mrs. Baratas is a plain housewife. They like their environment and culture because
according to them, it is very different from people who live in more civilized place. The Baratas
family is making a living from the small plantation surrounds their house given to them by their
family. These small plantations are as it follows. The Baratas family sells Cacao per kilo at
Tabliya manufacturer located at Calinan. The Baratas family makes a living to lubi by making
―Tuba‖. The Baratas family has small banana plantation which they sell at the Calinan market.
Their gross income sums up to 5,000 pesos.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
Assistance from Josefa Segovia foundation are seminar and livelihood, education about
livelihood like sewing, making bags, about right farming, donation of fertilizers for community‘s
plantation and donation of feeds for community‘s farm animals such as pigs and chickens.
From left to right: Children, Mrs. Baratas, Perry Saavedra, Milan
20
Dreams and Aspirations
Grinning with beautiful smile, Mrs.
Baratas said to our interview, ―If you will ask
me, what are our dreams and aspirations in
our lives‖, ―Well, all we wanted is simply that
our children will be able to finish their studies
up to college and all of us are always
healthy‖.
From left to right: Mr. Baratas, Perry Sandoval
21
BASINGA FAMILY By Christian Joie Harder & Legarta
Father: n/a
Mother: Radito Basinga (25 yrs. Old)
Children:
Tobey (9 yrs. old)
Andrew (7 yrs. old)
Address: Sitio Panigan, Barangay Tawan-
tawan Calinan Davao City
History and Economic Information
Radito, along with his 2 brothers and 4 sisters, were originally born and raised in Tawan-
tawan after their parents decided to settle there during the 70‘s. Unfortunately as young as 7,
Radito with his siblings, were already exposed in the harsh reality of life since they were left
behind by their mother with literally nothing but their ―bahay kubo‖. Fortunate enough, his father
manage to grow some crops and her sister works in an early age for them to survive.
Right now, Radito is in charge of the house and his studies in the secondary level. He is
also taking care of his 3 nephews given that 2 of his sister are working abroad. He‘s father is
living on another house in the same town with them but they still support each other and currenty
producing cacaos.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
With the help of Josefa Segovia Foundation, Radito was able to join a gay pageant that
was held in Abreeza last June and this coming Tawan-tawan fiesta
From left to right: Basinga Family, Legarta
22
Dreams and Aspirations
Radito shared to us an incident that
happened a long time ago, their mother left
since he‘s youngest brother was still less than
a year old and even he‘s two brothers don‘t
even know her face. Even though their mother
is the one who abandoned them, Radito and
along with he‘s two sisters still longing for her,
still want to find her and see how she is doing.
―Masking unsa and nahitabo, Mama man ghapun nimu sya‖ Radito said.
From left to right: Basinga family, Cj Harder
23
CAGAS FAMILY By Martin Rey Guerrero & April Ledesma
Father: John Cagas (42 yrs. old)
Mother: Maria Jelene Cagas (36 yrs. old)
Children:
Jezreel Cagas (12 yrs. old)
John Ismael Cagas (9 yrs. old)
Leslie Jane Cagas (6 yrs. old)
Address: Sitio Panigan, Tawan-tawan, Baguio
District, Davao City
History and Economic Information
History started when Mr. Cagas (a Lumad) married a woman named Maria Jelene, who
hailed from Cagayan de Oro. Currently, they are having their 15th year of being married. They
settled in the Cagayan for several years. The Cagas family were not natives of the place except
for Mr. Cagas. They had no place to go, no money and no work when Mrs. Cagas was pregnant
with her first son. They had a difficult time adjusting at first but they were able to survive the long
road of change. Now, they have 3 healthy children, attending both high school and grade
school.
Source of income was very difficult to find at first. However, there came a time where
Josefa Segovia Foundation offered them a place to stay, work for both husband and wife and
plantations for extra income. Plants included mostly of cocoa trees (which sells around Php30
per kilo), durian trees, coconut trees and some vegetables like sayote and the like. Other means
of income included jobs like panday (for Mr. Cagas) and teacher (for Mrs. Cagas). With this,
they were able to work hard until they have earned some necessities like TV, radio, kitchen
utensils and more.
From left to right: Jezreel, John Ismael, Maria Jelene, April (partner), Leslie
24
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The Josefa Segovia Foundation offers a diversity of agricultural and livelihood orientations
to the community. The Cagas family was able to get the hold of taking care and harvesting cocoa
plantation just within their vicinity for living. Livelihood orientations such as proper waste
management and home cleanliness are also part of the many gifts Josefa Segovia Foundation is
giving away as free.
Dreams and Aspirations
In summary, the Cagas family wanted
a life where their basic necessities (ex.
comfort room, proper bedroom and etc.) are
fulfilled. The children wanted to be teachers
and policeman. The mother wanted a simple
and livable future for her children so that they
would be ready for the future to come. They
have simple dreams with genuine hearts.
From left to right: Jezreel, John Ismael, Maria Jelene, Me, Leslie
25
CASINILLO FAMILY By Bryan Joseph Reas & Juvy Liza
Father: Jaime K. Casinillo (45 yrs. old)
Mother: Elma S. Casinillo (40 yrs. old)
Children:
Eljay S. Casinilio (21 yrs. old)
Mara Joy C. Gariando (19 yrs. old)
Princess Joy S. Casinillo (17 yrs.
old)
Jayde Joy S. Casinillo (11 yrs. old)
Jaime S. Casinillo Jr (5 yrs. old)
Mike Jay Casinillo (2 yrs. old)
Address: Purok Kaunlaran Panigan Tawan-
Tawan
History and Economic Information
The family‘s main source of income is the salary of Mr. Casinillo. He will be paying for
330 pesos per day and will receive 8,580 pesos per month. Mrs. Casinillo who manages their
business (sari-sari store, billiard/billiard hall and videoke) can earn 300 to 400 pesos per day.
Also, the family has their own farm land where they planted different fruits, such as cocoa,
durian, and lanzones.
Mrs. Casinillo was active in their purok/sitio since she attended some conferences or
meetings every time their purok leader will gather them. When asked about the assistance that
they got from the Josefa Segovia Foundation, they said that they were not familiar with it.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
Mrs. Casinilio stated that they were not familiar the Josefa Segovia Foundation. She can‘t
also remember of any assistance given by such foundation. The only Community Involvement
they recognize is whenever there are some events being held in the purok.
From left to right: Bryan Reas, Juvy Liza, Mike Jay Casinillo, Mrs. Elma Casinillo
26
Dreams and Aspirations
Mrs. Casinilio‘s only dream to her
family is first that her children would finish
their study. Second is to have a good
health. Lastly, despite of lack of financial
income they can still be a family. Happy
living together and always will.
From left to right: Bryan Reas, Juvy Liza, Mike Jay Casinillo, Mrs. Elma Casinillo
27
CORDERO FAMILY By Georgi Sacramento II & Letiedane Pama
Father: Allen Roy Cordero (30 yrs. old)
Mother: Cheryl Cordero (25 yrs. old)
Children:
Allena Chescka (2 yrs. old)
Address:Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District,
Davao
History and Economic Information
Both Mr. and Mrs. Cordero were what we use to call childhood sweethearts where they
had met each other in the within community itself, when they were still teenagers. Allen Roy, a
Computer Science Graduate used to study at Cebu, while Cheryl used to work part time in the
City. Both came together and got married and on separate occasion gave life to their 2 years old
daughter, Allena. Both, Mr. and Mrs. Cordero also live nearby their relatives on the same
community.
Currently, Mr. Codero, is the Barangay Treasurer, he is also taking care of the family‘s
cacao farm both lands beside their house and the one nearby the river. Mrs. Cordero is
currently a housewife, taking care of Allena. In some occasions, Mrs. Cordero also helps in the
farming duties when not busy doing housework. Income wise, while not stated specifically, the
family is able to sustain their daily expenses. There also comes a time, especially during
harvests, they earn from it. If not, it is basically Mr. Cordero‘s income and travel allowance
which is the main source of income. They also own assorted types of appliances, and a
motorcycle, which serves as their main transportation.
From left to right: Allena Chescka, Cheryl, Letie, Allen Roy
28
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
As a member of the Josefa Segovia Foundation the family of Mr. Cordero received a help
from an organization commonly called MTBKA which is also under in the foundation. Being a
member of the JSF also means that they will receive any kind of help such as financial. Aside
from the financial help, they also received medical assistance that includes check-up and
medicines. Mrs. Cordero pointed out that being a member of JSF helped them a lot.
Dreams and Aspirations
Mrs. Cordero‘s dream is just very
simple and that is to have a complete and
happy family together. For her, living a simple
life is just fine as long as the three of them are
together. Her dream for her daughter is like a
dream of all mothers for their child. And that is
to finish and have a good quality of education.
Mrs. Cordero believed that education is the key
to a better life. That is why she and her husband worked hard for that dream.
From left to right: Allena Chescka, Cheryl, Georgi, Allen Roy
29
COREDERO FAMILY By Mark Allen Saclot & Mary Grace Odan
Father: Mr. Joeffrey Coredero (54 yrs. Old)
Mother: Mrs. Evelyn Cordero (51 yrs. Old)
Children:
Allen Roy Corder
Lyn Joy Ordista
Darwin Cordero
Address: Purok Bagong Lipunan Tawan-
Tawan
History and Economic Information
The pictures represent ,Lyn Joy Ordista, the daughter of our foster parent currently living
with his husband and sister under the roof of her parents.. They have been living for 32 years in
their current home. Their race is mixed with Ilonggo and Cebuano. The parents were born in
Tawan-Tawan and decided to put up their own family on the same place where they grew up.
Allen Roy Cordero already has his own family and put up his family to another house near to his
parents‘ house at the same street.
The mother, Mrs. Evelyn Cordero, of Lyn Joy Ordista always goes to their farm land to
check their crops and other fruits almost every day depending on the weather. She only walks
from thei home up to the farm land for about 30 minutes. The father, Mr. Joeffrey Cordero, is a
company driver who delivers rice grain, feeds, and fruits to Cagayan. When it is his rest day, he
will accompany his wife to their farm land.
The parents plant crops and other fruits as the main source of income of the family. They
also have a small sari-sari store that was owned by one of the children.
From left to right: Odan, Mrs. Evelyn Cordero, Saclot
30
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The eldest son which is Mr. Allen Roy Cordero is the Barangay Treasurer of their place.
The family sometimes joins ―Kasaulogan‖ if it is held in their purok due to money scarcity.
Dreams and Aspirations
A simple dream hoped-for is to
continue living and surpass all difficulties
and to make her family better and be a good
model for god and the community followed
by a successful life.
From left to right: Odan, Mrs. Evelyn Cordero, Saclot
31
DALAPAN FAMILY (I) By Dayne Martin Dacudao & Catherine Gonzales
Father: Reynato Dalapan
Mother: Nelia Dalapan
Children:
Renelia Dalapan (10 yrs. old)
Reynato Dalapan Jr. (8 yrs. old)
Lara Belle Dalapan (6 yrs. old)
Leslie Joy Dalapan (3 yrs. old)
Rochelle Dalapan (1 year old)
Address: Purok MBL Tawan-Tawan Baguio
District, Davao City Philippines
History and Economic Information
The family arrived where they‘re situated now as a decision to settle for a place where
they simply could have obtained some form of livelihood or job- they‘ve been settled there for 15
years and Reynato‘s farm area or land was nearer there too. Both Nelia and Reynato have
already inhabited at Tawan-Tawan since they were children with Nelia‘s family being there since
her grandmother‘s time while Reynato since his parent‘s time.
Reynato had failed to specify the exact farm area but then again as he had said it
―gamay ra man pud kayo tung yuta namo‖. The family does not truly have a stable income from
the farm or land with which they are tilling- the highest they‘ve earned was 100 - 500 pesos.
Other forms of obtaining profit or income for them was as we understand from what they had
said ―pang hornel ug pag uma…‖
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
Nelia was a part of Women‘s Tribal Organization and was the very president of such
organization while Reynato was part of the association concerned with the welfare of the
farmers as well as the farmer‘s family- this was all the information we could obtain from the
From left to right: Nelia, Rochelle, Leslie, Lara, Renelia, Reynato
32
organization or group that Reynato was in. They knew ma‘am Juday but nothing of JSF. The
family was one of the beneficiaries of the uCare.
