Kalahating Araw
by Shirley Habonete, B42 Kalahating araw na hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan sa loob ng misyon ko bilang JVP sa Saint...
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM
REQUESTING INSTITUTION APPLICATION FORM
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by Neil Delos Reyes, JVP B42
[Neil is a certified Public Accountant (CPA). In August 2021, he started volunteering as a highschool teacher, and at the same time, as academic coordinator at Loyola College of Culion in the island of Culion, Palawan.]
I felt a mix of worry and excitement, just like every time I step on new places and meet new people. But mostly, I felt hopeful that something life-changing would give birth to new stories to tell.
I see God in the slow pace of life here in Culion, reminding me to breathe and focus on the little and ordinary things life can offer. I see God in the ever-changing weather conditions; despite the harsh rain, the sky and sea still are able to keep their wonder.
After seeing the conditions of mostly everyone in the area, especially the IP scholars, all my problems felt superficial. Why worry about food cravings when some don't have enough to eat? Why worry about choosing between opportunities when some don't have opportunities to begin with? These further strengthened my resolve to continue this mission.
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by Esa Banta, JVP B41/42
[Esa is a lawyer who is now on her 2nd year of volunteering as a community organizer among the Tagbanua Indigenous Communities in Culion, Palawan]
On my first year as a Jesuit Volunteer in Culion, I experienced almost instantly how challenging community organizing could be. “But it is always worth it,” I thought.
At the beginning of my second year, I was not so sure. I started to doubt.
Community meetings became more difficult to set. The number of participating community members dwindled. If we get lucky, at least ten would show up. Issues within the community, amongst members, were brought into the light. A good friend dangled the thought that—perhaps, maybe, what are the chances?—at the end of the day, what I was bringing was false hope. The thought stung.
And then I remember how Nanay Marife, elected chief of one of our communities, forced herself to show up in a workshop despite having just undergone an operation. I remember how Apo Feliciano and several other elders stayed up attentively until 10:30 in the evening to finish my lecture on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, despite my telling them they should rest instead and we can continue on another day. I remember how Chairman Bordig pulled off all possible logistical miracles so our communities can gather and learn together, despite challenges in transportation, venue, and the pandemic.
I remember, as if slowly and then all at once, on my boat trip home under the full moon, who I am doing this for: Nanay Marife, Apo Feliciano, Chairman Bordig; the number does not matter. Who cares what I bring when they bring hope. And so it is true: we do what we do for the people who show up—for all the good people.
The doubt fades. I have never been so sure.
It is always worth it.
The Jesuit Volunteers Philippines Foundation Inc. (JVPFI) engages in nation-building by recruiting, training and sending volunteers
for a year of service to marginalized communities and areas with the greatest need. Jesuit volunteers empower these communities as teachers,
formators, community organizers, or enterprise development officers assigned to under-resourced schools, parishes, and NGOs across the country.
A just society that celebrates the fullness of life realized with the help of a community embodying Ignatian Spirituality.
We aim to form a community composed of volunteers, former volunteers and associates who nurture and live out the principles and values of Ignatian Spirituality embodied in and realized through their individual vocation.
In 1980, nine young Jesuit Volunteers set off to serve in the peripheries of Mindanao. Now on its 39th year, JVPFI has successfully deployed over a thousand volunteers to 317 partner institutions in marginalized communities across the nation, serving where they are needed most.
SERVICE that builds. SOCIAL JUSTICE that empowers. SPIRITUALITY that loves. SIMPLICITY that frees. SOLIDARITY that unites.
JVPFI has Local Chapters in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Manila, Naga and Zamboanga. Former Jesuit Volunteers form the Network of Leaders who support the Volunteer Service Program through recruiting and supporting current Jesuit Volunteers and organize activities to promote volunteerism, camaraderie and the JVP Core Values.
Guided by the wisdom from over 39 years of experience, JVP, through its Volunteer Service Program, is able to provide the necessary support to ensure the volunteers are effective in their service. •Skills Training •Formation and Spiritual Direction •Financial needs •Community •Parents’ meeting •Ensuring safety and security
jesuitvolunteersph@jvpfi.org
National Office: Room 220 MVP-CSL Building, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City
Direct Line: 426-5908 Trunkline: 426-6001 local 4880 +63 966 901 8554 +63 928 481 7837
Bringing Hope to the Nation's Margins.
Be where you are needed most.
For 42 years, Jesuit Volunteers have been sent to work with schools, parishes or non-government organizations (NGOs) to:
Consider JVP.
Please inform us of all donations made: giving@jvpfi.org; (02) 4265908. Sponsor Jesuit Volunteers. Thank you for joining us in nation-building!
Peso Current: 9600-0045-11
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