MINISTRY PLANNING WORKSHOP Kabankalan Community, Philippines

On Thursday June 30 a group of Brothers and other selected people gathered at

San Columbano Retreat Centre, Batang, home base of Fr. Brian Gore, to review the ministries of the Brothers' Community in Kabankalan and to plan for the next five years.

Director of Ministries Br. Peter Clinch combined his participation in the workshop with his first visit to the Philippines. Mr. Matt Hawkins, Assistant Principal Identity at St. Patrick's College Shorncliffe and formerly the leader of the Nudgee College student immersions to schools in the Diocese of Kabankalan, also came from Australia. Br. Graeme Leach of the Maasin Community in Leyte joined the group. Local members included Fr. Ramon Florete, Corporate Secretary of the Edmund Rice Brothers, The Philippines, Inc and member of the Diocesan Education Commission (DEC), Sr. Teresita Garabato, PBVM, member of the DEC and member of the Presentation Sisters Leadership Team, Mr. Rolando Dela Cruz, Principal Immaculate Conception Academy Dancalan, Mrs. Angelina 'Angie' Gayares and Ms Vanessa Anne 'Gigi' Tropa, teachers with Edmund Rice Services, were present, and of course John and Rod.

Nudgee College Brisbane Students visit the Philippines.

Since these early days, this peace, justice and solidarity program called ‘Pag-Inupdanay with Spirit’ (Pag-inupdanay is an Ilongo word which means ‘togetherness’) has blossomed. Annually since 2007, Nudgee has taken a group of Year 10 students and support staff to the Philippines for a 12 day immersion program. The experience is bookended by briefing and debriefing time in Manila. These short periods in Manila are vital to the success of the program and are brilliantly supported by Father Dom Nolan of the Columban Missionaries who is our key contact for logistic and orientation leadership. The outstanding work of the Columbans over such a long period in the Philippines is inspirational and it is privilege to have become such great friends with Father Dom and Father Brian Gore. The centrepiece of the program is a week long program held at St Columban's which brings students from the five Negros schools and Nudgee students together for a cultural exchange. Over the years, the leadership of this exchange has shifted balance so that the Filipino hosts very much facilitate the program in partnership with us, which is a highly valued aspect of the experience. The highlight of the week is when the Nudgee group breaks into four and the Cauayan students join these groups in being hosted by the students from Magballo, Ilog, Candoni and Inayauan in their home villages.
The entire Pag-inupdanay with Spirit program has had a great impact at Nudgee. We have a diverse community and the global partnership with the Philippines has given us a rich story to learn and understand and an opportunity to engage a wide range of students, their families and staff in being with and for the other in action. At the conclusion of the Rugby and Soccer seasons last year at the formal break ups, families brought in over 2000 children’s books for the young students of Negros. Our program is gaining profile and is being integrated into the life of the College. We have many plans for the future and give thanks for this opportunity for growth and renewal made possible by our great friends in the Philippines.

Our Brothers community has moved from Hillongos (the Philippines) to Maasin.  Two indian Brothers Roshan D'Cunha and Theo Alvares have joined Frank Perkins in community. Theo wrote the following article about his first few days in the Philippines.

Roshan and I reached Cebu Islands on the 27th of June, 2010. This is the second international airport in the Philippines. We had made an early start from Mumbai. The checking-in had begun a little after mid-night. Our flight took off exactly at 4.40 am and we were in the air for most part of the day with an hours break in Bangkok and Hong Kong. We were in Cebu at about 7.00 pm (2 1/2 hours ahead of Indian time.) As we walked out of the airport we were met by Br. Frank Perkins. He is a Christian Brother from New Zealand; one who has a beautiful calm and peaceful disposition.He is the third member of our community. We had a comfortable first night. We did not feel the time slip away; Frank had to give us a wake up call at 8.00 am. When we had come out to have our breakfast the rays of the sun were bright and sharp.

Br Ian Robertson, the new cluster leader for Queensland and The Philippines, has just returns from the Philippines and has provided his impressions on the visit.  He provides this insight into our ministries in that country.

In Kabankalan, Rod and John are continuing to do marvellous work with the people there. Rod is involved with assisting the bishop to encourage, support and guide the teachers in the catholic schools. These teachers are paid much less than those in government schools and struggle with things such as basic resources.

 John is working with students who have dropped out of school and is providing them with the opportunity to return to education. As well as that there is work with vocational training, providing a library to students on Saturday morning, plus numerous other activities.