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SALIG
(vb.) ‘trust’, ‘believe’
I am Loren Jane E. Padla, 24 years old, and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Education, Major in Criminology.
My journey in Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF) started in the year 2015. Back then, I was a just 14-year-old kid who wanted to live and survive. My parents cannot afford to provide us, their children, a decent living. We had to survive with a meager income that they can offer for our basic necessities. I remember I had to run through errands to support our family.
In God’s wondrous ways, He sent someone to lead me to the doorsteps of CCF. For more than a year of stay in CCF, I was nourished, loved, and cared for. CCF taught me how to be emotionally and spiritually strong amidst life’s challenges. Aside that they provided my basic needs, I was taught as well of the importance of having faith in God. Through daily prayers and participation to the holy eucharist, I lifted up my worries and anxieties to God. Though my stay in CCF was not that much long compared to other kids but for me that was one of the golden moments of my life. I will hold forever these memories deep in my heart.
Now, after some years of perseverance and hard work for my studies, I am now a proud college graduate. I run a small milk tea business in our barangay. I am a dedicated mother who wanted to instill the same values that I received in CCF to my child. As a single parent, I am able to provide the needs of my four-year old child. I am able to help my other siblings as well in their studies.
Looking back at the roller-coaster journey that I had in life, I am awed by how God orchestrated everything in according to His plan.
“I have nothing but my most heartfelt gratitude to all who became part of my journey.”
As I strive to achieve my goals, I am invited again and again to put my hope and trust in God. I know it will never be easy. But as Jesus said: “Everything is possible for the one who believes,” so I say: “Salig lang!”
Message to the children of CCF:
Life is not easy. But remember that life’s battles are not about the storms you face, but about the strength you find within yourself to rise above them. Keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and know that every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. Your dreams are worth fighting for, and with courage, determination, and faith, you can overcome anything. Believe in yourself, and never give up on your aspirations. You are capable of achieving greatness. Don’t give up praying and hoping. God knows our needs even before we ask them.
PADAYON
(vb.) a bisaya term which means ‘continue’, ‘go on,’ ‘move forward’
I am Isabel P. Caturan, 23 years old, and a former resident of the Calabrian Children’s Foundation, Inc. (CCF). I finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing at PHINMA-Cagayan de Oro College. Now, I am happy and proud to say that I am a registered nurse!
However, all of these would not be possible without the help of so many people especially CCF and the Poor Servants of Divine Providence (Calabrian) Sisters.
Before entering CCF, I was like any other kid who had a big dream. We are seven siblings in the family and my father was the sole provider of our basic necessities. Back then, I was a working student, while taking up my high school studies. Because of our poverty, I was worried that I might not be able to finish my studies due to overwhelming responsibilities. However, God had a plan for me. He opened the door for me leading me to joining CCF.
It was two years that I stayed in CCF. For me, that was one of the most precious moments in my life. CCF taught me basic human decency, household chores, and, most importantly, spiritual values. It was there that I was molded and emboldened to claim that:
“It is never impossible to achieve one’s dream if one believes.”
After my stay in CCF, I was fortunate enough to receive scholarship from the PSDP Sisters. They did not only send me to college, but they also housed me in their convent. They provided me with the support that I needed since day one of my college studies. They imbibed in me faith and trust in Divine Providence: that God is a Father who loves and cares for us all.
Looking back at the journey that I had, I have nothing but pure gratitude to God for His wonders in my life. The communities of CCF and PSDP Sisters are truly God’s instruments leading me to where I am now.
Message to the children of CCF:
Even though pursuing your education may be challenging at times, remember that each step you take brings you closer to achieving your goals. I understand that there may be moments of difficulties, and you may feel like giving up. However, I assure you that coupled with faith and trust in God, your dedication and perseverance will truly be paid off in God’s perfect time. Just believe. PADAYON!
Cagayan de Oro City – The school year 2025-2026 has just started. The children of Calabrian Children’s Foundation are now back to school. Wearing their school outfits, they move forward in their academic journey with a sense of determination and commitment. They believe that nothing is impossible to one who has faith. Their troubled history cannot dictate what they will later be in the future.
As they embark in this new academic year, they feel determined to imbibe new learning and grow not only intellectually, but also humanly, spiritually, and psychologically.
Cagayan de Oro City – From April 21 to 24, 2025, Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF), together with two other institutions: Just One Touch Foundation of Claveria Misamis Oriental and Fr. Palau Center of Pangantucan Inc., gathered for Summer Camp 2025 with the theme: “Light up your spirit: Ignite friendships and Spark adventure. Little beacons: big hope.” It was held at Fr. Luigi Pedrollo Formation House, Brgy. Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City.
Annually, this activity is held for children to have a break from their academic studies as they engage into sports, parlor games, quiz bee, and variety show. The goal of this activity is to provide an opportunity where children discover their hidden strengths, make lifelong friends, and create beautiful memories.
Cagayan de Oro City – Emanuelle and Elena Frigo are Italian married couple who stayed in Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF) community for nearly two weeks, that is from March 10-22, 2025. They came to Cagayan de Oro City to visit CCF and spend fruitful time with the children.
Emanuelle, in particular, is not new to the mission of the Congregation of the Poor Servants of Divine Providence (Calabrians). His parents are affiliated to the congregation as members of the Calabrian Family. In fact, Emmanuelle had been in the Philippines in the year 2018 and he had his immersion in CCF of that same year. By that time, he was still single and he was together with another Italian youth. They were invited by a Calabrian priest who worked in a parish in Verona, Italy to come to the Philippines and stay for some days in CCF.
