The launching of Pondo ng Pinoy in the Diocese of Romblon marked a significant milestone in the mission of fostering a culture of solidarity and compassion among the faithful. The launch took place in Romblon, Sibuyan Island, and served as the pilot area for implementing the Pondo ng Pinoy programs in the diocese. The launching was headed and facilitated by. Reverend Fr. Ricardo L. Magro III, and Ms. Cecile Maaba, lay coordinator, together with Pondo ng Pinoy staff and Board of Trustee member Ms. Mayee Marzan, Education Officer, Ms. Elmira Joyce De Castro, Finance Clerk, Mr. Bebot Sabangan Jr., Promotion Assistant, and Ms. Ma. Cathleya Ava Estino, Pondo ng Pinoy Trustee. The distinguished Most Reverend Narciso Villaver Abellana, MSC, D.D., led a Mass during the ceremony, which symbolized the spiritual significance of Pondo ng Pinoy within the Diocese. Several parish priests from the Diocese also concelebrated the Mass. The Mass, filled with devotion and gratitude, served as the foundation for the launching ceremony, emphasizing the importance of embracing the values of compassion, solidarity, and service to others embodied by Pondo ng Pinoy. Bishop Narciso Abellana delivered heartfelt homilies that resonated deeply with the diocese, inspiring them to actively participate in the mission of Pondo ng Pinoy. The launching ceremony included informative presentations and discussions about the history, organizational structure, program components, four pillars, spirituality, and various projects and initiatives supported by Pondo ng Pinoy. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the program’s impact, witnessing firsthand how their collective contributions would bring about positive change and uplift the lives of the less fortunate. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from the Diocese of Romblon to wholeheartedly embrace Pondo ng Pinoy. Inspired by the leadership of Reverend Fr. Ricardo L. Magro III and guided by the wisdom of Reverend Narciso Villaver Abellana and the participating parish priests, the Diocese embarked on this journey with a shared determination to make a lasting difference in their community. The launching of Pondo ng Pinoy in the Diocese of Romblon was a momentous occasion filled with faith, unity, and a collective desire to create a more just and compassionate society. As the 32nd member of this national movement, the Diocese of Romblon stands ready to contribute and make a meaningful impact on the lives of the marginalized and disadvantaged.
PONDO NG PINOY ORIENTATION SESSION: DIOCESE OF ROMBLON
On the 24th of June 2023, the Pondo ng Pinoy National Management Office conducted an orientation session in the Diocese of Romblon. The session took place at the Santa Barbara Parish in Cajidiocan, Romblon, specifically on Sibuyan Island. The orientation aimed to provide valuable information about Pondo ng Pinoy, its work, and its spiritual aspects. The orientation was led by the Pondo ng Pinoy National Management Staff, which included Ms. Maria Victoria Abear-Marzan, serving as the Pondo ng Pinoy Education Officer. She was accompanied by Ms. Ma. Ava Cattleya Estino, a member of the Pondo ng Pinoy Board of Trustees, Mr. Bebot Sabangan, the Promotion Assistant, and Ms. Elmira Joyce De Castro, the Finance Clerk. The event was graced by the presence of the Most Reverend Narciso Villaver Abellana, MSC, D.D., the esteemed Bishop of Romblon. Also in attendance were Reverend Fr. Ricardo L. Magro III, the Priest Coordinator, and Ms. Cecile Maaba, the Lay Coordinator. The participation of the clergy and coordinators from the diocese added to the significance of the orientation.
Pondo ng Pinoy Sunday for June 2023
Happy Anniversary mga Ka-Pondo!!! We thank God for the successful albeit simple celebration of our 19th founding anniversary. Despite being virtual, Bp. Alminaza provided a very beautiful and direction-setting homily during our Eucharistic Celebration. (You will find the whole transription here.) Bp. Maralit provided a deepening on our Theology of the Crumbs as our guide in the strategic planning in the next months to come. And of course, our hosts and “guests” made our “talk show” truly fun and inspiring.
Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation Inc. officially welcomes the 31st member diocese -The Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk.
On May 21, 2023, the Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation Inc. officially welcomed the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk as its 31st member diocese. The official launch took place at Saint William’s Cathedral in Bulanao, Tabuk, located in the Kalinga Province. The launching event began with a Mass presided over by Bishop Prudencio Padilla Andaya Jr., C.I.C.M., together with Rev. Fr. George Manisem. To officially welcome the Diocese, the event was participated by the Pondo ng Pinoy National Management staff headed by the Executive Director, Ms. Morena A. Cosare, Ms. Elmira Joyce De Castro, accounting clerk, Mr. Bebot R. Sabangan, Jr., Promotion Assistant, and Education Consultant, Ms. Alejandria Dacquel. The launching of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk as a member diocese holds great importance for both Pondo ng Pinoy and the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk. Pondo ng Pinoy aims to promote a habit of small acts of kindness and regularity for others. It encourages individuals to contribute small amounts regularly, which are then pooled together to fund various community projects and initiatives for poor brothers and sisters. It also helps to uplift marginalized communities, address poverty-related issues, and promote holistic development. The launching of Pondo ng Pinoy in Tabuk serves as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring individuals to embrace a spirit of generosity and compassion. It encourages them to contribute their time, talents, and resources to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Overall, the official welcome of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk as the 31st member diocese of Pondo ng Pinoy signifies a significant milestone in the organization’s journey towards fostering solidarity and transforming communities across the Philippines. Together, we will strive to create a more just and compassionate society, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals in Tabuk and beyond.
