MT. BANAHAW

The aspirations and dreams of our President Sr. Mary Anne Sevilla of giving our poor and marginalized brethren an equal opportunity to college education have become my own. Definitely, I will not let any chances to bring our mission to the poor pass. And so, when it came to bring it to Mt Banahaw of course with the energetic team of Ms Chi and Roy, I grabbed it. I am just very lucky that I have this team who are really passionately in love not only with each other but also to volunteer works. And who can say no if you are smitten by the noble mission of Porta Coeli.

God has been laying the ground for us long before we decided to go out and offer our program outside Antipolo, Rizal.  In December 2011, Dr. Teresita Obusan referred to me the head of the NSTP Program of Miriam College Ms. Joan Tolibas for a possible community works of their NSTP students in San Ysiro.  However it did not pushed through. Then, last summer, I went to Miriam College to look for Community Development Curriculum.  I looked for Ms. Joan Tolibas for assistance however it was Ms. Chi Cammayo that I met. It was God’s plan because that was the start of our good team up with Ms. Chi and Roy. But God has other plans for us and Ms. Joan.  It took more than a year before He revealed it.  And maybe this is the time!



(L-R) Chi Cammayo, Matet Perdigon & Ms. Joan Tolibas

Igabay Kuya Dion, Ms. Joan, Matet, Roy, Chi & Ms Sallie

  Through Ms. Chi and Dr. Obusan, our path crossed again in Mt. Banahaw. The mysticsm of the mountain which has been attracting people for studies, healing and for the experience brought Ms. Joan, Chi, and I together. Miriam College through the office of Ms. Joan Tolibas has been doing community works in the place with the help of IGABAY headed by Mr. Dionisio Pullan. 



with Suprema Isabel Suarez

 There are several communities in the mountain with different religion, sects or cults. The people primarily depend on the mountain for their livelihood. Basic education is available however, tertiary education is just an option for those who can afford the expenses of sending their children in San Pablo City.  And so, Ms. Joan and ILAW AT GABAY (IGABAY) through its head Kuya Dion are interested to offer our program to the people of Bangkongkahoy.  Igabay is an organization of Dolores resident guides who sworn to protect and nurture the sacred mountain. We had an exploratory talk on how we can build our partnership. Ms. Joan is interested to bring our program to all their partner communities. However, they want to have a MOA on the partnership and to launch it formally.                         



Aside from Sitio Bangkongkahoy, we were able to introduce our program with the religious group of Suprema de la Iglesia del Ciudad Mistica de Dios. Ciudad Mistica is a religious sect which is known for uplifting the women as source and holders of sacred and spiritual powers.  It is headed by their Suprema, Isabel Suarez.  The group is widely known for their hospitality.  They welcome people of all walks of life and Brgy. Sta Lucia is one of nine barangays of Dolores,Quezon. It has been a sanctuary not only of indigenous flora and protected fauna but also to many religious devotions and patriotic personalities.

Trekking Mt Banahaw is always a great and mystical experience and what made it more meaningful and memorable is the opportunity to offer hope to its people.  I thank God for the allowing me to be a part of Porta Coeli and experience His wonderful creation.