Coming for the second time around in the Philippines, he brought his wife, Elena. Accordingly, they got newly married and Emanuelle wanted to introduce to her the reality and the beauty of CCF and the Philippines.
Indeed, their experience in CCF was truly remarkable. They had good memories with the children. They spent time with the children in their tutorial sessions in the evening and they taught them some songs. They also played with them for games in the afternoon.
Furthermore, they were toured around some tourist destinations in Cagayan de Oro City and they went for an outing with the Calabrian priests and brothers in Camiguin where they enjoyed the white sand and the salty waters of Mantigue Island, the cold and fresh waters of Tuasan Falls, the tasty and delicious sea food of the island and many others.
In a farewell program, organized for them in the evening of 21st of March 2025, they thanked the entire community of CCF for their warm hospitality and kindness. They were touched by the simplicity and joyful atmosphere of the community. It was as if they felt that they are truly part of the family. They will carry the love they received as they will travel back to Italy. But they hope to be back in the future.
With tearful eyes, they said, “Goodbye for now, but we will see each other again.”
Cagayan de Oro City – The wait is finally over for five (5) children from Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF) who were baptized yesterday, 22nd of March 2025, at San Isidro Labrador Parish, Eco Church, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City. Fr. Miller John Masillones, PSDP served as their minister in this christening ceremony.
It was October of last year when the preparation for this ceremony started. Their regular week-end catechesis helped them a lot to get to know and understand the sacrament of baptism. This predisposed them and encouraged them to welcome in humility the sacred ceremony that they are going to partake.
Some staff members of CCF and some members of the Calabrian family stood as godparents to these children. Their presence is greatly significant for they stand as their companions in faith and support-system when moments of trials and adversities come.
The sacrament of baptism marks an entry of the baptized into Christian life. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church nos. 1262-1270, the baptized are “incorporated into Christ… formed into God’s People… obtain forgiveness of all our sins… raised to the dignity of adopted children of God… and become a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit.”
After receiving the sacrament of baptism, these five (5) children will then undertake another period of catechesis in preparation for receiving the sacrament of confirmation.
Cagayan de Oro City – In the afternoon of 17th of March 2025, the staff of Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF), Inc. gathered at CCF-Kauswagan for a three-hour spiritual exercise. Br. Arnel Gawonay, PSDP, the recollection facilitator, invited them to enter more deeply into the spirit of Lenten season through silence, prayer, and reflection. In his talk, he asked them to go back to their experiences in their families, workplace, and community, and see how God is mysteriously orchestrating His wondrous work in their lives.
Considered as an important part of the spiritual formation of the staff, CCF envisions that their service providers, its staff, are not only well-equipped with human and psychological tools, but they too are spiritually mature to lead their clients to a deeper and more mature relationship with God.
Having been led into the deepest recesses of their hearts, Br. Arnel concluded this gathering with a serene prayer, hoping that they may strengthen their Lenten observance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Cagayan de Oro City – Lent is a forty-day season in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar where Christian faithful are invited to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This event is a period of preparation which ushers Christians to union with Jesus in his passion, death, and resurrection.
Giving importance to this special event, the children of Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF), Inc. had a recollection yesterday, 8th of March 2025, at CCF-Home for Girls, Brgy. Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City. Br. Arnel Gawonay, PSDP served as their recollection facilitator.
In his talk, he invited the children to enter more deeply into the Lenten season by giving importance to the value of prayer and silence. He asked the children to reconsider the way they pray especially that, in CCF, prayer is one of its main activities and faith in God is one of its core values.
After the recollection, the children were spiritually revitalized to proceed to the season of lent with faith and devotion.
Cagayan de Oro City – On Ash Wednesday, 5th of March 2025, Staff of Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF), Inc. went to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy in Brgy. Ulaliman, El Salvador City to spend some moment of silence, prayer, and reflection as a way to welcome the season of lent. Embracing this opportunity of spiritual renewal, they also availed to the sacrament of reconciliation where God’s mercy is made available and visible.
The season of lent is a forty-day season in the calendar of the Catholic Church which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. This is a period of preparation where Catholics are invited to embark on a spiritual journey through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, leading them to union with Christ in his suffering and self-oblation on the cross.
The staff of CCF, grateful for this opportunity, lifted up their hands in prayer to the Lord in thanksgiving for this day and the days ahead throughout the Lenten season.
Cagayan de Oro City – In the afternoon of 23rd of February 2025, the children of Calabrian Children’s Foundation (CCF) received their yellow belts in karate-do. This means that the children have already advanced in learning and have mastered basic karate techniques.
To formally receive this significant milestone, a belting rites ceremony was held at CCF-Kauswagan. It began with a eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Miller John Masillones, PSDP. Then, a program followed where the meaning and significance of these belts were explained to the children.
It can be recalled that this karate training for CCF children started in the year 2022. It was just then an occasional training session up until it became a regular Sunday schedule. The purpose of which is not mainly that children will learn the art of karate itself, but it is for them to instill the values of discipline, perseverance, and respect.
Indeed, the fruits of this martial art are now being seen in the good manners developed by the children. Thanks to those persons who became instrumental for this achievement most especially to the PSKAI-Kauswagan Karate Martial Arts Club for their unwavering support and dedication. CCF children know that there is still more to achieve, and the best is yet to come!