Philippines South

By Ms Patlyn Antonette Pañares

Don Bosco Mati, Davao Oriental, the Philippines, 1 December 2018 -- The EPC (Educative and Pastoral Community) of Don Bosco Mati gathered for SEPP (Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan) Planning over two days to come up with a plan for the next three years. It was attended by the parish sector representatives (The Sacred of Heart of Jesus Parish) and the TVET sector representatives (Don Bosco Training Centre), together with the Salesian Community (Fr Rey Jude Albarando, SDB – Rector, Fr Rex Carbilledo, SDB – TVET Director, Fr Alipio Antonio Añano, SDB – Economer, Bro Lamberto Tena, SDB – Vocation Director and Bro Genson Banguis, SDB – Practical Trainee). The group offered a huge contribution, support for a successful planning session. Fr Joriz F. Calsa, SDB, CYM Delegate, facilitated the planning and generously shared his expertise assisted by Ms Patlyn Antonette Pañares and Ms Jayriel Cui, CYM secretaries.

Fr Joriz began the planning session with an overview of the ten elements in "What makes a setting 'Salesian'?”. Afterwards the participants were asked to share their peak experiences working/serving in Don Bosco Mati, which is also the basis for the revision of the Vision-Mission statement.These are some of the sharings from participants:

“Working in Don Bosco is a bit challenging but a very fulfilling job because you will get to see the changes of the young people. We cater especially for young people coming from very poor families in far-flung areas of Davao Oriental. After their training there you see big changes not only in their life but also in their family.”

-Ms. Mary Joy Abasolo, School Registrar

“As a new student here in Don Bosco, during the first months, I already felt the closeness I never had in my previous school. The Salesians and teachers are very approachable and willing to listen to our problems.”

-Mr. Erwen Llano, SHS Student

“I like how the Salesians run the parish and I like how they showed us they were a family.”

-Ms. Emilia Maglente, PPC Lector Coordinator

While sharing their peak experiences in the Parish and in TVET, common values came up such as the presence of very supportive Salesians, the experience of the strong Salesian family spirit, solid commitment, happiness and fulfillment,and many others, which they continuously experience and treasure until now. Since the Parish and TVET had obviously different set-ups, they also had a separate Vision-Mission statement. Discussions, consultations, comments and suggestions were offered to refine and simplify each sector’s Vision-Mission statement. After common reflection and discussion, the parish group has finally agreed to embrace their vision statement:

“Kami nga nagkahiusang katawhan sa Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, adonay lig-on ngapagtoo ug buhing saksi sa gugma sa Diyos.” (We are a united community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with solid faith and living witnesses of the love of God).

Likewise, for the TVET, an added element was placed in the mission statement especially emphasizing the common experience of the Salesian Family Spirit.

In continuation, after finalizing the revisiting of the Vision and Mission statements, they were instructed to group according to their sector and were tasked with making a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of the current situation of their setting guided by the four dimensions in the SEPP, namely: (1) Education to the Faith (2) Education and Culture (3) Group Experience and (4) Vocation, and they added 5th, the EPC. After the lengthy process of reflection and sharing, they were challenged to choose at least two urgent and more important strengths (to further strengthen) and weaknesses (to convert to strengths) from among the many. This was to be voted on. The final four chosen became the priority for each dimension per sector for the next three years together with the suggested lines of action.

The planning ended with words of encouragement from the TVET Director and the Parish Priest and Rector of the house. Fr Rex Carbilledo, SDB, the Training Director, was overjoyed and shared his heartfelt thanks to everyone especially to their staff, teachers and students who helped in making plans for the day-to-day running of the centre. He said that they did not have a clear plan prior to this, but they run the centre well. How much better it will run with a (precise) plan. At the same time, the planning is coming from TVET’s Lay Mission Partners (LMPs), not only from the Salesians. It is an affirmation on his part that the things he taught before are now understood and owned by the very people who will be implementing all the plans, now that they share joint responsibility and one mind for the betterment of the young people of Mati. The true success of this planning will show when they are able to realize all the plans.

On the other hand, Fr Rey Jude Alabarando, SDB, the Rector, was very happy because after the six years of his Rectorship in Don Bosco Mati finally they had an SEPP. He is thankful for these dedicated people , especially in the Parish, for as long as there is clear direction, they would see to it that this plan is implemented. It would the guide forn their activities or programs in Mati.

The facilitator of the SEPP, as a conclusion, reminded the EPC that this year is the “Year of Youth” in the Philippines and it is a challenge for everyone to revive Youth Ministry or the Salesian Youth Movement especially in Mindanao.

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