2nd NATIONAL CONVENTION OF EPISCOPAL VICARS
The Episcopal Commission on Clergy which is tasked to “promote the spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation of the Clergy…’of the Philippines,”…through the On-Going Formation Programs/Modules in the diocesan and national levels…” has organized the 2nd National Convention of Episcopal Vicars and the Members of the Episcopal Commission on Clergy with the theme: Safe Church for the Beloved, Gifted and Empowered Youth: “Let the Children Come to Me…Mark 10, 14 ” held at the Splash Mountain Hotel and Resort, Los Baños, Laguna on August 12-16, 2019.The Episcopal Commission on Youth through its Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cunegundo Garganta invited Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana as resource person on the protection of minors and the implementation of the guidelines given by Pope Francis “Apostolic Letter Muto Proprio on the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons”. In his letter of invite Fr. Kune said; “It is a fitting occasion for these servants of each diocese to understand the important responsibility placed upon the Church and her ministers in ensuring pastoral care and protection of the younger members of every faith community. As well, they need to know how to practically apply Church Guidelines on the Protection of Minors. As I speak in behalf of the Episcopal Commission on Youth, I express deep faith and inspiration in the success story of the Laura Vicuña Foundation. Its example of living fully the guidelines on protecting minors is a great resource for the Episcopal Vicars to learn from and emulate. It can be done and LVF is a living proof. Having you as a guest speaker on this topic can surely help them look into their own realities, realize the practical and empowering ways in attending to the issue at hand and respond accordingly as pastors of their communities. Yours and the people in your foundation, especially from the young in your care, are the voices they need to hear. Please help us get this message across by accepting the invitation.”
Sr. Marivic humbly accepted the invitation as a MANDATE from the Church and at the same time as LVF’s fair share in its MISSION for the least, last and lost. The ambient that pervaded were that of attentiveness, intense eagerness to learn and the impetus to start and take on the challenge to set up networks of protection for the vulnerable of their dioceses. The Holy Spirit of compassion reigned in the assembly, Sr. Marivic walked through the Clergy to the reality of our most vulnerable children and youth who cannot defend and shield themselves from different kinds of abuses. Sr. Marivic said; “ Yes, you can say that we as NGO are doing a lot for our children and youth but our Church has the structure and the network already institutionalized in all parts of the Philippines and indeed YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH!
Truly, WE ARE THE CHURCH! And by the power of GOD we can do all things for our beloved and gifted youth to empower them!
Sr. Marivic humbly accepted the invitation as a MANDATE from the Church and at the same time as LVF’s fair share in its MISSION for the least, last and lost. The ambient that pervaded were that of attentiveness, intense eagerness to learn and the impetus to start and take on the challenge to set up networks of protection for the vulnerable of their dioceses. The Holy Spirit of compassion reigned in the assembly, Sr. Marivic walked through the Clergy to the reality of our most vulnerable children and youth who cannot defend and shield themselves from different kinds of abuses. Sr. Marivic said; “ Yes, you can say that we as NGO are doing a lot for our children and youth but our Church has the structure and the network already institutionalized in all parts of the Philippines and indeed YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH!
Truly, WE ARE THE CHURCH! And by the power of GOD we can do all things for our beloved and gifted youth to empower them!
LVF REPRESENTATIVE: A DISCUSSANT ON ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: WEAVING THE GIRL CHILD’S EXPERIENCES: A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON THE GIRL CHILD’S ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN CASES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE
The Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau whose main thrust is to engage in feminist legal advocacy work-pursuing policies and programs that uphold the rights and interests of Filipino women and conducting information – education communication campaigns to raise public awareness and actions on women’s issues has invited the Laura Vicuña Foundation, represented by Ms. Rona Cendy Deluta as a discussant on their round table discussion: Session III: For the Best Interest of the Girl-Child Prioritizing Girl Children’s Access to Justice at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City on August 28, 2019. Ms. Rona discussed LVF’s most effectiveprograms and services for healing, recovery and integration for sexually abused and trafficked girls.Ms. Rona cited the paper presentation of Sr. Ma. Victoria P. Sta Ana, FMA entitled “Recovery and Reintegration of Sexually Abused and Trafficked Girls of the Laura Vicuna Foundation at the First Multi-Disciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking at the University of Nebraska, USA which can be accessed at the Digital Ccommons and Academia. Ms. Rona spoke lengthily on the LVF’s Multi-Staged Journey of Hope Program and the LVF’s P. E. A. C. E. methodology towards healing and recovery. (P-rotection andNurturing Presence & Environment; E-xpression of their feelings, emotions without judgement, A-nalysis and A-cceptance of the Situation; C-laim Control over one’s lifeand Assertiveness training; E-powering the person to rebuild their future.)
