By Sr. Noemi Mendoza, FdCC
ANAK
BATANGUEÑO is the official name of pupils and students enrolled in
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Lipa, whose parents are Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFW). On the 6th of December 2005, the Archdiocese
launched the 1st ANAK BATANGUEÑO CONGRESS 2005 at the Centrum of De La
Salle, Lipa City. The theme was "ANAK BATANGUEÑO SAMA-SAMA SA CONGRESS
NI KUYA", the first ever in Batangas. It was attended by some 2,000
students from Grade six, High School and College level. A strong 225
students from Canossa Academy of Lipa City actively participated in this
historical event.
The
Congress started with Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Archbishop
Ramon C. Arguelles, Archbishop of Lipa, followed by songs, input by Fr.
Glen Cantos, group sharing, cheers, games and program presentation that
highly animated the participants. In general, the response was positive
and heartwarming. The ANAK BATANGUEÑO realized that the Church cares for
them and their families.
As a
backgrounder, there are approximately 150,000 migrant workers coming
from the archdiocese of Lipa ranking 3rd in the country and 1st in the
provinces.
Canossa Academy of Lipa City alone has 29% among the grade school
populace and 30% of the high school. This phenomenon has a social and
ecclesial impact to our students. Hence, we need to address these needs
right in our midst. Orchestrated at an archdiocesan level, it is a
special ministry channeled through the schools. At the level of Canossa
Academy, it is spearheaded by the Human Resouce Center under the special
program ANAK ( ANAK ng nangingibang Bansang Batangueño). As new heaps
of challenges arise, continuing information, follow-up, enrichment
program like group sharing, prayers and practical approaches to
reintegration are but a few of the broad areas we progressively
undertake to be of better service to our clientele.
We
are fortunate and thankful that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP), Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care of Migrants
and itinerant People(ECMI), Lipa Archdiocesan Commission on Migrants and
Mission(LACMMI) and School-based ANAK BATANGUEÑO have forged a
partnership for the joint implementation of the program for Migrants/OFWs
and their families. These then, will make our program commendable for
the common good of students who are ANAK BATANGUEÑOs.
Sr. Noemi Mendoza, FdCC of Canossa
Academy of Lipa City, is the Overall-Coordinator of ANAK Batangueño and
member schools for the Province of Batangas. |
