LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – Now it is possible to reshape the community by taking action in terms of worshipping God and ultimately living the right way.
The dedication and commitment they gave to church-based Sto. Rosario Organization (SRO) contributed a lot to enriching the lives of aged folks imbued with ageless life-caring values that would be good to learn.
Current president is Concepcion Mongali of Barangay Poblacion North, but these admirable “traits” are still there. Presently, they’re seeing similarity in leadership form that covered the SRO’s long history. Former president Corazon Martin of Barangay Tungngod elevated the SRO to greater heights from obscurity. Part to the present, the SRO is truly evolving. Till Dec. 8, a Sunday, members are expected to rediscover joy and love.
Dec. 8 is a good time to gather, sit down, review their activities this year and, above all, celebrate the spirit of the yuletide season by way of a fun-filled Christmas party. Is the SRO on track? Are there reasons to rejoice at a time when there are challenges facing the SRO?
A plate of pork adobo, pancit and Tam yong rice in its own right, in a setting encapsulating a timeline of joyous celebration at Christ’s birth in a manger at Bethlehem, not in a rich-and-famous Makati Medical Center.
“It’s a great honor to serve the Sto. Rosario Organization, along with my other officers. This just shows that prayers are powerful in overcoming problems- big or small, in our daily lives,” Mongalini said.
On the other hand, Martin pointed out: “Through unity and cooperation, we have succeeded and endured the test of time.”
“Because of this, the Sto. Rosario Organization would continue to create opportunities for members and the public through its upcoming projects,” she added.
This is surely possible given the SRO’s motivation, support and sense of higher purpose. Additionally, it is easy to say that members are motivated, dedicated, and therefore remarkably fulfilled in their task to spread God’s teachings. For one, they engaged actively in spiritual acts and perpetually brought them closer to the Creator.
To change the attitude of the people, the SRO engaged in home visitations. Help came in the form of unflinching support from the church. SRO members shared their time and effort in generating awareness, interest and participation of officers and members.
Through the guidance of key Lagawe Catholic Church leaders such as Fr. John Habawel and Fr. Noel Bantiyan, the SRO succeeded in teaching the community on how to transform residents into responsible and law abiding members of society. Thus many experienced God’s presence in their lives.
Even in these difficult times, the SRO is in a position to conduct humanitarian projects. For example, it may sponsor or co-sponsor a feeding program so poor school children could attend classes not without breakfast. Church-run Don Bosco High School learner’s breakfast consisted of fried rice, hotdog, egg, banana and hot chocolate, while the government-operated Lagawe Central School pupils stared at empty plates on the table. One with lots of blessings; the other is obviously not. There’s disbelief at the unfairness of it. Catching a glimpse of life’s disparity belies sadness, pinned with the pain of a crushed heart. Concerned folks are called upon to speak on hunger and poverty, keeping in mind that they’re somehow blessed with education and financial resources. There are still a few of them who are sincerely trying to be helpful.
Decades ago, people were religious. These days, there is a marked decline in numbers. Pessimists say the Bible is fast racing to oblivion. Most folks no longer abhor the wrongdoings such as corruption of government officials. The value of setting one day through the Bible and the rosary is enormous.
SRO members need not fail on the obligation of reminding the youth on cherished values such as respect of the elderly and discipline and discouraged them from vices. Other than praying, this is the least the SRO can do for the young to safeguard them from the evils of gambling, drinking and illegal drugs.
Alcoholism and teenage pregnancy carry a powerful stigma. How can remedies be pursued if folks are timid? How can solutions be offered to a problem as severe as substance abuse if folks are indifferent? A Lagawe candidate for councilor, a perennial loser is likely to say: “wala yan!” (That’s nothing). People don’t want to talk about it: Lacking solutions from municipal government officials, families and communities must rely on one another. Reach out then to remote LGUs and become partners of the “next” Lagawe mayor thus, be partners in development.
Mrs. Martin still believes that each one in a community deserves loving help and support, especially the less fortunate. “Love of God and love of neighbor are one love,” she said. “For this reason, praying, helping the poor and comforting the sick are related acts,” she explained.
Fr. Habawel acknowledged the challenges the SRO faces and looks to address those. Undoubtedly, the church is there to capacitate and give full support to the SRO.
Formed in 1986, the SRO has 116 members from several villages in Lagawe as well as in neighboring Kiangan town. Its vice president is Arsenia Tejada and secretary is Evelyn Orizar.
The task that lies ahead of the SRO officers is to step up efforts to raise awareness among folks in this part of the province regarding the time of putting family first, helping the poor in depressed communities and above all, believing in God at all times. It is so that people’s conditions get better, thus creating a safer and comfortable place to live in– one that folks truly can be proud of.
As the Almighty Creator dealt to everyone the measure of faith, there is no reason whatsoever to say that God-fearing, Bible-centered folks in a community can not seamlessly integrate with each other and successfully attain their missions. And so are the Sto. Rosario Organization members. **By Anthony A. Araos