Dreams and Aspirations
The family, or Nelia and Reynato to
be specific, had only dreamt of having their
children finish school so they may somehow
achieve a better life. Yet, both Nelia and
Reynato somehow aspired in giving their
children as well as themselves a better life
through working very hard but it‘d somehow
be very difficult for them as we will expound
on this later.
From left to right: Catherine, Dayne, Nelia, Rochelle, Leslie, Lara, Renelia, Reynato
33
DALAPAN FAMILY (II) by Edgar Erlo Furatero & Ma. Anne Therese Musong
Father: Jhony Dalapan (37 yrs. old)
Mother: Manilyn Dalapan (22 yrs. old)
Children:
n/a
Niece:
Edna Miasco (18 yrs. old)
Address: Durian Village, Tawan-Tawan,
Davao City
History and Economic Information
Jhony was born and raised in Carmen, Makatabok. He transferred to Tawan-Tawan in
2004 where he met his wife, Manilyn, and got married in 2009. Since they do not yet have their
own child, they raised their niece, Edna, a daughter of Jhony‘s sister, who is currently in
secondary level.
Jhony chose to live in Durian Village, Tawan-Tawan among other places because he
already has relatives who live there. The house they currently reside in was built by Jhony
himself using his own earnings. The lot was originally owned by his aunt which they only rented
then, until came such time they bought it.
As their main source of income, Jhony goes to Mt. Tipolog every weekday where he
works as a farmer. Aside from that, he also monitors the trees in a specific area in Mt. Tipolog
called Sitio Gading. As they are also part of the community‘s cooperative with 17 families,
wherein they put up a sari-sari store, they get to have yearly additional income.
From left to right: Edgar Erlo Furatero, Jhony Dalapan, Manilyn Dalapan, Ma. Anne Therese Musong
34
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The Dalapan Family is involved with UCARE, an environmental organization that is mainly
concerned with protecting the nature. Aside from that, Jhony is also part of Bantay Bukid
movement, in which they monitor the mountains. Part of the movement is to plant seedlings
which they started in October 2012. Besides the environmental protection involvement, as
mentioned beforehand, the family is part of the village‘s cooperative in which the whole 17
families get a share of around 68,000 pesos in a year. Jhony is also involved with the church
(Iglesia ni Cristo) for 12 years already. Every Sunday, he goes to Carmen, Makatabok to teach
the children about the word of the Lord.
Dreams and Aspirations
What they only aspire is to be able to
protect the nature since it plays an important
role in preventing landslides to happen. They
are not just concerned about the lives of the
people in Tawan-Tawan but also the people in
the city.
From left to right: Manilyn Dalapan, Jhony Dalapan, Ma. Anne Therese Musong
35
DELO SANTOS FAMILY by Jolu Ezra Zamudio & Karlene Rodriguez
Father: Hilario delo Santos (49 yrs. old)
Mother: Merlina delo Santos (38 yrs. old)
Children:
Monica delo Santos (16 yrs. old)
Hilario delo Santos II (13 yrs. old)
Haraseldelo Santos (12 yrs. old)
Address: Brgy. Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District,
Davao City
History and Economic Information
The family has lived in Tawan-Tawan for 39 years, beginning with the migration of
Mr.Hilariodelo Santos from Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, in 1974. Mr.Hilario
purchased 10 hectares of farmland in the area and decided to settle for good. He met his wife,
Mrs.Merlinadel Santos, a Bagobo and a local. Together they have three children.
Nowadays, besides farming, Mr.Hilario is also a forest guard and Mrs.Merlina is the
purok leader and chairperson of Mount BantayKinaiyahan, an organization that monitors the
preservation of their surrounding forests.
The family‘s main source of income is farming. They own a 10 hectare land where
different fruits such as durian, avocado, pineapple, cocoa and banana are planted. Both Mr.
and Mrs. delo Santos earn incomes, Mr.delo Santos is the one who tends their farm and also
works as forest guard while Mrs.Delo Santos is a purok leader and the chairperson of Mount
BantayKinaiyahan, an organization that monitors the preservation of their surrounding forests.
From left to right: Merlina, Harasel, Hilario II and Hilario
36
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
When asked about the assistance that they got from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
they said that they did not get any assistance from them. They said that they only got assistance
from the IDIS or Interface Development Intervention.
Dreams and Aspirations
Mr. and Mrs. delo Santos are satisfied
with their current living but they still aspire for
success. They dream that their children will
finish their studies so that they can find good
jobs and be successful.
From left to right: Rodriguez, Zamudio, delo Santos Family, other guests
37
DELOS SANTOS FAMILY by Clyde Cedric Cuerdo & Christine Esteban
Father: Honorio Delos Santos
Mother: Alma Delos Santos
Children:
Harold Delos Santos (12 yrs. old)
Raniel Delos Santos (8 yrs. old)
Rina Delos Santos (7 yrs. old)
Address: Brgy. Tawan-tawan specifically in
Purok LVM
History and Economic Information
Alma and his husband Honorio lives in Brgy Tawan-tawan for 20 years until present.
When they got married, they decided to stay in Honorio's (name of husband) area which was
Brgy. Tawan-tawan specifically in Purok LVM. They have 6 children, the eldest died because of a
disease, the second got married and living together with her, is his younger brother (the third
one), and the other 3 are still in elementary. The two children whom are not staying with them are
staying in Bukidnon while the other 3 is living with her. Honorio works in Dole's banana farm as a
farmer, he earns around 4 to 5 thousand pesos every month.
Another source of income of the family is their agricultural land. They harvest cacao, dries
them then sells them in the Calinan market. The family earns 10 to 15 thousand pesos per
harvest but it depends if the trees bear a lot of cacao.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
One of the assistance that the community received from JSF was the construction of
Nursery for kids and the program on tree planting. In tree planting program, the community
members were encourage to plant trees. Each tree that they could plant under JSF they would
receive 5 pesos. The program intends to lessen the possibility of flooding in the area and other
From left to right: Clyde, Alma, Christine
38
parts. Another involvement of Alma and her Family is their membership in alliance; it is a religious
group of the Protestants.
Dreams and Aspirations
Alma and his husband Honorio wants
their children to finish college, to have a good
future and to live a better life. But apparently,
there are some circumstances that make their
situation difficult, e.g. family problems and
financial problems arise most of the time not
only to them but also to other families.
From left to right: Harold, Reinan and Rina
39
EGAD FAMILY by Brian Dan Congson & Siena Joy Dicon
Father: Ruperto Egad Sr. (55 yrs old)
Mother: Byne Egad (53 yrs old)
Children:
Roly Egad
Ruperto Egad Jr.
Marwin Egad
Lynie Egad
Bernalyn Egad
Venie Egad
Address: Purok Durian,Tawan-tawan,
Baguio District
History and Economic Information
Mr. and Mrs. Ruperto Egad Sr. were married on 1978. The couple has given six beautiful
and handsome offsprings. Roly, Lynie and Bernalyn are all married and live separately with their
spouse. Marwin Egad, their third child, is a Pastor in Marilog. Ruperto works in the construction
site in Davao. While Roly, their eldest son, is working with them making banana chips. Their
youngest daughter, Venie, is still in grade 7. She‘s the only one left in their house with her mother
and father among her other siblings. They have a little land that is entitled to their family – planted
with durian and cacao trees. Their backyard was filled too with those together with other
vegetables. Ptr. And Mrs. Ruperto Egad Sr. worked together making the banana chips. They are
the ones who ―banggod‖ the banana, dry it and sell it. They can get an income of three thousand
per 15 sacks in one month but sometimes if Ptr. Ruperto can pack more than 15 sacks of banana
chips, they can get an additional income. ―Tama-tama ra man among income. Basta ok na
makakaon mi tulo sa isa ka adlaw‖, Mrs. Egad stated. The family lives their simple life at the little
purok of Durian.
A happy and simple family despite of poverty, that‘s the family of Ptr. And Mrs. Ruperto
Egad Sr. living by faith and the greatness of God.
From left to right: Venie, Siena, Byne, grandchildren, Brian
40
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The Egad family planted their Cacao trees with the seedling that where given to them by
the JSF. Other seedling where also given by the JSF to the family. Even before JSF, the family
was already receiving assistance from other foundations in the area. In the community, the family
is one that is active in the church. They also influence other families to be engage in church.
Dreams and Aspirations
Mrs. Egad states her dream and
aspirations for her family. She prays that her
sons and daughters will have a beautiful life.
Since her youngest daughter is the only one
left to have the opportunity to continue her
studies, her desire is to let her finish her
studies until college.
From left to right: Siena, Mrs. and Mr. Egad with their children and grandchildren, Brian
41
ELOG FAMILY by Aldrin Troy Violan & Lovely Prieto
Father:Romeo Elog (45 yrs. old)
Mother:Leticia Elog (42 yrs. old)
Children:
Arnold Elog (22 yrs. old)
Brendon Elog (20 yrs. old)
Roxanne Elog (16 yrs. old)
Jason Elog (25 yrs. old)
Address:Tawan-Tawan Baguio District, Davao
City
History and Economic Information
Their family is extra-ordinary unlike any other. The family Elog has experienced a
fairytale-like life. Romeo is from Marilog District while Leticia grew from Tawan-Tawan. They both
met in the village when Romeo was still 24. After a long time of courting, Leticia knew that
Romeo is something that she will treasure the rest of her life. At first, they lived in a simple life as
couple because they both are not capable of paying a wedding ceremony so Romeo lived with
Leticia in 1982. After a while, when the village have a very common Filipino tradition, Kasalang
Bayan, they joined and got married.
Their marriage went well and after they gave birth to their eldest son, Arnold noticed that
they have to work in order to gain reputation and in order for their family to survive. As their family
grows bigger, they have to find work. Romeo, as head of the family have to find work in order to
make their family live. Romeo fortunately got a job as freelance laborer. He have to work for a
few months in the city proper to earn for a living while Leticia have to harvest some banana fruit
to sell them in public market. In addition, Leticia, in her spare time makes some brooms to sell to
the neighborhood. No matter how hard their economic status is, they still managed to live a
simple life.
From left to right: Troy Violan, Leticia Elog, Jason Elog, Roxanne Elog, Lovely Prieto
42
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
Romeo, aside from working as a laborer in the city, he is also a volunteer in JSF in
collaboration with DENR to protect Mt. Dipolog and also the river from external forces brought by
people in the village. I really admire his sense of volunteerism because he doesn‘t mind anything
in return but he minds the environment in general.
Dreams and Aspirations
The family Elog, like any typical
family, would aspire to lift their family away
from poverty. We really can see their effort
when it comes to work and aiming big
because no matter the children haven‘t
finished their education, they still managed
to strive hard to help their family.
From left to right: Leticia Elog and Lovely Prieto
43
GUBAT FAMILY by Kevin Barrosa & Zyra Bravo
Father: Nilo S. Gubat. (43 yrs. old)
Mother: Erenia D. Gubat (41 yrs. old)
Children:
Jay Ronie Gubat (20 yrs. old)
Jillian Gubat (8 yrs. old)
Address: Brgy. Tawantawan, Baguio District,
Davao City
History and Economic Information
The Gubat Family is a simple family living in a rural area of Davao. Their family culture is
quite different and their ways of living is much harder than what we normally experience in the
city.
The Gubat Family is composed of four members: the mother, Erenia Dalapan-Gubat, the
father, Nilo Gubat, and the children, Jay Ronie and Jillian Gubat. Nilo is a farmer while Erenia is a
simple housewife. Jillian is a grade-two student while Jay is a freelance church-preacher and a
water-shed employee. They live in a simple wooden house with four distinct rooms – two
bedrooms, living room and dining room. They have been living in the house since the birth of
Erenia, who inherited the place from her parents.
They are all Lumads by culture and Iglesia ni Cristo by faith. Though they speak Lumad,
they were thought by their elders Cebuano to help them understand and communicate to people
from urban places.
Their economic status is somewhat unstable. Though they own a farm of crops cacao,
banana, coffee, and lanzones, meters away across the river, it is only during the harvest period,
particularly on the months of October to December, when they gain the opportunity for an income
from their farm. Every August, they celebrate their fiesta, the ―Araw ng Tawan-tawan‖, in which
From left to right: Kevin Barrosa, Gubat Family
44
they, along with other villagers, gather at the court and bring food, have a small program and eat
together.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The Gubat Family is involved in some community activities such as church preaching and
teaching, in which Jay would lead the praise. Because of the assistance of the Josefa Segovia
Foundation, Jay was able to finish high school and was able to do his work.
