The community at the MSC Centre for the Poor (MSC CFTP) in the Philippines are hard at work alongside the MSC Centre for the Poor Agriculture Cooperative (MSC CEPAGCO ) as they continue in their mission to build and nurture an ethos of self-sufficiency and sustainability as we care for the world around us and reap the benefits for our society in turn.
The new year began with a two-day strategic planning course run by Fr Richie Gomez MSC, where, as the Facebook page for the MSC Centre for the Poor reports, the groups involved “yielded innovative solutions, come up with clear directions and pave way for common goal.”
A general meeting for the Centre for the Poor in Butuan followed in February, to discuss the results of the planning session and develop a programme of future activities for the centre. These include “new initiatives, innovative plans and events to support our community,” partnerships with other organisations, and further development of programmes for students at the centre, to promote “personal and social growth”.
“A huge thanks to all the members of the community, our partners, stakeholders, and supporters for your dedication and contributions to the MSC Center’s growth and success,” said the Centre for the Poor team on their Facebook page. “Let’s work together to shape a brighter future!”
A food handling and hygiene course also took place in February, run by restaurant owner and expert in food handling, Ms Ezeil Cervantes. This proved extremely beneficial to students in learning about the correct way to manage food safety and hygiene in the restaurant industry, and when working with large groups of people.
Finally, March saw the arrival of three MSC pastoralists who will stay with the MSC CEPAGCO community for a year, studying their practices and programmes and learning from them. Bro Erick Bryan de Mattos MSC travelled from Brazil, while MSCs Bro Hendrick Qoqietkop and Bro Anthony Tongala both travelled from Papua New Guinea to take part in the MSC CFTP/CEPAGCO Exposure Programme. “Let us pray for them as they embark on a new and challenging ministry as MSCs,” posts the Centre for the Poor team on their Facebook page.
As ever, the MSC CFTP/CEPAGCO communities are a hive of activity and productivity in Butuan and beyond! We wish them continued success and every blessing in their invaluable work, and we ask our mission friends here at home to join us as we keep our MSC brothers in the Philippines, and the communities they serve, in our prayers.
All images via the Facebook page for the MSC Centre for the Poor