By Ms. Glaizza Mae Del Mundo (ISFO Program Development Officer & SIP Formator)
The transformative experience in the Ateneo de Davao University hopes its faculty members, staff, administrators, and students to be open to the social realities of different people, communities, and cultures.
When an invitation was sent weeks ago about Community Profiling in Malita, Davao Occidental, I courageously said yes to joining the team in meeting the community partners in Malita Tagakolu Mission (MATAMIS). As I pondered, I was looking forward to witnessing how we will engage with the parents of Tagakaulo scholars from the IP Schools of Lebleb and Kyasan.
Days before the profiling, I needed to dispose myself for our conversations. Before arriving at our assigned schools, Team Lebleb had a 5-minute walk in a slippery and rocky area, whereas Team Kyasan had to ride a 15-minute habal habal. According to the locals, it would take an hour if we walked. Along the way, we crossed several streams and bumpy roads. Good thing it was not that sunny. Just the perfect weather I was expecting.
When we arrived, we were welcomed by the students and teachers singing. Hearing the nuances of their voices made me flutter. We had the chance to listen to the parents of the students, their narratives, and the problems they have encountered, and we got to know more of our mission partners. It was done in the spirit of encountering the other. Seeing their realities enlightened me to work towards social justice.
After the profiling, we gathered for a festive meal prepared by the teachers and parents of the school. Until now, I am still in awe of how passionate and dedicated teachers are in Lebleb and Kyasan. It was genuinely profound. They could have left the place and gone to seek a great perhaps, but they are there, serving the community– a true definition of Magis.
In all this, I would like to be more engaged because it awakens me to be ‘more’– more for myself, more for others, and more for God.
LOOK | A video recap of the recently conducted Pag-isungun: Community Profiling of Malita Mission Partners for Social Justice last October 19, 2022, at two (2) IP Schools in Lebleb and Kyasan, Malita, Davao Occidental
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp7YAfVcwTI
(Edited by Ms. Tricia Angelika Firman)