Dreams and Aspirations
In contrast with the simplicity of their
family are the heights of their dreams and
aspirations. Erenia and Nilo dream of having
the best for their children. They aspire to help
their children fulfill their dreams. In particular,
Jillian wants to become a teacher while Jay
wants to become an aircraft engineer.
From left to right: Zyra Bravo, Gubat family
45
GUMAPAC FAMILY by Mark Michael Ferrer & Leo Angeli Martinez
Father: Allan Gumapac (45 yrs. old)
Mother: Marlyn Gumapac (47 yrs. old)
Children:
Anna Marie Gumapac (18 yrs. old)
Judy Ann Gumapac (16 yrs. old)
Molen Love Gumapac (14 yrs. old)
Aljon Jay Gumapac (12 yrs. old)
Albert Gumapac (10 yrs. old)
Address: MBL Village, Purok Durian, Tawan-
tawan, Davao City
History and Economic Information
Our foster father, Allan Gumpac, has been living in Tawan-Tawan since he was young,
including a sizeable portion of the Gumapac Clan. Before they met, our foster mother, Marlyn
Gumapac, lived in a nearby barrio. They were married during the late 90‘s and have been for 14
years. They decided to move to Purok Durian for economic reasons: their main source of
livelihood is there and our foster family, along with his family, has been living there for many
years.
Aside from being a housewife, our foster mother partakes in the upkeep of their modest
plot of land on the other side of the village. On the other hand, our foster father works as a
pesticide sprayer for Dole, earning 316 pesos per day. Their main source of income is the
combination of our foster father‘s salary and their harvest. Their eldest daughter, Anna Marie,
works as a helper in the city while the other four are still in school. The money they earn is just
enough to satisfy their daily necessities as well as payments for utilities and schooling.
From left to right: Allan Gumapac, Mark Michael Ferrer, Judy Ann Gumapac, Marlyn Gumapac, Leo Angeli Martinez, Molen Love Gumapac
46
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The family doesn‘t have any substantial involvement in the community. That is, none of
them holds any position. In addition, they were not that too familiar with the Josefa Segovia
Foundation. While that may be the case, they still assented that the foundation has a presence
within the community.
Dreams and Aspirations
This modest and humble family, like
many others in the same situation, aspires
for a better life. Although they are content
with the earnings they gain from our foster
father‘s income and their harvest, they still
dream for a good future for their children.
They want the children to finish their studies
in the hope of one day helping the family.
From left to right: Judy Ann Gumapac, Molen Love Gumapac, Marlyn Gumapac, Mark Michael Ferrer, Leo Angeli Martinez
47
GUTIERREZ FAMILY by Jason Jon Carreos & Diana Ocampo
Father: Roy B. Gutierrez (37 yrs. old)
Mother: Ruby B. Gutierrez (35 yrs. old)
Children:
Valerie B. Gutierrez (14 yrs. old)
Desiree B. Gutierrez (12 yrs. old)
Roy B. Gutierrez Jr. (5 yrs. old)
Address: Purok Bagong Lipunan, Brgy.
Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District, Davao City.
History and Economic Information
Farming is one of the primary sources of income for the Gutierrez family. Cocoa, coconut,
and durian are some of the crops that they harvest. But because the harvest is seasonal, the
income that they get from them is not quite stable, and also seasonal.
Aside from farming, Mr. Gutierrez also does carpentry. He earns about 250 pesos per day
for every work he finishes. Mrs. Gutierrez, on the other hand, serves as a Barangay Volunteer
Worker in the field of Healthcare. As compensation for her services, she is given an honorarium
of 1,500 per quarter per quarter (every 3 mos.).
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
As shared by the Gutierrez family, they are involved with various groups in their
barangay. Mrs. Gutierrez is a secretary in the MTBKA, an organization that is concerned for the
protection and preservation of Mt. Tipolog. Both the husband and the wife are volunteers; the
husband is a barangay police while the wife serves as a volunteer in the barangay clinic. The
couple is also a member of GUARDIANS, a non-government organization, which promotes
brotherhood and welfare of the community. Mrs. Gutierrez is an active member of the Catholic
Church; she used to be a unit leader for their barangay chapel.
From left to right: RJ Gutierrez, Diana Ocampo, Ruby Gutierrez, Jason Carreos
48
The Josefa Segovia Foundation aided the family by giving them assistance and
donations when they experienced the misfortune last January 28, 2013. They are also active
participants to the various livelihood programs and actions concerning the protection and
preservation of the water shed as organized by the Josefa Segovia Foundation.
Dreams and Aspirations
Just like any typical family, parents
only wish the best for their children. They
have a simple desire of having a business
to support the everyday needs of the family.
Now, they are working for a simple project
of piggery and poultry. With their best
efforts, they look forward to seeing their
children finish a degree in college and have
a work that would sustain their needs and
wants in the future.
From left to right: RJ Gutierrez
49
IÑIGO FAMILY by Kathleen Veronica Chua, Dharyl Daniel Castañeda & John Umblero
Father: Delfin Iñigo (54 yrs. old)
Mother: Criselda Iñigo (44 yrs. old)
Children:
Daisy Iñigo (26 yrs.old)
Erlinda Iñigo (23 yrs. old)
Delfin Iñigo Jr. (21 yrs. old)
Darwin Iñigo (19 yrs. old)
Daryl Iñigo (16 yrs. old)
Darlyn Iñigo (14 yrs. old)
Deson Iñigo (7 yrs. old)
Crisdel Iñigo (4 yrs. old)
Address: Durian Village, Tawan-Tawan,
Baguio District, Davao City
History and Economic Information
Delfin Iñigo is from Cebu City. His mother went to Tawan-tawan in search of ―sanggi,
humay and kape.‖ Realizing that it is a huge resource in Tawan-tawan, they migrated there. In
addition, there he met Criselda Cajes who is a native of the area. They got married in 1985 and
currently have eight children. Daisy, the eldest, is married and has two children. She is a
housewife in General Santos City. The second is Erlinda, she is also married and has two
children. She is in Lacson, taking care of her children. Delfin Jr. is a construction worker in
Davao and is still single. Darwin is working in Malalag as a Bangus Feeder although, as an
aside, he is not content with his work and will soon quit. The first four children are not living with
the parents. The fifth is Daryl who is a graduating high school student and wants to pursue a
college course in automotive. Unfortunately, the family couldn‘t afford it for him. Darlyn is in
seventh grade and, around last year, injured her legs and arm after falling off a rambutan tree.
The parents spent around 200,000 pesos for that incident. Deson is in the first grade and
Crisdel is still in nursery.
Delfin is also a construction worker but not full time. Criselda is a former house-help and
also studied Herbal Medicines. But she is just a housewife at the moment. Their monthly income
From left to right: Daryl, Delfin, Crisdel, Darlyn, Kathleen (student), John (student), Crisdel
50
is 1,400 pesos from selling sanggi, humay, kape, and selling broomsticks which goes for 30
pesos each and sells around two dozens a day. Darwin makes 150 pesos a day in working in
the bangusan as a feeder.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The couple is involved in the MTBK of the community. It is a ―bantay-kalikasan‖
movement to encourage the members of the barangay to be more environmentally aware. There
are seminars on how to keep their surroundings clean. Delfin is also a Police Guard. He helps in
maintaining the environment and fixing their roads and bridges.
When asked about the foundation, they have no idea about it. But after we have
explained the goals and objectives of the foundation, they understood it more. There is actually a
different foundation that helps and aids them in their community. So far, the Theology Immersion
is the first project they‘ve heard of from the Josefa Segovia Foundation.
Dreams and Aspirations
Their primary aspiration in life is for
all their children to finish their schooling and
help them in fixing their house, as well as
living their own personal dreams. They also
want to have a dream of achieving success
financially to provide them with more food to
eat. From left to right: Crisdel and Criselda
51
LANGAG FAMILY by Vaneza Mae Aumento & Andrew Rey Arayan
Father: n/a
Mother: Feliza Langag
Children:
Janine Langag
Address: Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District,
Davao City
History and Economic Information
Aling Feliza‘s parents were farmers. She was from Marilog District. When she was in her
early 20s she lived with her aunt who lives in Tawan-tawan. She met her husband there and has
been living there ever since. They have five kids and some of them are already in Davao City.
Two of her children remain with her: her youngest and fourth child. They help them with the farm
work.
The Feliza family owns a small farm not far away from where they live. Fruits like durian,
banana, and cocoa grow there. They get their resources from their harvest and from what they
earn after selling their crops.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
They help in protecting their forest from the illegal loggers. They also join in on the
activities of their cooperative. Furthermore, they also help in protecting the nearby river because
it is a watershed that supplies the city its water.
From left to right: Mrs. Langag, Vaneza, Janine
52
Dreams and Aspirations
Her dream is for her children to
finish their education and become
successful in their lives. She only wants
what is best for them and she tries to give
them support as best as she and her
husband could. She only dreams for her
family to live well.
From left to right: Mrs. Langag, Vaneza, Janine
53
LOPEZ FAMILY by Hans Jan Villejo & Marily Mae Tan
Father: Manuel Lopez (57 yrs. old)
Mother: Solidad Lopez (60 yrs. old)
Children:
Giovanni Lopez (25 yrs. old)
Jizel Lopez (25 yrs. old)
Address: Tawan-tawan, Baguio District,
Davao City
History and Economic Information
Nanay Solidad was born in raised in the same village from where she lives now. She
tells us that her house was given to her by her parents. She married a man named Manuel
Lopez who unfortunately died because of heart problems. She has 2 children: Giovanni, who is
already married and Giselle, who is unfortunately born blind.
Nanay Solidad works in the daytime but not permanently. She tells us that she only
works when there are offers. Their standard of living is very low because she is the only one
working for her family. She works as a packer on an area she did not tell us. She also said that
her day‘s work is only enough for them to eat, granting her no luxury of buying extra food like
soft drinks and junk food for her grandchild.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
They just volunteer labor if the community needs help. They are also active if there are
some activities but they didn't have any position in their barangay. They also didn't specify the
benefits they get from Josefa Segovia Foundation.
From left to right: Marily Mae Tan, Solidad Lopez
54
Dreams and Aspirations
Nanay Solidad had a simple dream.
She didn‘t want to get rich or even live in the
city. All she asked for was for her grandchild
to finish her education and for them to have
food every day. She also wishes to for the
foundation to help them again.
From left to right: Solidad Lopez, Hans Villejo
55
NARCILLA FAMILY by Jessie Brian Revil & Ana Alexia Medina
Father: Cresencio Narcilla (54 yrs. old)
Mother: Marieta Narcilla (49 yrs. old)
Children:
Larry Narcilla (23 yrs. old)
Lea Mae Narcilla (15 yrs. old)
Address: Purok Bagong Lipunan Tawan-
Tawan Baguio District, Davao City
History and Economic Information
The family resides since Mr. Crecncio Narcilla was born. All members of the family are
Roman Catholic. Currently, Lea Mae is in her 3rd year high school at Ma. Christina P. Villar
Agriculture High School.
The family has several modes of income which are mostly agricultural related. They
have two farms having ½ hectare and 2 hectares in area. From these farms, they cultivate
mostly coconut and cacao. They also generate income from the furniture they manufacture.
Most of these furniture include windows and doors.
Aside from these, they also render small services such as battery charging and rice
milling which provide them small amount of income.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
The family participates in some activities of the Josefa Segovia Foundation. These
activities include meetings and seminars. Also, they participate in the activities conducted by Mt.
From left to right: Jessie Revil, Ana Alexia Medina, Marieta Narcilla, Cresencio Narcilla, Lea Mae Narcilla, & Larry Narcilla
56
Tipolog Bantay Kinaiyahan Association (MTBKA) which includes tree planting and water
monitoring.
Dreams and Aspirations
Specifically, Lea Mae aspires to be a
teacher teaching science someday. As a
family, all they want is to have a stable source
of income for them to have 3 meals a day and
to have good health.