The LVF deemed it best for Ms. Rona to represent the foundation in the said assembly as she has gone through the LVF’s Journey of Hope Program herself. The participants marveled at the comprehensive program of LVF evidenced by the discussant, herself, former resident of LVF and who is PRC a licensed teacher since 2016. Ms. Rona has definitely contributed a hefty amount of wisdom and insightful understanding on the topic and has raised involvement to the cause of women and children empowerment.
The LVF deemed it best for Ms. Rona to represent the foundation in the said assembly as she has gone through the LVF’s Journey of Hope Program herself. The participants marveled at the comprehensive program of LVF evidenced by the discussant, herself, former resident of LVF and who is PRC a licensed teacher since 2016. Ms. Rona has definitely contributed a hefty amount of wisdom and insightful understanding on the topic and has raised involvement to the cause of women and children empowerment.
PASWI’S BROWN BAG SESSION
Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) hosts the Philippine Association of Social Workers Inc. (PASWI) Manila Chapter Social Workers’ Self Care Brown Bag Session at the LVF’s Audio Visual Room on August 17, 2019. Sr. Marivic P. Sta. Ana, LVF’s Managing Director and PASWI Manila’s Internal Vice-President welcomed the participants. Nearly fifty (50) participated and two (2) of them were LVF Social Workers. The topics discussed were the nature of stress and its stress patterns as well as the Perks and Perils of Self-care.The attendees found the session relevant because they were given insights on their stress patterns, how to handle their stress and 8 ways to well-being. It was the first time that PASWI Manila has given these social workers the opportunity to be updated since they were reactivated this January 2019. Indeed it was a way to uplift the Social Work profession.
PROVINCIAL EDUCATING COMMUNITY (PEC) CONGRESS
The Laura Vicuña Foundation (LVF) represented by Tricia Nadine Velasquez, Ms. Ivy Gay G. Segotier and Ms. Mercedes Carla A. Juncia has been invited to attend the Provincial Educating Community Congress 2019 on the theme: “Nurturing Mental Health Empowerment for Resiliency and Grit at the Mornese Center of Spirituality, Pansol, Laguna on August 31-September 1, 2019.The 2- day sessions were very informative. The speakers were well-chosen. After the discussions, the participants were now well equipped and responsible to enhance good mental health in our young people today by making them feel they are not invisible, being attentive to their needs, not belittling their problems and being very appreciative. There was an election of officers after the Congress and Ms. Juncia was again elected Vice President for Communities.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: BREAKOUT!
The LVF’s National Conference held last July 30, 2019 has just begun and caught the attention and concern especially of its participants. These are people who have been in the ‘field’ for years and are in the know-how not only of the reality and status of child protection and youth empowerment in our country moreover are ‘stakeholders’ in the said field. Here are some of their messages after the conference;
- “ Sr Marivic. May i congratulate u for the success of the Conference. U have good speakers and emcee. The invited guests are so involved by the way they participate when they talk, the passion to help esp the Youth in Table #12 . Very articulate. Well organized Team. DEO GRATIAS!” ALIK COLET AZURIN Theresians International (Davao Participant)
- “Thank you,Sister, for inviting me. It was a very fruitful experience for me. For one thing, learning that there are so many groups and individuals caring for children and working for their protection and welfare is very heartwarming. I think for stronger cooperation and coordination we should form a national coalition and hold a summit to consolidate our gains. “ ATTY DOLLY NALUMEN, Dean of Social Work, UNO-R University of Negros Occidental -Recolletos
- “Good morning Sister Marivic, nand2 napo kame sa Cebu City kagabi pa. Maramingsalamatpo sa napakagandang accommodation, napaka successful ng 30th Founding Celebration ng LVF, Congratulations po sa inyo Sister at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng LVF, Mabuhay ang LVF, till we meet again po God bless...” MS.Eileen Irina O. Tayactac, Principal,Ramon Duterte MNHS...
- Hi Sister! Thank you again for the invite. What a lively discussion and it is always good to see our partners come together and hear their stories. Thank you po.
Atty. Nerissa Guevarra Garcia ( International Justice Mission)
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