Pondo ng Pinoy Sunday for May 2023
Truly we are gifted with the greatest gift. When we received the Holy Spirit, we “allow God to operate in our lives.” Like the leaders in Our Lady of Fatima Parish Mandaluyong, let us allow God to work in our lives and bring hope and fullness of life, especially to the poor. Brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, they were able to respond to the needs of their young students through a scholarship program supported by Pondo ng Pinoy. Seeing the good results, the program has been reapplied up to the present. As Fr. Lito Caliwag shares in his Gospel reflection, “Where else can we attribute this” but to the works of the Holy Spirit. May we, Pondo ng Pinoy, make God’s presence felt through our good works, especially to the poor.
Pondo ng Pinoy Sunday for April 2023
Our gratitude to all who participated in the Fast2Feed fundraising campaign to support the Hapag-Asa Feeding Program. Let us continue to celebrate and live out our compassion, generosity, and gratitude, and continue being good shepherds to others like our Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Pondo ng Pinoy Sunday for March 2023
Have we been a true friend like Jesus was to Martha, Mary, and Lazarus? Are we always there for our friends? Can we be there for those we do not know but are in need? Be a true friend especially to malnourished children this lenten season. Participate in the Fast2Feed fundraising campaign and feed a hungry child! Through this campaign, we are able to support the Hapag-Asa Integrated Feeding Program since 2005, in many dioceses. See how the Diocese of Naval even forged a partnership with the Local Government Units to make more effective the feeding program to the children.
Pondo ng Pinoy Sunday – February 2023
Fast. Pray. Give. Panahon na ng kwaresma at ang lahat ay inaanyayahang makilahok sa FAST2FEED lenten fund raising campaign na sumusuporta sa ating Hapag-Asa Integrated Feeding Program. Katulad ng sa Diocese of Antipolo, napakaraming mga kabataan ang patuloy na napapakain ng ating pagtitipid at pag-aayuno sa loob lamang ng apatnapung araw. Tignan ang homily reflection ni Rev. Fr. Gerardo Sanchez kung ano nga ba ang mensahe ng ebanghelyo sa Linggong ito at ang kahalagahan nito sa ating Hapag-Asa Integrated Feeding Program. Panginoong Diyos,Puspusin mo nawa kami ng Banal na Espiritu sa pagninilay sa Iyong paghihirap, pagkamatay, at muling pagkabuhay, sa pagdarasal at pag-aayuno ngayong panahon ng kwaresma, at sa pagtulong sa mga mahihirap lalo na sa mga kabataang nagugutom. Hinihiling namin ito sa ngalan ni Hesus. Amen.
Pondo ng Pinoy Reorientation Session with Diocese of Gumaca
The Pondo ng Pinoy successfully conducted an orientation session in the Diocese of Gumaca, participated by its 35 clergies, on 16-17 January 2023. The activity was an opportunity for the clergy to rediscover Pondo ng Pinoy as an evangelizing arm of the Catholic Church. The discussions focused on Pondo ng Pinoy spirituality, four program components, services, and some updates. This orientation session, which also aimed at strengthening partnerships with member dioceses, was facilitated by Ms. Morena Cosare, Pondo ng Pinoy Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Noel Canopio, Pondo ng Pinoy Programs Committee Chairperson. Also present were Ms. Cathleya Ava Estino and Ms. Bernadette P. Chan, Pondo ng Pinoy Board of Trustees (BOT).
Pondo ng Pinoy Clergy Orientation at Diocese of Imus
The Pondo ng Pinoy National Management Office successfully conducted a reorientation session in the Diocese of Imus last February 16, 2023. The event was participated by the clergy of the said Diocese. The activity was spearheaded by Ms. Mayee Abear, Pondo ng Pinoy Education Officer and Ms. Carmela Ann Nequinto, Pondo ng Pinoy Project officer, together with Rev. Fr. Angelito Caliwag, Education Sub-Committee head. Also present during the event were Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D., Rev. Fr. Benjamin A. Francisco, PnPCFI Priest Coordinator and Promotion Sub-Committee head, and Diocesan desk lay coordinator, Ms. Fe M. Guarda. During the reorientation, Rev. Fr. Angelito Caliwag shared the Theology of the Crumbs and PnPCFI’s unique spirituality, followed by Ms. Mayee Abear with the presentation of the Four Pillars and the Four Program Components significant in the implementation of Pondo ng Pinoy in the diocesan desks. Also, Ms. Mela Nequinto provided an update on the crumbs collection and distribution including the Fast2Feed gathered that supports the feeding program of many parishes in the diocese. Indeed, the diocese has been very active, especially in applying for projects for its poor communities since 2005. The amount distributed for the Hapag-Asa feeding program likewise represents the concern of many priests for its malnourished children. Some feeding programs have even lasted for more than ten years. Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D. emphasized renewing the Pondo ng Pinoy program in the parishes starting with evangelization—formation on the Theology of the Crumbs that will sustain the sharing of “crumbs” or money that will in turn support future projects for poor communities. He encouraged the priests to submit project proposals that will help empower communities. He added that while Pondo ng Pinoy is not a new program in the diocese, the pandemic has halted many of its activities but as restrictions are nearly over, so he also expressed that it is time to revive the spirituality and the way of life of small but regular acts of kindness.