From left to right: Ana Alexia Medina, Cresencio Narcilla, Marieta Narcilla, & Jessie Revil
57
PACTORAYAN FAMILY by Portia Merecido & Noel Flores
Father: Victoriano Pactorayan
Mother: Lisa Pactorayan (38 yrs. Old)
Children:
8 children (ages range from 4 to 15)
Address: Purok Durian, Tawan-Tawan,
Baguio District, Davao City
History and Economic Information
The family of Mrs. Lisa was one of the first who lived in Tawan-tawan. She met her
husband Victoriano in Zamboanga while she was there to work. She went back to Tawan-tawan
with her husband to visit the wake of her father and ended up deciding to live and start make a
family. In the present, they have 8 children. Some of her children were sent to school while others
weren‘t – she decided to let them help in the farm. She doesn‘t worry too much to the expenses
she makes for her children‘s schooling since some of her children are scholars. Mr. Victoriano
has been working at a pineapple plantation at Davao while Mrs. Lisa works at the farm. His
income sums up to 3,000 pesos only per week. Most of their income is paid to their liabilities.
Lanzones, bananas, coconuts, jemelina and woods are their source of income in their farm.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
According to the Pactorayan family, they haven‘t received any assistance from the
Josefa Segovia Foundation. Only the free medical and distribution of medicines from the
baranggay hall are the only assistance they receive. They are also members of the ―bantay
bukid‖ – specifically to take care of the nature and any external forces come.
When we asked them about the JSF, they had no knowledge about it. We were able to
give them some knowledge about the foundation and they were interested to it. So far, the
Theology Immersion is the first project they‘ve heard of from the Josefa Segovia Foundation.
From left to right: Aida Eneg, Lisa Pactorayan
58
Dreams and Aspirations
Even though they are less fortunate
their dreams and aspirations are simple yet for
them, hard to achieve. Their only dreams and
aspiration in life are success, money and a
good way of living – success for their children
in the near future, money for ideal material and
financial needs and a good way of living for
peaceful means.
From left to right: Portia Merecido, Noel Flores, Mrs. Lisa Pactoryan and children, Mrs. Aida Eneg
59
PATENTES FAMILY by Paul Reuben Liboon & Patentes
Father: Dario Patentes (40 yrs. old)
Mother: Elvira Patentes (37 yrs. old)
Children:
Princess Eliza Patentes (5 yrs. old)
Darlene Patentes (15 yrs. old)
Address: Sitio Panigan, Barangay Tawan-
Tawan, Calinan, Davao City
History and Economic Information
The Patentes family formerly started living at Panabo City where Mrs. Elvira lived. Years
later, they transferred to Tawan-Tawan because of financial issues and since the place was
home to Mr. Dario Patentes, there were enough ways to gain income. The family, at its first
stages of living in the remote area, was renting a house for five years. After they have saved
enough, they bought a lot to build their house.
Mr. Mario Patentes has a small farm of which is everything for the family‘s income.
Without the farm they would probably starve. Luckily, living off a couple of years in Mr. Dario‘s
hometown paid off with the expansion of the farm. But this is only enough and sometimes not,
due to seasonal harvest of products. They have to wait for the end year to harvest abundant
produce. Currently, aside from their farm, they now own a videoke machine, a billiard pool table
and a number of chickens.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
Mr. Dario is a forest guard. He was one of those assigned to watch the region for forest
illegal loggers. He is also licensed to arrest anyone who is caught in the act of cutting trees
without proper permits. Mrs. Elvira‘s job in the family is to help her husband whenever she can.
From left to right: Darlene, Elvira, and Princess Eliza
60
She takes care mostly of the two children. The Josefa Segovia Foundation is not recognized by
the family and thus said nothing about which the foundation has given them in a helpful way.
Dreams and Aspirations
Simple dreams and aspirations are
what Mrs. Elvira has told us. She just wants
her children to finish their education, a
simple harmonious life, and a day with three
meals.
From left to right: Janine, Totoy Brown, Itum, Tabudong, Darlene, Pitikong
61
PATINTES FAMILY by Jericho Repito & Jeanne Claudine Manos
Father: Hurtiou Patintes Jr. (32 yrs. old)
Mother: Rachel Gutierrez Patintes (31 yrs.
old)
Children:
Wicky Jay Patintes (6 yrs. old)
Address: Purok Anlaran, Panigan, Tawan-
Tawan, Baguio District, Davao City
History and Economic Information
Mr. and Ms. Patintes have been residing in the place since they were born. Mr. Patintes
is a ―Mananggiti‖. He usually gets Php 450 per day which is the most of what he gets. They
have a land near their place. In their farm there are Cacao‘s which can be harvest twice a year
which usually is from November to December incoming Php 10,000. They also have saging,
harvested every 15 days incoming Php 1,000. They have ―Cape‖ that they harvest twice a year
incoming Php 3,000. And ―Lanzones‖ that they only harvest during December that gives Php
3,000 in their income. They also rent buko tress that cost Php 30 per tree. It is for their ―Tuba‖
business. Their monthly fees in water and electricity are Php 20 and Php 300. The three of them
live in a Nipa hut. They use wood for cooking their usual meals are vegetables and fish.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
Their family is active in Purok meeting because they are a member of the Guardian
(PGASI) community service, Catholic in religion and a GKK member in Sta. Rosa Chapel. They
haven‘t heard of Josefa Segovia Foundation.
From left to right: Mrs. Patintes, Wicky, Hurtiou
62
Dreams and Aspirations
The only ambition of the Patintes
Family is to live peacefully in Tawa-tawan
and for Wicky to finish his studies.
From left to right: Jericho Repito, Patintes family, Ms. Manos
63
SALCEDO FAMILY by Happy Kris Marie Abang & Regie Angelo Aba
Father: Sherwin Salcedo Sr. (32 yrs old)
Mother: Ernelia Salcedo (30 yrs old)
Children:
Sherwin Salcedo Jr. (8 yrs old)
Johny Salcedo (6 yrs old)
Johnver Salcedo (5 yrs old)
Lyrejennykine Salcedo (1 yr old)
Address: Tawan-tawan, Baguio District,
Davao City
History and Economic Information
Mr. and Mrs. Salcedo were born and raised in Tawan-tawan, but Mrs. Salcedo was raised
in Kidapawan after her mother remarried. They met and started a family and were living beside
the house of the parents of Mr. Salcedo. They have their own little farm somewhere in Tawan-
tawan; it was their only source of income. Mr. Sherwin Sr., a farmer, has been the sole
breadwinner of the family since Mrs. Ernelia had her leg amputated. Because of the amputation,
Mrs. Salcedo cannot do anything else but look after their children.
The income of Mr. Salcedo is just enough for their daily needs. He earns at least 3,000
pesos for every harvest of corn. They also plant bananas and earn a weekly harvest of 350
pesos on average. In addition, during moments when there are no farming activities, Mr. Salcedo
works on other farms to augment the income and to sustain their daily necessities.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
They tend to volunteer whenever the community needs help. They are also active if there
are some activities but they don‘t hold any position in their barangay. They also didn't specify the
benefits they receive from Josefa Segovia Foundation.
From left to right: Abang, Mrs. Salcedo and children, Regie Aba
64
Dreams and Aspirations
The father works really hard every day
to improve their lives. They aspire to get out of
that life and to live comfortably. They also
want their children to have a proper education
and to achieve their dreams in life so that they
wouldn‘t live a life full of miseries. Finally, they
don't want their children to experience what
they've been through.
From left to right: Abang, Mrs. Salcedo and children, Regie Aba
65
TIOSTUMBAN FAMILY by Ariel Jay Gallardo & Avegail Frances Vales
Father: Catalino Tiostumban (33 yrs. old)
Children:
Jessy
Jerry
Lenny
Letty
Charmalou
Jovanni
Macoy
Anthony
Ryan
Address: Brgy Tawan-tawan, Baguio District
Davao City
History and Economic Information
Tatay Catalino Tiostumban lived in Tawan-Tawan for 33 years. He stopped schooling
when he was in grade 3. This is where he grew up. Tatay‘s religion is Iglesia ni Cristo. He has 2
houses. One was at the ―bukid‖ and the other one is in Tawan-Tawan where we visited him. He
has two wives. The first one was already dead and the other one is with him at the ―bukid‖.
Tatay‘s income is per year since cacaos have harvest season. There income depends on the
cacaos they can sell. When he was younger, he worked at the construction site. When he got
older, he is just helping on their cacao field. Every year, they earn 18,000-20,000 but still he
can‘t fully grasp the money for their living. They have to pay for their expenses in transporting
their harvested cacaos. They also have to pay for their debts. They also have to pay 50php per
month for their rent in their house, 20php for water that can‘t be drunk and 200-250php for
electricity. Luckily if they have 1000php, it is only good for 1 month.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
Tatay said to us that he is helping in the community whenever there is help needed or
whenever workers are needed in the community. Sometimes he help those who are about to
give birth to be brought to the center. Tatay also told us that there are free medicines in the
From left to right: Catalino, Ariel, Avegail
66
barangay. So whenever they are sick with fever, cough, runny nose and the lik, they‘ll just have
to go to the barangay hall. Tatay also said to us that they don‘t receive help from the foundation.
Dreams and Aspirations
Tatay shared to us that he really
wanted to have a business. He wants to
have a business in slippers making. Since
he the capital is expensive for him, he can‘t
put up the business that he wants. He also
wants to go back to school if he can but
since he doesn‘t want anymore because
he‘s already old, he wasn‘t able to come
back to school. He also dreams to have
enough income to support their daily needs.
From left to right: Catalino, Ariel, Avegail
67
VILLAGRACIA FAMILY by Ralph Edward de Castro & Cherry Marquezo
Father: Romulo Villagracia (52 yrs. old)
Mother: Merlinda Villagracia (49 yrs. old)
Children:
Ronel Villagracia (28 yrs. old)
Gino Villagracia (26 yrs. old)
Romelyn Villagracia (22 yrs. old)
Roselyn Villagracia (20 yrs. old)
Klent Villagracia (8 yrs. old)
Address: Purok Durian, Tawan-Tawan,
Baguio District, Davao City
History and Economic Information
The mother of the Villagracia Family, Merlinda Villagracia, was the one who become our
foster family and the one we interviewed. She came to Tawan-Tawan around 1970‘s from Negros
Oriental because she said that the life from Negros was not good. During that time, she said that
the houses in Tawan-Tawan were not crowded in that time. Also, Aunt Merlinda said that there
are two Purok there. Their house was assigned in Purok Durian. Most of the people that live in
Tawan-Tawan are those native people or the lumad people namely the Bagobo, Aeta, Bisaya
and many others. The lumads use their native language to speak to others but some speak
Bisaya so that they can understand each other. She have five (5) children, three (3) of them are
in downtown working.
They have durian farm, pineapple farm and also cacao farm in Tawan-Tawan. These are
their source of income mainly. They export their harvest to downtown. Also, the source of their
income came from her sons and daughters who work in malls in downtown.
Community Involvement and Assistance from the Josefa Segovia Foundation
Some people in Purok Durian, Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District along with the Villagracia
family help them save the trees like Narra, Talisay, Molave and many other trees that are prone
From left to right: Edward de Castro, Villagracia Family, Cherry Marquezo
68
to illegal logging. They do routine scheduling for who will guard the trees so that no one will cut it
and sell it. They do it for free charge.
Dreams and Aspirations
While talking to Aunt Merlinda
Villagracia, she is happy with what she is
having now. Though they are not
economically stable, she is quite contented
with what they have in their farm. Also, she
has this easy-going character that makes
her approachable to everyone that is why,
she has a positive outlook of her life as of
now.
From left to right: Edward de Castro, Villagracia Family, Cherry Marquezo
69
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Edited by Vaneza Mae Aumento
That they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet
He is actually not far from each one of us.
Acts 17:27
70
GOD’S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE IN THE IMMERSION AREA By Georgi Sacramento II
Truly God is omnipresent, in other
words God is truly present everywhere. It
might not be what it sounds like, but it really
means the realization of God‘s presence,
being conscious of His presence, a good
example is the people of Tawan-Tawan
itself and how they see God‘s presence.
Given majority of them are Catholics in the
area, it is very observable through the
nearby chapels in the community where it is
their place for living their Catholic faith.
Some of the families also think God‘s
presence is part of their lives as he provided
them with bountiful harvest, peace and
prosperity.
Speaking of nature, God is truly
present in it, though it is His creation, His
presence is very evident. For the people of
Tawan-Tawan, they are mainly dependent
on nature; it is their source of income for
their farmlands, animal grazing and homes.
