"Food for Work" program launched; "Lugaw with Father Soc" to be held

7 October 2010 - San Fabian. Twenty-five families whose lives were abruptly changed by the rampaging flood waters of Typhoon Pepeng a year ago are rebuilding their lives -- and their homes at the planned "Holy Family Village" in Brgy. Binday, San Fabian.

The Holy Family Village is the housing project of the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr with the Franciscan Movement for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (FMJPIC) which will provide the materials for the homes. The beneficiaries are providing the labor and work force in the preparation of the land and the building of the houses.

During the last Parish Pastoral Council meeting held last 22 September 2010 at the Parish Rectory Hall, it was decided that the parish will provide the necessary funds and other necessities in support of the housing project especially in providing "food for work" for the beneficiaries working at the housing site.

To raise funds for the "Food for Work" program, a "Lugaw with Father Soc" will be held on 17 October 2010, Sunday. Archbishop Soc will celebrate the mass at 4,30 PM. The "Lugaw with Father Soc" will follow at the Parish Center.

The parish has been asking for food donations, especially canned goods, noodles, sugar and coffee, rice and other non-perishable goods which can be used to feed the workers.

Small cans will also be distributed to the different schools which can hold coins for the children to give for the program.

"We want that the whole parish will be involved in this program." Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, the parish priest said. "The children should be aware that they can help in the completion of the housing project by giving something no matter how little. What matters is the generosity and the willingness to help. That is what is important."

Tickets for the "Lugaw with Father Soc" are available at the Parish Office. Mrs. Felomina Sagun heads the committee in selling the tickets. Each ticket is worth Phil. Pesos One thousand (P1,000.00).

Housing Program launched for Typhoon Pepeng Victims

30 July 2010 – San Fabian. Ten months after Typhoon Pepeng washed out their lands and destroyed their homes, the twenty-four families of Binday South, San Fabian, Pangasinan can once again look at their future with hope. Ten months ago, they had lost almost all their properties; had very little hope; their future seemed dark and uncertain.

For the past ten months, some have been living in makeshift structures they call their homes. Others have made a part of the barangay hall their home. Kind neighbors and relatives have taken some of them.

Hope has been rekindled.

The Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, with the Franciscan Movement for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (FMJPIC) headed by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM, has given them this  hope: a land where they can put up their house, and rebuild their lives!

The housing project will be built in a land owned by Mr. Franco Gachallan. A 2,500 sq/meters area from the said lot was acquired by the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, and the Franciscan Movement for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (FMJPIC). Materials for the houses will be provided by FMJPIC, while the labor will be provided by the beneficiaries. Each family shall have a 100 sq/meter lot, and about 50 sq/m area for their house.

A formation program as well as a sustaining livelihood component will be introduced to the 25 families.

The group of Fr. Joel Sulse visited the site. A Mass was celebrated together with the families. Fr. Oliver E. Mendoza, parish priest and Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM, celebrated the mass.

Fr. Joel Sulse is also the parish priest of Santuario de San Antonio, Forbes Park, Makati.

The beneficiaries have started clearing the land in preparation for the building of their homes.

Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM, inspecting the site for the Housing Project.

The clearing of the lot by the heads of the families.

Bro. Tony Supremido with the people listening intently to Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM, explaining the nature and the processes of the housing program.

 

Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

A potluck! Good lunch shared by the families.

Caritas-San Fabian holds Basic Reflexology Seminar

20 June 2010 – San Fabian. Caritas- San Fabian, a component of the Social Action Apostolate of the Parish of St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, in cooperation with Terra by Footprints of Dagupan City, held a two-weekend seminar on Basic Reflexology. The seminar attracted 47 participants in the parish. It was facilitated by Ms. Cristina G. Reyes, Trainor of Terra by Footprints.

The Basic Reflexology seminar was given to provide skills to the parishioners and offer opportunities for work to the participants.

During the Graduation Exercises held at the end of the seminar, Mr. Ponciano Catipon, the TESDA Provincial Director, in his speech to the graduates, said that the most of the graduates of the Basic Reflexology are already employed or are offering home-services. He noted that massage therapists are in demand especially in the province. He said that with the seminars being provided by TESDA, “We can fight poverty in Pangasinan.”

The Basic Reflexology came after Caritas-San Fabian sponsored a five-weekend, 10-day sessions on Basic Hairdressing.