Bishops in the South: A Historic Plenary in Cagayan de Oro

COURTESY: Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)

Hey there, fellow enthusiasts of faith and community! Hold on to your hats because something big is happening in the southern city of Cagayan de Oro. For the first time ever, the country's Catholic bishops will gather in Mindanao for their 128th plenary assembly. Yep, you heard that right! This high-level meeting of more than 80 bishops is set to take place from July 6 to 8 at the Chali Conference Center. 

You might be wondering, "Why is this such a big deal?" Well, this assembly marks a historic moment as it brings the bishops' discussions and prayers closer to the heart of Mindanao. It's more than just a meeting; it's a celebration of faith, unity, and the future of the Church in the Philippines.

Before the main event kicks off, the bishops will embark on a soul-nourishing retreat at the Transfiguration Abbey in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Imagine this: serene landscapes, the calming presence of the Benedictine Monks, and a chance to reconnect with spirituality. The retreat runs from July 2 to 4, setting the perfect tone for the upcoming assembly.

Leading the spiritual charge is none other than Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States. He's not flying solo, though. Theologians Fr. Reynaldo Raluto and Vincentian Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario will also share their wisdom. The theme? "Synod spirituality: Embracing ecology in the light of Laudato Sí and Laudate Deum." Expect deep discussions on integral ecology, a topic close to Fr. Raluto's heart as the chair of the Diocese of Malaybalay’s Integral Ecology Ministry.

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the plenary assembly. The closed-door meeting will kick off with an address by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). This isn't just any speech; it's the opening act that sets the tone for the entire gathering.

Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, the CBCP Secretary General, spilled some beans about the agenda. Here's a sneak peek: the assembly will be electing chairmen for various commissions, including the Commission on Catholic Education, the Sub-commission on Retired, Sick, and Elderly Priests, the Sub-commission for Permanent Deacons, and the Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints. It's a full plate, but these discussions are crucial for the Church's future.

And that's not all! The bishops will also dive into proposed activities for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations in the Philippines. It's an exciting time, folks. The Jubilee promises to be a grand celebration, and the bishops are gearing up to make it a memorable one.

As the bishops gather in Cagayan de Oro, Msgr. Pantin has a heartfelt request for all of us. "Let us pray for the bishops as they gather, discuss, and pray about the future of the Church in the Philippines," he said. It's a call for unity and support, reminding us that we're all part of this journey.

The CBCP isn't just about meetings and discussions. It's a vibrant community composed of 83 active bishops, 5 priest administrators, and 39 honorary members who are retired bishops. Twice a year, in January and July, they come together for the plenary assembly. When they're not in session, the Permanent Council steps up to act on behalf of the episcopal conference.

So, what does all this mean for Mindanao? This historic plenary assembly isn't just a one-time event. It's a new chapter, a symbol of inclusivity and recognition for the region. By bringing the bishops' high-level meeting to Mindanao, the Church is acknowledging the importance of this vibrant part of the Philippines.

As we look forward to the assembly and the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, let's keep the spirit of unity and prayer alive. The future of the Church in the Philippines is bright, and this gathering in Cagayan de Oro is a testament to that.

Stay tuned, folks. There's more to come, and I can't wait to share it all with you. Until next time, keep the faith and spread the love!

A New Dawn in Montessori Education: The Abba’s Orchard Expands!

COURTESY: Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev)

Hey there, all you parents and education enthusiasts! We've got some exciting news that’s about to shake up the world of learning in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. The country’s largest and most esteemed network of authentic Montessori schools, The Abba’s Orchard, is breaking new ground—literally! Mark your calendars because on June 14, they’re starting construction on their 15th campus. And guess where it’s happening? The fabulous Avia Estate in Alabel, Sarangani, courtesy of Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev).

First off, let’s talk about Avia Estate. This place is like a dream come true for anyone who’s looking to live their best life. Picture this: a township project where you can work, play, and learn—all in one vibrant community. Alsons Dev is the genius behind this project, and they have a knack for creating spaces where families and businesses can thrive. So, it’s no surprise they’ve teamed up with The Abba’s Orchard to bring high-quality education to this fantastic locale.

Miguel Dominguez, Alsons Dev Director, couldn’t be more pumped about it. “We at Alsons Dev are thrilled to partner with The Abba’s Orchard in bringing this exceptional learning environment to Alabel,” he said. And who wouldn’t be? This partnership is a match made in heaven, aligning perfectly with Alsons Dev’s vision of fostering growth and development within SOCCSKSARGEN.

Now, let’s dive into what makes The Abba’s Orchard so special. Their mission? To “Discover True Montessori Philippines.” And they’re not kidding around. This isn’t just any Montessori school; it’s the real deal. The Abba’s Orchard is committed to offering an authentic Montessori experience, which means your kids will get a high-quality education that’s tailored to their individual needs.