For some, it has benefited only their
generation but throughout their entire
family‘s history. Based on my experience,
the place has a very evident presence of
God. For me, through nature we can see
him, as we are thankful for his creations,
especially on what I had witnessed on the
place.
"For the invisible things of him from
the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things he has
made."
Romans 1:20
The scripture says a lot about God‘s
message through his creations. Much can
be said with Tawan-Tawan, which is
technically his creation. For me, as the
place has provide as much blessings for its
residents, as the residents themselves also
takes care of God‘s creation as much as
they have received something from it, this
kind of relationship is rarely seen in the city.
Based from that, God‘s message to us is
that we should take care of his creations
just as how much we love God and
ourselves. We must truly show that we are
thankful for these creations, it is such that
we rely too much in his creations that is
impossible for us to live without these
creations and blessings.
Overall, God‘s Presence and
message can be found in the immersion
place, Tawan-Tawan, Baguio District. It is
how they follow and live by as how my
perception serves me. It may not be seen or
felt by everyone or even the residents
71
themselves, but that is just we believe that
God is there.
GOD’S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE AMONG THE FOSTER FAMILIES By Mark Allen Saclot
Among the foster families, they are
blessed enough to have a house and eat
food everyday but there are some
differences. Some foster families have
houses built in cement, some are built in hut
and some foster families sometimes cannot
afford rice. Even though some of the foster
families are not so blessed, these foster
families have the capability or have the will
to do their best to work and to find money in
good ways for their only important goal is to
feed their families and themselves.
In times when problems come, the
foster family stick together as a whole to
help each other and choose which way is
better to be implemented for them to
surpass these difficulties they are
encountering. Some of the foster families
are blessed and others are not so blessed
but when it comes to family values, they
have been given a fruitful blessing from
God.
Therefore, I can see God's presence
in them. It is how they show their love to
each other despite of food scarcity and
difficulties. God doesn't even leave their
side because at this current time they are
still living as they strived to work for living,
with an attachment of many challenges in
their lives. God showed us that these foster
families are good models that we should
notice and realize the hidden message God
wants to convey, that in times of trouble or
difficulties in life, God will be supporting us
and will not leave our side. Just pray to Him
sincerely and do the part of your work which
will lead us to success and we will definitely
surpass all the problems.
GOD’S PRESENCE AND MESSAGE THROUGH THE PRACTICUM-IMMERSION PROCESS By Edgar Erlo Furatero
God‘s love can be felt throughout the
entire world and beyond, as demonstrated
by the Theo 141 immersion. The people
who were involved in the immersion were
mostly students who wanted to help make a
big change in the lives of people who aren‘t
as lucky as them but have no idea of how to
do so. It was through the calling of God that
these students were able to find the chance
they needed and to accomplish this goal
without a moment‘s hesitation. Once the
immersion started, it was easy to see that
the goal of helping those that are less
72
fortunate and spreading God‘s love wouldn‘t
take long before it was achieved. Indeed,
when the immersion started, it was more
surprising to see that the community had
already felt much of God‘s love even before
the immersion has started. It can be seen
by the way they welcomed the students and
the immersion.
It was apparent that most of the
people in the community are active
Catholics living and praising their faith. The
immersion process then came to a point
wherein the students and the people in the
community were just sharing how God‘s
influence had changed their lives before
students and the people shared. Later in the
day, everyone can see the fruits of labor
that the people in the community have
grown. The people then shared more of how
they would not be able to be as prosperous
as they were had they not believed in the
mercy and love of God. The immersion
gave everyone, the people in the community
and the students, a sense of reflection
because in each story, there seemed to be
a strong influence of God‘s presence.
After some time had passed, it was
time for the students to whip out the food
that they have prepared for the foster
families. For the students, it was common
for them to see these types of food but for
some foster families, they were very grateful
for the food, and it shows in their faces.
After the look on their faces, it shows that
every little bit of help coming from the
students is a big help to the foster families
and shows that God‘s love and influence
can be felt in the smallest of deeds.
The immersion has been helpful not just to
the people in the community but also to the
students.
73
THE PRACTICE OF THE CHURCH’S SOCIAL DOCTRINE PRINCIPLES
Edited by Ma. Anne Therese Musong & Zyra Bravo
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me.”
John 14:6
74
HUMAN DIGNITY AND EQUALITY By Siena Joy Dicon
We are all given and blessed by God
with a great sense of dignity. We are all
seen by God with equality therefore we
should also respect others and be
respected as well. Valuing each other
means respecting the lives of everyone and
respecting the creation of God. Human
dignity sets no boundaries, whether it is
based on races, gender, nations and
culture. Realizing that we are all created as
sisters and brothers, we all belong to
common humanity. According to Archbishop
Desmond Tutu, a person is a person
through another person.
In the place of Tawan-tawan, the
hospitality of the people can be observed.
Despite the financial difficulties, they are all
contented with their simple living wherein
they can eat three times a day as long as
they are happy living with their family.
Based on my observation, in urban areas,
neighbours are neither close to each other
nor recognized by one another. On the
other hand, in rural areas, everyone seems
to know everybody even though they come
from different puroks which only means that
they care for each other. And also, it is
observed that everyone in Tawan-Tawan is
hospitable. They welcome their visitors
warmly and they treat them as if they were
old friends or part of their family. People
there are comrades despite the differences
of their religious beliefs. They respect each
other‘s faith and doctrine. Everyone in the
family also works hand-in-hand. No one has
his or her own luxury time but rather spends
it valuably by helping each other.
The aforementioned traits are
observable in the Tawan-Tawan community.
They are the people with human dignity who
respects life and looks at others with
equality. This is the true meaning of equal
dignity to all humankind, a dignity which
arises with solidarity as redeemed by God.
RESPECT FOR LIFE By Bryan Joseph Reas
Respecting life is an important
aspect of being a faithful servant of God.
Respect for life means cherishing and
taking care of the life God has given. It is
not just about the issue of abortion, war or
any means of taking one‘s life but if we think
about it, its intention is to keep the holiness
of life. It is the understanding of humanity as
stated in the sacred scripture. In the book of
Genesis 1:26, it is stated that man is
created in the image and likeness of God.
As stated clearly in the bible, man is the
only one that is created in God‘s image and
likeness, although He also made numerous
75
things and declared them good. It also
means that humanity has an inherent dignity
that is higher than the rest of God‘s
creation.
To uphold the importance of life is
what Theology aims for. Respect for life is
the central theme of Theology as it
promotes not only God‘s creation but also
humanity‘s role and importance. As a
human being, one should make decision
that would protect the value and essence of
life and see through every person the
potential of who they would be through the
grace of God. Taking care of the life and
body that He has given to humanity is
another way of showing appreciation and
being thankful. Cherishing it will show how a
human being values the gift of life.
The greatest and the most
controversial issue about respecting life is
abortion. People have already ended
countless lives because of the so called
unwanted pregnancy, and are sadly
continually doing so. Many believe that it is
just a matter of choice. However, this is
clearly not the case. We, as faithful servants
of God, are called to reflect onto this kind of
scenario and help the society recover the
sense of dignity belonging to humanity.
Besides abortion, there are a lot more
issues concerning humanity‘s respect for life
which people must be responsible of.
Theology calls us to transform
culture. When we see human dignity being
destroyed, we, human beings are called to
become the guide of hope. We must keep in
mind and be reminded as well that God
created us in His image and likeness. This
implies that we have the quality of being
worthy of respect that we are to maintain as
being the icons of God. Through simply
taking good care and responsibility not just
of our own lives but also of others‘, we are
living with dignity, a life which God wants us
to live.
PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES By Paul Reuben Liboon
Life is something special given only
once to us by God. It is by far one of the
most complicated forms of mechanism and
system designs that sciences always try to
explain. Human civilization has prospered
too far to deny that life is all just about
surviving. It is now a matter of time to
realize that we speak of life as trying to live
it with a certain purpose, that each of us has
a very great part, a unique contribution to
the universe that life has enabled us to
discover. This nature of curiousness is what
drives us to do things and improve our way
of living.
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Life as we know it is full of wonders.
But as what we had said it is also a calling
function. Everyone deserves to live their
own life the way they want it to be lived.
This may bring us to a question, ‗Do we
have the right to use our rights to oppress
other people‘s rights?‘ I think it is only
correct to say no. Human rights are/should
be part of our considerations in all our
actions. It is said that we should not do to
others what we don‘t want them to do to us
and to others, and also to do to others what
we want others to do to us and to others. No
one wants to feel bullied. No one wants to
be stupefied. No one wants to be the one
that life always picks upon. And most
importantly, we all wanted to feel loved. To
know that love exists is not only through the
words spoken but also through a tangible
one.
When we know what love is we do
not need to worry about human rights
because its foundation is love—loving
everyone, their decisions, their uniqueness,
their obligations, their duty and also their
being. We should make everyone happy
and not only ourselves. Let us see
happiness in everyone and we will be
happy. True love is what should compose
these rights and we all can live
harmoniously even with differences.
Knowing these rights give us an
opportunity to use it in a fair manner, fair for
everyone involved in all our actions. It is our
responsibility to be able to avoid conflicts by
being considerate and careful in what we
do. It is such a big obligation for everyone
who deserves every right to fairly do what is
right to others also. Furthermore, it is our
responsibility to act that we are part of a
community, to do our part in its progress
and help achieve our lifetime goals and use
it to help others. Given the free will of act
gives us a chance to show to others that we
can do something to improve and excel
hence we should inspire. Given all these
positive things, we all can say that our
decision as a whole affects the stability of
human civilization in the current state.
COMMON GOOD By Regie Angelo Aba
Our Theology 141 talks about
Christian Social Theology or the systematic
study of God and society in the light of
human reason and divine revelation. In my
own perspective it tells us that we can find
God through us human beings, which are
basically created in God‘s image and
likeness and are seen through the society.
In our theology subject we are
taught to become ―persons for others‖,
serve others and become instruments of
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God for the common good which describes
a specific "good" that is shared and
beneficial for all or most members of a given
community. We have practiced this
virtue/trait through our immersion last
August 3 and 10, 2013 where we lived with
our foster family in the margins and served
them to somehow make their life easier
even for just for a short span of time. We
have shared our time, effort and resources
for the common good of those people who
are less fortunate and are deprived of the
basic needs of a human person.
We believe that spending time with
them and living just like how they live
everyday makes us students aware of what
we have and what we don‘t have, also
opening our eyes to the greater truth that
most people have bigger problems than
what we think are big enough for us. Seeing
and experiencing their situation sparked
something in our hearts and somehow
makes us committed to helping them and
others.
ASSOCIATION AND PARTICIPATION By Clyde Cedric Cuerdo
One of the things we are taught
about when we were kids was that we
should be involved. It was just mainly for
class purposes, but somehow it is not only
for that, it is for life, everyday life.
Participation is not just about being
physically present in a given situation. It is
about having a conscious decision to exert
an effort for the main goal which is the
common good. Association comes hand in
hand with participation because it is being
involved with a group to achieve a goal.
A main purpose of our immersion
was about association and participation.
And this was observed throughout, from
things like actually being there on the first
day to helping buy and pack things for the
last was proof of it.
From day one we were tasked to
prepare and bring food not only for
ourselves but also for our foster family. This
was done for all pairs and not one single
person had disobeyed this, because they
know that this was for the better of everyone
involved. That was our main goal, to help
others. Helping others does not just mean
bringing them food or talking to them about
their problems, but also the things we do
like getting to know them better or having
conversations with them about what they
want for the future. These things is what
helping others is all about and having
consciously being there for the experience
together with your partner was all about
association and participation.
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Until even right before the second
day of the immersion it was all about
association and participation. This was
because since that was our last visit, we
had to give a token, and for these people or
the class officers were tasked to buy them.
Even after buying they proceeded to pack
them this was all about association and
participation.
Having these goals is all about being
good to others, we may not have done a lot
but the simplest of our effort is that what
counts.
SUBSIDIARITY By Christine Esteban
The life of every individual differs
from others through the experiences and
journeys they go through. An experience
contributes to the identity and totality of a
person. Every individual can have the same
problem and the same situation with others
but never their way of dealing with it. All this
idea describes the experiences we had in
Brgy. Tawan-tawan Baguio District, Davao
City.
