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.