But what does “authentic Montessori” even mean? Well, it’s all about fostering independence, creativity, and a love for learning. The Abba’s Orchard uses hands-on activities and self-directed learning to help kids develop critical thinking skills and a lifelong passion for education. Trust me, this is the kind of school that makes kids excited to go to class every day.

So, how did this dream team come together? It’s all about shared values. Both The Abba’s Orchard and Alsons Dev are committed to building communities where people can live their best lives. Recognizing this common goal, Alsons Dev generously contributed a whopping two hectares of land within Avia Estate to make the new school a reality. Talk about a power move!

This collaboration isn’t just about building a school; it’s about building a future. With the new campus, families in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region will have access to top-notch education right in their backyard. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want their kids to be part of The Abba’s Orchard family?

You might be wondering, why all the fuss? Well, education is the cornerstone of any thriving community. By bringing The Abba’s Orchard to Avia Estate, Alsons Dev is investing in the future of Alabel and the entire SOCCSKSARGEN Region. This new campus will serve as a beacon of excellence, attracting families who value high-quality education and vibrant community living.

And let’s not forget, this isn’t just a win for the kids. It’s a win for the entire community. Businesses will benefit from a more educated workforce, and families will have a fantastic new option for their children’s education. It’s a ripple effect that will positively impact everyone involved.

So, there you have it! The Abba’s Orchard is expanding, and we couldn’t be more excited. This new campus in Avia Estate is set to be a game-changer for the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, offering an authentic Montessori education in a community designed for living your best life. Kudos to Alsons Dev for making this happen and to The Abba’s Orchard for continuing to spread their mission of “Discover True Montessori Philippines.”

Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds. And if you’re curious about Avia Estate and all it has to offer, don’t hesitate to check them out on Facebook at [facebook.com/AviaEstate](https://facebook.com/AviaEstate). Here’s to a bright future filled with endless possibilities!

Making Way for Progress: The Groundbreaking Ceremony

COURTESY: Cong. Rufus Rodriguez

So, guess what? There's some exciting news buzzing through Cagayan de Oro! The Macabalan-Bonbon Bridge, a crucial part of the Cdeo New Western Diversion Road, is making headlines again. This time, it's all about the continuation of its construction, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony led by none other than Cong. Rufus Rodriguez. Yep, you heard it right!

With a whopping budget allocation of P295 million for FY 2024, the bridge project is moving forward in full swing. The groundbreaking ceremony was quite the event, attended by officials from DPWH-10, including Construction Division Chief Engr. Jesse Peliño, and a bunch of Barangay Macabalan officials like Kap. Saniel Raypon, Kag. Estrella Lumba, Kag. Nestor Gonzaga, and SK Chairperson Philip John Rodriguez. Talk about a power-packed gathering!

Now, let's zoom out a bit. The Macabalan-Bonbon Bridge isn't just any bridge; it's a part of the Cdeo New Western Diversion Road. This road is a game-changer, providing an alternative route within Cagayan de Oro for all the travel enthusiasts out there. Imagine cutting down your travel time and avoiding the usual traffic chaos. Sounds like a dream, right?

The bridge itself is quite the marvel, stretching a total estimated length of 1,188.80 meters with two-lane carriageways. And that's not all! The project also includes funding for access roads to the bridge, ensuring a smooth ride from start to finish. It's like the city is getting a massive upgrade, one lane at a time.

But wait, let's backtrack a bit. This isn't just a one-off project. Cong. Rufus Rodriguez has been hustling hard, securing a total of P1.8 billion from FY 2021 up to this year for the Macabalan-Bonbon Bridge. That's a lot of zeros! This kind of dedication and effort is what turns big dreams into reality. And it's not just about the money; it's about the vision and the relentless work behind the scenes.

Every peso allocated, every meeting held, and every plan drafted brings the bridge closer to completion. It's a testament to what can be achieved when leaders, officials, and the community come together with a common goal. The continuation of the Macabalan-Bonbon Bridge construction is a shining example of this collaborative spirit.

So, what's next on the agenda? With the groundbreaking ceremony done and dusted, the actual construction work is set to ramp up. The focus will be on ensuring that the bridge and its access roads are built to perfection, meeting all safety and quality standards. It's not just about building a bridge; it's about building a legacy that will benefit the city for generations to come.

Moreover, the community's involvement doesn't end here. There will be regular updates, consultations, and opportunities for feedback. After all, this bridge is for the people, and their voices matter. From local commuters to businesses relying on transportation, everyone stands to gain from this monumental project.

In conclusion, the P295 million Macabalan-Bonbon Bridge construction is more than just a project; it's a symbol of progress, unity, and a brighter future for Cagayan de Oro. With Cong. Rufus Rodriguez at the helm, backed by dedicated officials and a supportive community, the bridge is well on its way to becoming a reality.

So, the next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, just remember that change is on the horizon. The Macabalan-Bonbon Bridge is coming, and it's going to make all the difference. Stay tuned, folks, because this is just the beginning of an exciting journey towards a better, more connected Cagayan de Oro!