Brgy. Tawan-tawan is surrounded by
plantations particularly Dole plantation and
Davco. Majority of the people owns small
land areas for farming in the upland area or
in the mountain near their community. This
part of the mountain is known as ―Sitio
Gauding‖ where people do farming. The
people in the community commonly plant
fruit bearing trees but what they mostly plant
is cacao. Aside from working at Sitio
Gauding, some people work in Dole and
Davco plantations.
On our first visit, we saw the
situation of the people within the
community. Living in rural areas has
positive and negative sides based on what
we had experienced in the area. The
positive side is that the environment is much
better than in urban areas since cities have
issues on pollutions. Another is that people
can live in a low cost life style but can still
eat three times a day. On the other hand,
negative side comes with health
problems/issues, less resources,
unsatisfactory technology, undeveloped
roads/highways (for some) and the like.
The main problem that we have
observed in the community is their road.
The travel experience is not that good not
just for the visitors but also for the
community since they transport their
products in the nearby ―barangay‖ and
travel time takes almost 30 minutes or even
more. If there existed a problem that was
addressed then, it was the education
system in the community for kids. Segovia
Foundations is a non-government
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organization who is currently helping the
community and is still assessing on how
they can help the people there. According to
the family that we have interviewed,
Segovia foundations built a nursery school
for the kids in the community. The nursery
school as the starting level for kids is a
great help for the people especially to their
children. Another project that the Segovia
foundations did is the ―tree planting
program‖. Through it they were able to help
the people not just in the community but
also in other areas. The objective of this
project is to lessen the flooding issues and
at the same time give the people another
source of income. Every seedling that one
plants and takes care of until it grows is
equivalent to five pesos. Therefore, Segovia
Foundations contributes a lot to the
community.
On our last visit, we gave tokens to
our foster families which we thought they
needed based on our observations. Since
almost all of us came up with the same idea
on what to give to our families, we ended up
giving the same items.
What we have experienced as we
immersed ourselves into the families in a
rural area did not just open our minds to the
difficulties that the people face in their
community every day, but it also made us
realize how blessed we are to complain with
our lives.
DIGNITY OF HUMAN WORK OR LABOR By Dayne Martin Dacudao
As Karl Marx had said, ―… the more
the worker produces, the fewer he
possesses and the more he falls under the
domination of the wealth he produces but
cannot enjoy- capital.‖ It is truly apparent
that a worker is alienated from his very own
work as much as he would be alien in
fulfilling himself. For, how can such a worker
enjoy what he achieves or obtains through
working when in fact most of the times he is
abused by the fact that it is mandatory that
he should be put to work so that he may
cope with what is called a ―daily
livelihood‖. To put it in a much more vivid
perspective, whatever does the farmer (our
worker) acquires after all the hard work he
puts in nurturing, tilling, and finally
harvesting the crops or products he planted
does not all the while belong to him nor
does it satisfy the many needs and even a
few aspirations he, as well as his family,
endeavors. It all the while makes him an
object that is seemingly mandated to work
because he needs to. Every effort he exerts
in work makes him poorer in fulfilling himself
as it makes him an object of his production.
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Yet, as it is presented, human
persons should never be used as a means,
or worse as mediums, to an end- which was
cited in the previous statement as an object
of production. It only distorts and all the
more corrupts the dignity of human work;
whereas the dignity of human work should
be viewed emanating from the worker as he
embodies it through work. As it was stated
in the CSDC, ―The subjective dimension of
work must take precedence over the
objective dimension…‖ True enough, it
should be viewed from a subjective
perspective for on the other hand the worker
himself can so easily be manipulated and
viewed as an object himself. In its subjective
sense, work represents its stable
dimensions as it exclusively takes on the
dignity of the worker as a human being. In
the end, it is ―…affirmed that work is for man
and not man for work‖ as it concludes that
―as a person, man is therefore the subject of
work.‖ In this perspective as was cited in the
CSDC, we could provide an ample
―understanding for what truly is the
foundation of the value and dignity of work
is.‖
Then again, what should truly
matters in the end? Would it still be decided
in what perspective we should‘ve viewed
the subject matter on the dignity of human
work or labor is? It does not quite seem so
because it is a subject matter which can so
easily and relatively be manipulated into
what we want it to be- the objective with
treating anything connected to the worker
as objects alien to himself including himself
and the subjective as a means for an
authoritative source to continuously have
his workers do his dull and brutal labor.
True enough, both the objective and
subjective sides of work are realities which
cannot be ignored because both of them are
essential- for our understanding and for the
worker‘s self-realization or fulfillment. In this
manner, we should have been considering
the worker‘s fulfillment first rather than our
understanding because it is his perspective
that‘s the subject- this is where it is clear for
us now that the worker‘s view on his own
work is what truly matters the most. The
worker‘s views, standpoints, beliefs, and
aspirations in connection with his work and
his self-fulfillment (as he fulfills himself in
every subjective way possible) is the most
crucial and significant viewpoint.
The worker‘s point of view, as it now
is our viewpoint, would prove to be the most
functional as well as the most foundational
perspective which we should understand.
Based on our immersion itself, the most
significant point which we‘ve learned is that
most of the work was done to achieve a
common goal- seeking a better (in terms of
prosperity and not particularly of wealth) life.
Yet, even if that was their common goal, it
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only served them as an ulterior motive
because most of them ultimately aspired
and dreamt of their goals not for themselves
but for their offspring or children. For some
if not most of them, fulfillment means
fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of
someone- their offspring or children. Work
meant something beyond the objective or
subjective perspective of work for them.
UNIVERSAL DESTINATION OF GOODS (STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION) By Eduardo Esternon Jr.
According to the Vatican II document
Gaudium et Spes, the principle of the
universal destination of goods is about
humanity being able to benefit from the
resources of earth and have an equal share
of God‘s Creation. Furthermore, God‘s gifts
are not merely to be manipulated or utilized
but also to be respected and cared.
The practice of this social doctrine
principle can be seen in Tawan-Tawan
basing on the interviews and experiences
during the two Saturday immersion.
However not all the resources are properly
divided in the community yet the people are
not to be blame.
The people of Tawan-tawan greatly
respect nature especially the environment
that they‘re in. For instance, plastic
wrappers can hardly be seen just lying in
the streets. Moreover, they practice
cleanliness inside and out of their homes
and also protect and preserve the river
beneath the hills. For they know how
important it is as it could be a source of
clean water for the people of Davao City.
Respect for each other‘s properties
is also observed in the community of
Tawan-tawan and thievery rarely happens
according to one of the residents of the
area. Crops and livestock can be left behind
without worrying of anyone trying to steal
them. That is how they practice Church‘s
doctrines in the community.
People from the city have no idea
how hard the life can be in rural areas and
this lack of understanding may lead to the
lack of practice of the social doctrine which
is for instance the unreasonable market
pricing of resources for the people in rural
communities like of electricity. Due to the
low income of some residents they don‘t
avail electricity being connected to their
homes and doesn‘t have lights to turn on
during the night. Though some have, still, it
is only limited to one television and one light
bulb.
And lastly the major concern of the
community that needs to be resolve through
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the help of the government is the
construction or upgrade of paths or roads
for the residents of the community to benefit
from. It would be a great help in the
transportation of goods or harvests from
their farms.
If only the government and big
industries would have experienced or even
tried to immerse in such rural communities,
universal destinations of good would have
been practiced not only in Tawan-Tawan
but also in the rest of the Philippines.
PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR By Noel Flores
We usually see this during
calamities where people from other
countries and even in ours, render help to
those who are in need. Another example
would be the story of the Good Samaritan
where he didn‘t hesitate to help a wounded
person.
This shows commitment to the poor
wherein we become one with them in the
society; but evidently in all countries around
the world there are people who are poor
financially and spiritually which deprives the
poor to share and contribute to the common
good which will later on wound the whole
community due to the lack to solidarity
among people in the society.
There was a time in my theology
class when all of us were asked what
comes to mind when we hear the phrase
―poor in spirit‖, the first thing that came to
my mind was that these are the people who
have nothing physically, but I was wrong,
what it really means is that we value too
much our possessions to the point that it
blinded us and makes us forget that there is
something more important than this worldly
possessions that we have and that is our
strong faith in God. Without this faith we
really can‘t please God, and us being
irresponsible in helping and sharing to the
people some of our wealth suppresses the
poor in becoming one with the society since
they have been left with nothing. Rerum
Novarum, was evoked by Paul VI which
states the fundamental importance of self-
sacrificial love. This teaches us to do
charitable works. In there, he wrote ―the
Gospel Instructs us in the preferential
respect due to the poor and the special
situation they have in society: the most
fortunate should renounce some of their
rights so as to place their goods generously
at the service of others.‖ Also in one of the
scriptures in Leviticus 19:9-10 which states
that ―A portion of the harvest is set aside for
the poor and the stranger‖, if all of us are
not poor in spirit then we can do common
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good to others by sharing what we have and
not thinking about losing material things
instead be lifted in spirit since what we have
done is what God would want us to do, God
would surely be glad when we follow his
steps and this would prove that our faith is a
living faith.
In our Country today or even around
the world, as what I have seen and heard
from television or even from my own
experiences is that there are people who do
violence like stealing or even worse, killing,
because of how poor they are both
physically and spiritually. If only all of us will
prioritize the poor to follow God‘s ways, I
wonder what a peaceful place would be our
world, as the scripture in Isaiah 25:4-5 ―true
worship is to work for justice and care for
the poor and oppressed.
SOLIDARITY By Stephen Galagala
―Solidarity with the poor‖, I used to
hear this phrase when I was in high school
especially during masses. Before, I thought
it simply meant being one with the less
fortunate, giving them assistance,
understanding and feeling their misfortune.
I can even recall when we had this feeding
program in a swamp area, back then I didn‘t
really understand what that said program
was all about. For me, it seemed to be just
an act of charity by the school.
And we were right on how I thought
about solidarity, although not entirely.
Solidarity is not merely those
abovementioned, for it encompasses other
church‘s social doctrine.
―… There exists an intimate bond
between solidarity and the common good,
between solidarity and the universal
destination of goods, between solidarity and
equality among men and peoples, between
solidarity and peace in the world.‖ CSDC #
192-194
In our own little ways, consciously or
not, we have observed this virtue through
our immersion. For one, we have secured
foods to bring for our foster families not
solely thinking for ourselves but primarily for
them because we want to lighten up their
burden of going out, buying and preparing
food. We also woke up early and allotted
time to visit and meet with them.
The token that we offered to them
were impartial, even though there were
families who are better off, what we
prepared for them were all the same. But it
was not all giving food or serving them, it
was entering into a relationship of solidarity.
It was mainly to be with them, to know about
them, to learn from them and have a grasp
84
of their current situation. From these we are
made aware of the things to do, maybe not
now but soon, when we‘re more capable
and responsible; for solidarity boils down to
equality and justice between individuals and
peoples.
PROMOTION OF PEACE By Brian Dan Congson
―Peace is the goal of life in society,
as is made extraordinarily clear in the
messianic vision of peace: when all peoples
will go up to the Lord's house, and he will
teach them his ways and they will walk
along the ways of peace (cf. Is 2:2-5)―. Like
in Davao City, the government officials are
making peace and order their number one
priority. A society that is peaceful will be
more advanced and protected. Also, the
neighboring cities would slowly learn to
appreciate the value of peace because of
the peace and order maintained in Davao
City.
Peace makes everything better not
only through people but also to the society
as a whole. What we understand about
peace is that it is a freedom from
disturbance and a state or period where
there is no war. On the other hand, the
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the
Church (CSDC) challenges us to see peace
more than the absence of war and conflict.
―In biblical revelation, peace is much more
than the simple absence of war; it
represents the fullness of life. (cf. Mal 2:5)‖
To be at peace, humankind must live
harmoniously and live in a right relationship
with one another.
During our practicum immersion in
Theology 141, we promoted peace in our
own ways. We practiced this virtue through
having a fruitful dialogue with the residents.
We bonded with them, conversed
with them, and even shared experiences
with one another. We, as students of the
Ateneo de Davao, promoted peace with the
residents by way letting them feel that there
are no walls or barriers between us
Ateneans and them, our less fortunate
brothers and sisters. We let them feel how
thankful we are to have them in our society
because even though they are not that
financially stable, they have a big role in our
community.
To sum up everything, peace is
indeed indispensable. Society would be
better if every person would maintain peace
and order. Peace is for each and every one
and that is why we have to exercise our
right to promote it because this has been
the basic foundation in the community.
