VIDES Philippines Welcomes New Board of Trustees

Last July 18, 2021, VIDES Pinoy welcomed its new Board of Trustees, composed of seven (7) FMA community animators and seven (7) volunteers.  It held its first meeting presided by the new VIDES Delegate, Sr. Maria Socorro Bacani, FMA.  This historical meeting, held via Zoom, marked the beginning of a new organizational structure for VIDES Philippines which is aligned to the VIDES International model with FMA sisters and lay volunteers. They are committed to walk together sharing the one vision and mission of VIDES.

Chaired by Sr. Socorro, FMA, the newly mandated Board is composed of the following:

The 7 FMA animators from seven communities in Luzon and the Visayas: Sr. Catherine Urgello, FMA (LV Palawan); Sr. Arlene Rafaela, FMA (MHCS Minglanilla, Cebu); Sr. Guia Asparen, FMA (LV Malihao, Victorias, Negros Occidental); Sr. Lyn Yap, FMA (MHCS Mabalacat, Pampanga); Sr. Nancy Esmero, FMA (MHC Agri-Tech. Center, Mindoro Or.); Sr. Ma. Teresa Lorenzo, FMA (MHCC Canlubang, Laguna); Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA (DBS Manila).

The 7 lay volunteers:  Lezeil Ebdane, Marian Belarmino, Mariciel Estacio, Engr. Lordinel Adarlo, Cindy Pura, Jennilyn Pequit, and Zarah De Guzman.

Sr. Josefina Carrasco FMA, VIDES International BOD member, was invited to welcome the new Board and give them a special message.  She encouraged them and stressed the importance of working together to fulfill the mission of accompanying the youth and helping the poor. She affirmed the potential and much opportunities of VIDES to be truly ONE FOR OTHERS more than ever in this time of pandemic.

Guided and inspired by Mother General Yvonne Reungoat’s dream for VIDES, an election was a priority in the agenda in order to adopt the BOT model of VIDES Internazionale to VIDES Philippines.  Two (2) lay volunteers and two (2) FMA Sisters were elected to the Executive Board.  

The BOT members engaged in a lively discussion on VIDES Pinoy’s programs, projects, activities, and future plans.  VIDES Office staff and coordinator of VIDES community in Cavite, Ms. Amy Suzara, was invited to present an updated report on the organization's initiatives and recent accomplishments.

In her good night talk, Sr. Tita Padron, FMA FIL-PNG Provincial Superior,  lauded the good work being done by VIDES in spreading God’s good news and serving the underprivileged.  She drew insights from this day’s Gospel wherein Jesus invited the apostles to “come away to a deserted place and rest awhile” after their busy day helping many people in need.  So busy were they that they even had no chance to eat.  Similarly, Sr. Tita encouraged the Sisters and volunteers, no matter how busy they are, to also take time for self-care and rest awhile in Jesus, the Good Shepherd, whose heart was filled with compassion for all.  

Sr. Socorro led the community praying of “Shepherd us, O Lord” which capped the inspiring, enriching, and meaningful virtual encounter.