January 2018
XU HELMS HOUSING PROJECT FOR BAKWITS
Xavier University will serve as Project Manager of a housing project for bakwits who were displaced during the Marawi siege. The Office of the Vice-President of the Philippines has tasked the university to hire & manage the construction firm, coordinate with the LGU, and establish a program for community development.
The nature of the houses will be semi-permanent — as the community members await the completion of their permanent houses near the city center (which was once the ‘battle zone’). Seventy houses will be built in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City (the land is leased by the LGU).
The groundbreaking was held last 16 February 2018. The houses will be ready for occupancy on 26 May 2018 — the first anniversary of the Marawi siege.
Source: from the Office of the President, Xavier University
LAUDATO SI’ SPIRITUALITY FOR ACTION WORKSHOP
The Jesuit Conference Asia Pacific (JCAP) Laudato Si’ Spirituality for Action Workshop, revolving around Reconciliation with Creation, was held last 21-25 January 2018 at the Culture and Ecology Center in Sitio Bendum, Malayabalay, Bukidnon. Twenty-seven delegates from different Ateneo Universities and Jesuit institutions in Asia attended the event spearheaded by the Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC).
During the workshop, participants were able to immerse in the “gaup” (ancestral domain of the Pulangiyen community), visit the Upper Pulangi watershed, and meet the scholars of Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center. The workshop also gave the participants the opportunity to be one with nature, appreciate the beauty of the environment, and take time for reflection.
by Alma Jane Babilonia of ADNU CCD
JESUIT INSTITUTIONS MEET FOR PACG MEETING AND SJSA COLLOQUIUM
The Bangsamoro Basic Law and Federalism became the major social issues discussed during the Policy Advocacy Core Group Meeting (PACG) and Society of Jesus Social Apostolate Colloquium (SJSA) held last 16-20 January 2018 at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City.
These meetings were convened by Province Assistant for the Social Apostolate Fr. Pat Falguera SJ. Representatives from various Ateneo Schools and Jesuit institutions discussed the actions that have to be undertaken in approaching the issues that matter to the Filipinos.
Commissioner Jose Lorena of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission gave a talk on the National Situation where he discussed the Benefits of Federalism and the effects of the Bangsamoro Basic Law on Federalism. Also present in the colloquium was Al Qalam Institute’s Mussolini Lidasan, who discussed BBL and its effect to the Mindanaoans.
After the lectures, the participants deliberated on the actions needed to be undertaken by the SJSA and PACG in order to address the issues on BBL and Federalism.
by Thirdy Baudin of ADNU CCD
This bulletin is meant to keep our Philippine Province Jesuits and partners in mission updated regarding developments in the implementation of the Province Roadmap. Please email any news contributions from your respective apostolates to jaysalvosa@gmail.com.