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THE PRACTICE OF CARDINAL VIRTUES
Edited by Cherry Mae Marquezo
Or if one loves justice, the fruits of her works are virtues; For she teaches moderation and
prudence, justice and fortitude, and nothing in life is more useful for men than these.
Wisdom 8:7
86
JUSTICE By Cedric Granada
Justice is basically a moral term for
fairness and rightness based on ethics,
rationality, law, natural law, religion, and
equity. Justice is important. It is one of the
four cardinal virtues.
―WE BUILD PEACE THROUGH
JUSTICE AND LOVE.‖ This statement can
be read in our top shirt. Our main priority in
our Theology141 Practicum-Immersion is
that we give justice and love to everyone.
When we exert these virtue, we build peace
to our surroundings especially to the people
we have met in Tawan-tawan, Baguio
District, Davao City.
First thing to be noticed is that, we
have justice from the beginning of our
immersion. From the time of departure,
when the students are late from the said call
time, the jeepney will then depart to Petron
Ulas. This means that the students that are
late have been punished and therefore they
will go to Petron Ulas to catch up with the
jeepney. This serves as the equality of
those who go to school early. Unfortunately,
I experienced being late with my other
classmates that is why we were group in a
jeep filled with educational students, which
is not our section.
Then when we arrived in the home
of our foster parents, my parter and I had a
little thing going on. No, it's not what you
think it is, but rather it's what I called justice.
We divided the things we need to do and we
switch chores to help one another so that
we have the understanding of helping one
another.
TEMPERANCE By Christian Joie Harder
Temperance is the moderation of
our own desires is essential to acting rightly
(prudence), giving each man his due
(justice), and standing strong in the face of
adversity (fortitude) as St. Thomas Aquinas
would equate it. Not all have the same
temperance as the other have, not all have
the temperance as the other expected and
some may have no temperance at all. But
from the first day of the Theo 141
immersion, it is very apparent to every one
of us. Since our immersion is scheduled
during Saturdays starting from 6, most of
us, if not all, have sacrificed their Friday
night which if usually for night outs or
gimmicks. The students‘ self-control and
sacrifice has been proven in the following
morning when no student were left behind
even if their transport started to leave as
early as 6 30 in the morning.
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As soon as we arrive on our
destination, our effort and sacrifice had paid
off as our foster families have also prepared
and warmly welcomed us more than we
expected. Not only us but everyone else
who contributed to make our immersion
successful even to our drivers who woke up
in the morning and drove us all the way to
our destination. Every bit of effort has very
much made its worth especially in achieving
our goal.
It is the little sacrifice and
temperance to set aside our accustomed
doings and stay out of our comfort zone to
increase our potential in helping out our
foster families or maybe make a difference.
PRUDENCE By Catherine Gonzales
Prudence is the ability to govern and
discipline oneself by the use of reason. It is
classically considered to be a virtue, and in
particular one of the four Cardinal virtues.
The virtue is the ability to judge
between virtuous and vicious actions, not
only in a general sense, but with regard to
appropriate actions at a given time and
place. In our Theology 141 immersion, we
had the opportunity to express prudence
during our immersion. Like what our teacher
always reminds us, that don‘t ask for
anything, just wait for them to offer you
something. An Atenean has the ability to
hold the desire in ourselves because as we,
an Atenean knows prudence.
The great temptation of being in
Tawan-Tawan is to experience the course
going to the river and see the river with our
own eyes. We held our desire to ask for
permission because we don‘t want to give
trouble to our foster parents. Also, our main
reason why we were there in the first place
was to know them first-hand then next is to
know their place. I and my partner just wait
for the opportunity of letting us experience
it. The opportunity is that of having the
permission of our foster parents to let us go
to the river. It wasn‘t easy to hold the desire.
In our mind, I have this desire of exploring
the beauty of nature, the desire of seeing
the wonder of nature and the desire to feel
the cold water in the river. Fortunately,
holding our desire paid off. Our foster
parents let us experience the adventure of
going to the river. Without bias, the place is
very wonderful. The feeling is so relaxing.
If we exercise the virtue in our hearts
and in our minds, everything will be paid off.
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FORTITUDE By Ariel Jay Gallardo
As we had our Theology141
Practicum-Immersion, we practice the third
cardinal virtue which is the fortitude. We,
Atenean, must know how to handle the
obstacles we might face and our desire to
try adventure in Tawan-Tawan, Baguio
District in our Practicum-Immersion. With
this, in every situation we are in, we must
not fear but we must solve them
courageously. We must not fear thus we
must have the strength.
In our Theology141 Practicum-
Immersion, we experienced new beginnings
and at the same time new hardships.
Theology141 is different from other theology
since we are facing the experience of being
with the family we are going to stay in for
two different days, which is on August 3,
and 10, 2013, Saturday. A family we don‘t
know. A family we are going to interview
and at the same time know them well. With
these happenings, I could say that there is a
mental and emotional strength to conquer.
Why? Dealing with other people requires
the strength to understand them. We must
understand the differences of their lifestyle
to ours because the different lifestyles are
well stereotypes by most of them. So, in
other words, we have to have the great
understanding of the gap between us. Also,
we must see the equality of their life to ours.
I don‘t mean to stereotype them but in our
society we can‘t ignore the fact that most of
them give a big deal to the differences of
people from others. So, the mentality that
we have to prepare has to have the
fortitude, as an Atenean. If we are mentally
prepaid in facing the challenges of meeting
new people and understand them well
enough, then we experienced the cardinal
value fortitude.
Lastly, the people of Tawan-Tawan
experienced fortitude by facing their daily
life. This can also be applied to us, the
students, by waking up, dealing with school
and living life according to what one‘s desire
and how one wants his/her life to be in the
present tense. But, the people in Tawan-
Tawan have to face the struggles of waking
up, dealing with their farm and also to
experience the hardships of dealing with the
long walk to the river. They must face with
courage the situation they are in. They must
also conquer the adversity of natural
calamities. The road that they are going to
walk is prone to landslides thus they must
have the courage and strength to face the
adversity in their place. Also, fortitude
allows them to cope up with poverty and
loss, because they cultivate the Christian
virtue that allows them to rise above the
basic requirements of Christianity.
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THE PRACTICE OF CLASS VALUES
Edited by Kevin Barrosa & Jason Jon Carreos
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy
of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
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MAGIS By Aldrin Troy Violan
Ateneans are taught by the Jesuits
how to be socially active through moral
duties. During the immersion in Theology
141, we share something that we have to
the communities in Brgy. Tawan-tawan,
Baguio District, Davao City. We shared
food, love, care, experience and most likely,
we give more than what was asked from us.
―Magis‖ is the word - to do more and to give
more.
It is good to see that everyone
initiated Magis. Getting to know the family
and their way of living, is a single step
ahead on what was asked to do. We are
able to live like them by simply helping them
do some of the chores in the household
though some foster family insisted not to let
us do so. Aside from that, we give more by
not only bringing the suggested food for
lunch, which is chicken adobo or fried fish -
some of us added bihon, pansit, softdrinks,
and ice. By doing this, it is pretty obvious
that all of us want their foster family
experience a two-day extraordinary living
that can be remembered for the rest of our
lives.
Magis does not only mean doing
within the boundaries but going beyond.
Ateneans, or even us Filipinos, are defined
by that kind of values. That ―magis‖ value,
which is brought to us by the experience,
must grow and will never be forgotten. We
must not stop learning from it, but continue
doing it.
RESPECT By Andrew Rey Arayan
One of the class values that we
voted for is respect. It is because we
recognize the inherent worth of all human
beings. We also need to eliminate
derogatory words and phrases from our
vocabulary. Speak with people – not at
them, or about them. Always practice
empathy. Walk awhile in others‘ shoes.
And by that, we earn respect from
others by showing respect and worthy
behavior. Also, we need to consider others‘
feelings before speaking and acting. Lastly,
treat everyone with dignity and courtesy. In
other words, we recognize, eliminate,
speak, practice, consider and treat the
people during our immersion especially our
foster parents who helps us understand the
way of life in rural areas.
RESPONSIBILITY By Avegail Frances Vales
Being responsible is not something
that we inherit or built in within us.
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Responsibility is something that we can
earn and build through the years. Being
responsible is one of the essentials things in
our life. If we become irresponsible, we
don‘t only lose our personality and
characteristics but also we lose our life
because life is our greatest responsibility
that we have.
One of the challenges that each
person deals to become responsible is their
ways of dealing with pressure and conflicts.
If a person handled everything smoothly,
the person can accomplish a lot despite all
of the pressures in his/her life. One of the
people who have difficulty in taking
responsibilities are the students. During the
immersions, despite all of the pressures that
surrounds us, we, the CS4/IS4 class of
Ma‘am Dayrit managed to make the 2-day
immersion successful.
Before the actual immersion started,
the class decided to list down class values
that the class will practice and will have
learned during the immersion. One of those
class values is ―responsibility‖. During the
immersion, everyone was doing their
assigned tasks and did their best to make
our visit in Tawan-Tawan a meaningful one.
Everyone participated and cooperated from
the planning up until the culmination of the
immersion. Each of the teams and
individuals responsibly performed their
actions well. If some were late, they were
responsible enough to cope up with the
group. Each of us brought our assigned
foods and materials.
Each of us were responsible enough
not to cause trouble to the group, to our
partners and to the adopted families to
whom we are assigned to. Even without
Ma‘am Dayrit and Ate Judai‘s guidance and
presence during the immersion, we
performed our duties well, knew what to do
and what‘s not to do. After the immersion,
we have become more responsible and
become aware of our responsibilities in our
community, at home and in the school.
LOYALTY By Ralph Edward de Castro
What is Loyalty? Does loyalty mean
that we have to be loyal to the things we are
supposed to be loyal with? Is it a choice or
not? Is it important in our lives? Do we need
to follow this kind of moral value? These are
some questions that we should ask to
ourselves, and even to other people.
Loyalty is when you are committed
with one thing that you love. This does not
just refer to a person, but can also be to
your country, religion, and to the other
things that you may think are very important
to you. It is our choice if we want to be loyal
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to some things. No one could ever tell and
force us to be loyal on the things that we
don‘t want. This is our life and we have the
right to choose what we want because this
is important to us, especially in terms of
religion for we have our different beliefs.
This is not really a requirement for us
because there are some people who were
actually not loyal on the things that they
have.
For example, a couple who were
actually married for a long time, and yet the
husband is still dating another woman. This
shows that the man is not loyal and at the
same time, he is cheating to his wife. We
can say that a person is truly loyal with one
thing if and only if that person makes
himself available to that thing. It is like a
commitment, where we have to be
persistent; this shows that one is willing to
do anything in support of the commitment.
Being loyal to someone makes us also
know who is more important and worth
keeping in our life. If you are truly loyal to
someone or a thing you really want, you
don‘t easily give up even if you know things
are hard and it‘s hopeless because in the
first place why would you commit yourself if
the truth is you really don‘t want it at all.
The major point here is that if you
are loyal to someone or a thing, you have to
show it and make them feel that you are
because not all the time they may feel the
same feelings that they have before. Loyalty
is a big word, especially for those who are
committed with one another. It is not that
easy to trust easily if you doubt that your
partner is not that loyal to you because trust
is the foundation of love for every couple.
And for religions, we can‘t blame other
people why they have different beliefs than
us because they have their own beliefs and
it is their choice to be loyal to their religion.
PERSEVERANCE By Paolo Austria
As students, we experience a lot of
sacrifices along the way. Just like the
Immersion, we had encountered many
difficulties. Just going to the place where
our immersion took place was very
challenging. It was not just far, the road was
rough and slippery too. During the two days
that we were there, the weather was not
welcoming because it was cold and not
sunny.
We didn‘t know what awaits us; we
didn‘t have any clue on what we were
supposed to do there. We didn‘t know the
slightest idea of the situation out there. A lot
of apprehension and uneasiness happened
not just for us, who will be travelling a long
way to our destination, but also for our
parents as well especially since a lot of bad
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things had happened in Mindanao lately.
Our parents would be very worried of our
safety. So, it is twice the danger and twice
the apprehension because we went there
two times. But in spite of everything, we did
not give up and persevere all the way.
We have seen so much from the
situations of the families at Tawan-Tawan.
