The Diocese of Ilagan celebrated its Pondo ng Pinoy Anniversary and Relaunching last November 15, 2023, with the theme “Pondo ng Pinoy @19 Sumasabay sa Kasalukuyang Panahon — Paghahanda para sa Ika-dalawang Dekada ng Pagmimisyon!”. The event took place at St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral Compound, Maharlika Highway, Brgy. Ubi, Gamu, Isabela. The main event commenced with a gathering of the clergy, where His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advicula, Jr., D.D., Pondo ng Pinoy chairperson, encouraged all the clergy to foster generosity among the faithful in the Dioces through Pondo ng Pinoy. Alongside the Bishop of Ilagan, Most Rev. David William V. Antonio, D.D., and nearly 30 diocesan clergies, the National Management Staff of PnPCFI was also in attendance, including Ms. More Cosare, the Pondo ng Pinoy Executive Director, and Pondo ng Pinoy Promotion Officer, Mr. Bebot R. Sabangan. The focus of the clergy gathering centered on four key points: firstly, exploring avenues for evangelization with young people, including school-aged children, and fostering partnerships with schools; secondly, repackaging the crumbs; thirdly, emphasizing solidarity among the Member Dioceses of Pondo ng Pinoy; and lastly, supporting and intensifying the promotion of Pondo ng Pinoy in the diocese, encouraging all priests to implement Pondo ng Pinoy in their parishes. It was also emphasized that Pondo ng Pinoy Sunday should be observed every last Sunday of the month.
The subsequent activity after the session was the Eucharistic celebration officiated by His Eminence, concelebrated with Most Rev. David William V. Antonio, D.D., and the diocesan priests. The Eucharistic celebration highlighted the spirituality of Pondo ng Pinoy. Cardinal Advincula’s homily focused on the organization’s mission and how it has helped communities, transforming the lives of both givers and receivers.
“Ang pagsusulong at pagsuporta sa Pondo ng Pinoy ay isang paraan upang tayo ay makasunod sa halimbawa at atas ng ating Panginoong Hesukristo.”
“Mga kapatid, ang Pondo ng Pinoy ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng iba, hinuhubog din nito ang ating puso at kalooban upang ganap tayong makasunod kay Hesus.”
Marapat lamang na tanungin natin ang ating sarili. Paano tayo nakakatulong sa ating kapwa sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay, paano natin naipapakita ang pag-ibig at pagmamahal sa ating kapwa, sa ating mga gawain, sa ating mga salita, at sa ating mga desisyon? Kaya naman, lagi nating isipin na sa pagbibigay natin sa Pondo ng Pinoy, tayo ay nagiging bahagi ng isang mas malawak na misyon – ang misyon na maging instrumento ng pagbabago sa ating lipunan, ng pag-aangat sa antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan, at higit sa lahat, ng pagpapakita ng pag-ibig at pagmamahal ni Jesus sa bawat isa sa atin.” –Cardinal Advincula
The Eucharistic celebration was attended by students, school staff, parishioners, and project beneficiaries of Pondo ng Pinoy. Following this spiritual event, a celebration of the journey of Pondo ng Pinoy in the Diocese of Ilagan was presented by Mo. Camille Marasigan, FLDP, Pondo ng Pinoy trustee, and former Diocese of Ilagan coordinator, along with Sr. Mary Claire Balila, FLDP, who shared the history of Pondo ng Pinoy, its inception, and its establishment.
This was succeeded by heartfelt testimonials from graduates of the diocesan scholarship program supported by Pondo ng Pinoy. Their testimonials served as an affirmation of the vision behind the transformational power of the ‘crumbs’—symbolizing small and repeated acts of kindness.
As the graduates expressed how their lives were profoundly impacted by the unwavering support of contributors, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. It was a deeply moving moment when these young individuals conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Catholic Church, Pondo ng Pinoy, the Diocese of Ilagan, and all the dedicated nuns, priests, and volunteers. The testimonials painted a vivid picture of the profound impact that the collective efforts had on providing these students with the opportunity to reshape their destinies.
Ms. Morena A. Cosare delivered an inspiring message, appreciating the diocese’s efforts in spreading the mission of Pondo ng Pinoy. She encouraged those who are present to be the Heart of Christ and “maging daluyan ng pag-ibig ng Diyos” through Pondo ng Pinoy.
Bp. David William V. Antonio, D.D., affirmed the unwavering commitment of the Diocese of Ilagan to sustain its support for the mission of Pondo ng Pinoy. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of compassion and love, especially for the underserved, particularly the young people. On the other hand, the new Pondo ng Pinoy Priest Coordinator Rev. Fr. Pedro “Peter” Rambac, Jr., felt happy to be part of the mission of Pondo ng Pinoy.
The afternoon activity was a session for the Pondo ng Pinoy scholars facilitated by Ms. Morena Cosare and Sr. Claire, highlighting the Pondo ng Pinoy as a community foundation and its spirituality, followed by video interviews of graduated scholars facilitated by Mr. Bebot Sabangan.
The event was a significant success for both Pondo ng Pinoy and the Diocese of Ilagan, spreading the good news and taking action to make a difference in the lives of the poor, aligning with Pondo ng Pinoy’s mission of helping poor brothers and sisters in the communities.
-Bebot R. Sabangan Jr