Most families never get to experience
having a convenient home such as
electricity for their homes, gadgets and
appliances because they live in a
monotonous life. Even though life is hard at
Tawan-Tawan, they still keep going on and
just like us, students of the Ateneo de
Davao University, we also persevered
because we had an undying will to help at
least to the families there especially to our
assigned foster family.
We persevered because we wanted
to accomplish the task at hand. The task
was tedious and difficult but we were very
determined to achieve our goal and we
were successful it all the way. The
Immersion was definitely a challenge for us,
yet it changes our initial insights on other
people, especially the marginalized sector,
since we were able to experience and
persevere the challenges that were trying to
block us in the way.
CAMARADERIE By Jericho Repito
Going through the entire Theology
subject in my college life, I felt the feeling of
mutual trust and friendship amongst the
people who I‘ve spent a lot of time with. To
know that you have classmates that are
always by our side. Classmates that are
willing to offer their fellowship,
companionship and friendship to you.
Everyone knows that the true sign of
friendship is the ability to sincerely share the
joy and accomplishment of others without a
trace of envy. This is the truest sign of
Christianity. To respond toward each other
in Christ in this way would make the
existence of a proper love for one another
evident, and would therefore be a sign of
proper discipleship to God.
Some people view life in a sense of
competition. With this type of attitude, it is
difficult to rejoice with others in their
success or whatever has drawn attention to
them. Some gets jealous when others get
what they want. It is an attitude that does
not mark spirituality, but rather the sign of a
focus that is still fleshly. It is the selfish
desire of the flesh that gives rise to envy
and jealousy towards one another. Since we
are in Christ, such a spirit is to be put to
death. How well are we doing?
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When we truly love one another, that
love should crowd out the tendency toward
envy because ―love does not envy‖, but
rather ―rejoice with the truth‖. One truth to
bear in mind is that we as Christians are to
be drawn together in harmony with Christ
and so with each other. There is the spirit
that allows us to sincerely rejoice with
others in what they have accomplished and
the attention that they received.
Unending pressure, tight schedule,
inevitable demands and few hours of sleep–
you name it. College life has it all. And
believe me, the list doesn‘t end there. The
blemishes of college life made this point of
our lives very challenging and enjoyable.
We all get tired at some point, we do get
discouraged, we do get hurt; everybody
does. The big difference comes when you
are asked of this question: To who are you
sharing all the misfortunes, complains,
pains and joys of this matchless stage of
your life? When you are surrounded by
warmhearted, caring, imperfect and
unpretentious people, what else could I ask
for? God perfectly reared me in a supportive
group of friends and family. As long as God
is the center of your life and of your
relationships, no matter how intricate and
messy it is, it will just be unnoticeably
perfect for me.
PATIENCE By Perry Louise Saavedra
Patience is a person's ability to wait
something out or endure something tedious,
without getting riled up. It takes a lot of
patience to build a house out of toothpicks
piece by piece.
Patience is the guardian of faith, the
preserver of peace, the cherisher of love,
the teacher of humility. Patience governs
the flesh, strengthens the spirit, sweetens
the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy,
and subdues pride. Patience bridles the
tongue, refrains the hand, tramples upon
temptations, endures persecutions, and
consummates martyrdom. Patience
produces unity in the church, loyalty in the
State, harmony in families and societies.
Patience comforts the poor and moderates
the rich.
Patience makes us humble in
prosperity, cheerful in adversity, unmoved
by calumny and reproach. Patience teaches
us to forgive those who have injured us, and
to be the first in asking forgiveness of those
whom we have injured. Patience delights
the faithful, and invites the unbelieving.
Patience adorns the woman, and approves
the man; is loved in a child, praised in a
young man, admired in an old man.
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Patience is beautiful in either sex or every
age.
Being patient is the ability to remain
calm, even when you've been waiting
forever or dealing with something slow, or
even trying to teach someone how to do
something and they just don't get it. It
involves acceptance and tolerance, and is
usually easier to have when there's
something in it for you at the end. That
could be a goal you've been slowly working
to achieve, or just lower blood pressure. In
my first and last visit in family Baratas at
Tawan-tawan I have realized that we need
to be patient. You have to be patient on
something or someone who will give you
something. Like in our family I must be
patient when it comes to when and what are
they going to give me something like food. I
must not ask something from them,
because there are things that they cannot
give or provide, therefore I must always be
patient. As an Atenean, one knows how to
be patient.
OPTIMISM By Happy Kris Marie Abang
Most of us are not used to waking up
early, travelling and even riding the
jeepneys but still, a lot of us enjoyed that
experience. Many of us tried the things we
don‘t usually do, like climbing a mountain,
hiking, playing in the river, doing household
chores and most especially, living in a poor
community. We are used to live in a very
comfortable life wherein we can get almost
all we want in just one snap so, living in that
community was really a challenge for us.
We don‘t usually value our money since we
didn‘t work hard for it. Also, we don‘t usually
appreciate the efforts of our parents since
we‘re too busy asking for all our wants. We
thought life was easy, not until we saw
what‘s really happening in real life.
Each of us students showed
optimism by still performing our duties in
spite of all those challenges. We forced to
wake-up early because we all know
something great will happen at the end of
the day. Even though some of us are tired
since there are many upcoming activities,
we still did our best to comply with all the
requirements. Also, even though we‘re not
used to all of those work in the community,
we still tried to do it since we believe that we
can treasure those experiences. Our
experiences may change the way we think
and decide about certain things in life. Every
after immersion, each of us feels so tired
due to the activities in the community, but
you can really see the fulfillment that it
brought us.
How the people in the community
see and accept things in their life also
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inspired us. They live a very simple life, they
can even barely provide for their needs yet
they are still thankful for their lives. Another
day means another chance to improve their
lives. They never lose hope, they still
continue to live their lives happily and
without regrets. Every day, it is a challenge
for them to provide for their needs but
instead of complaining, they just keep on
working and also, dreaming. Dreaming that
one day, they may also achieve what they
really want and that is to live harmoniously.
We learned a lot of lessons from that
immersion and many realizations hit us but
one thing‘s for sure, those memories with
them will always be treasured.
TEAMWORK By Andrea Bernardino
Teamwork is defined as a
cooperative effort on the part of a group of
persons acting together as a team or in the
interests of a common cause. Therefore it is
basically doing work as a team. As the
famous line goes ―No man is an island.‖, in
a group or in a class, having a team that
works for a common vision is the greatest
advantage. It means having members that
could provide better inputs and suggestions
and having more people that are willing to
come together to achieve that goal or vision.
As I have observed in the class, during the
discussions for the immersion, everyone
shares the same passion and focus to
achieve the desired target or goal.
Even though a few from us were
from a different course, everyone in the
class made each other aware that we are all
individually important for the success of the
team as a whole. All of us were asked to be
involved and to know the information about
the goals and deadlines, which made us
feel that we‘re responsible for the outcome.
Encouragement from our teacher as well
helped in establishing a sense of purpose in
everyone and it also helped in coming up of
suggestions to improvise the things that we
have not yet thought of. It made us
collaborate together and use our talent and
experiences to contribute to the success of
the immersion‘s objectives.
In class, the CS students were given
the task to create a website while us,
accounting technology students were also
asked about the budgeting of the expenses
that we might incur. Here, it would be seen
that we were encouraged to offer our skills
and knowledge, and in turn each member is
able to contribute to the group‘s success.
Even though there might be a gap between
us, our teacher didn‘t fail to encourage all of
us to express our opinions, varying views
and questions. In our immersion day with
our partners, it also entails teamwork. If only
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one works then the immersion might not
have a good outcome.
Conflicts may have arise during the
discussions or in the immersion itself but
everybody was able to resolve the problems
constructively. What I liked the most was
our partners may have different courses
from us or they might belong to other
classes but still, we were all able to
participate equally in the decision-making
though we understand too that our teacher
might really need to make the final decision
if we can‘t come to a consensus agreement
because having a team doesn‘t mean that
members must agree on everything but it
means that all individuals must be directing
their efforts towards the goal. If a member‘s
effort is going purely towards personal
goals, then the team will confront the
problems.
GENEROSITY By Shannice Gaile Sedeño
Generosity is the willingness to give
to others. This is to give something from the
bottom of our hearts, without expecting
anything in return. This is the readiness to
give, anytime there is someone in need.
During our immersion in Tawan-Tawan for
Theo141, we were all given the chance to
be generous.
We were all willing to pay for our
expenses without complaining, without
selfishly thinking about how much money
we would be spending for the two
Saturdays. It was not just all about the
material things that we have donated, but
also the time that we have spent with them.
Sitting there, talking to them, and listening
to them were enough acts of generosity. It
made us very happy giving our time and
effort to the families in Tawan-Tawan.
It was not just us who were
generous but also the families, who were
very hospitable and welcoming. They were
very generous enough to accept us as their
visitors for two Saturdays. They have given
us their time and effort also by listening to
us and by letting us familiarize the way they
live. The people there were very generous
enough to accompany us down to the river
and helped us throughout our memorable
adventure.
Their smiles, their laugh – All of
these were very priceless, and I think we all
felt generous that day. And of course we
could not forget the generosity of our
beloved teacher, Ma‘am Dayrit who was
there for us along our journey. She had
shared with us her time and effort the whole
two days of our theo141 immersion.
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Closing Remarks By Martin Rey Guerrero
We wrote this, not because it is a
requirement. But also, we wanted to feel
some of the experiences of past emotions
dwelling inside the encompassed shelter of
the fragile heart and compile each of our
experiences and stories as a unified
section, CS4/IS4. This ending is like no
other. It made a huge and profound impact
in all of us. It was crystal clear to us that the
Practicum Immersion was definitely one of
the highlights during our two Saturdays.
What actually happen in our two day
Practicum Immersion could not be
summarized by only page of reflection
paper, but more. As Ateneans, we were
taught not just how to identify the good and
the bad of all situations, but also to discover
and find God in all things.
Being students of Ateneo de Davao
University made us grasp and experience
first-hand 3 of the most important and
profound virtues of a student in Ateneo de
Davao University.
First, the magic of Magis. It was just
there all along, wandering on and about
inside our souls. Most of us were actually
not aware of how Magis was able to
captivate our inner instincts to service. Most
of us gave more than what we initially
planned as a class and it was heart-
warming.
Second, the fortification of Forte in
Fide. It made us stronger as children of
God. The experience we had with our foster
families deepened our spirituality and belief
in God. With the strong faith that we hold on
to, we were able to go through and end the
Practicum Immersion with no regrets.
Third, the spirit of Sui Generis. As
students of Ateneo de Davao University, we
are aware that the simplicity of being unique
and distinctive calls our attention and our
actions. Though some of us are not
classmates ever since, we are Ateneans in
our own different ways yet possesses the
same quality of a student of Ateneo de
Davao University has. Moreover, it was
evident during our Practicum Immersion that
we served the community as student
leaders.
The first and last days of the
Theology 141 Practicum Immersion came to
an end. However, the experience does not
stop on the last day. The whole experience
will be forever remembered until the day we
graduate, we get married and up to the very
end of time.
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Though we may be unable to
unravel the mysteries of the more intricate
experience of what an ideal immersion
would be like, we, as Ateneans, did what we
can and even surpassed our limits. The
experience is one of the best we have ever
had. It was one of the best because, we
were still able to touch hearts, teach minds
and transform lives in our own little ways,
uniquely and passionately.
Let the stories of integrity and justice
in this book be an instrument of change,
whether it may be in perspective or in
action. Unified together for a certain cause
which is the service for the poor, this
Practicum Immersion will be cherished
forever. It is because we are student
leaders of the Ateneo de Davao University.
Ad Majorem dei Gloriam!
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We, CS/IS4, would like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the support
given by the management of Josefa Segovia Foundation who gave us the opportunity to
experience the overwhelming day-to-day lives of our assigned foster families.
We are also thankful for the help Ma'am Judy Ann Enriquez who guide us all throughout
the Practicum Immersion, including the help she gave us during our search for our foster
families. Other than that, her happy-go-lucky mood gave us the hope to be brave and prudent at
all times. In addition, we would like to thank all the jeepney drivers who drove us to the
destination safely and also to our foster families who whole-heartedly accepted us to their
homes without hesitation.
Last but not the least, we would like to thank and congratulate our wonderful Theology
141 instructor, Ma'am Marlina T. Dayrit, for having us this opportunity to grasp and transform
our lives little by little throughout the Practicum Immersion.
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ANNEXES
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