Highlights of the VIDES Philippines' 25th Anniversary Celebration

 Since 2019, VIDES volunteers have been planning on how the silver anniversary of VIDES Philippines will be celebrated. A lot of ideas have been suggested and were included in the planning. But as all of you know, all the initial plans were scratched out because of the unexpected challenges that we have encountered since the last part of the first quarter of 2020.

Come November 22, 2020, on the day of VIDES Philippines Silver Anniversary Celebration, more than 60 volunteers, both local and international, joined the online get-together of VIDES volunteers from the different parts of the Philippines and the world. The activity began with a mass which was presided by Rev. Fr. Andy Peter Lubi, Rector of Saint Augustine Major Seminary (SASMA) located in Tagaytay. Fr. Andy has been very generous in providing his service and accompanying VIDES Philippines – together with its volunteers and communities – in their journey all these years.

It has been an exciting, joyful and challenging 25 years for all us! Even though we were only able to meet virtually, it was really nice to see a lot of volunteers and some of our dear FMA Sisters. It was a wonderful day, as we were able to push through with the gathering and to also celebrate and reminisce the events and activities that all of us were able to join throughout these years.

Prayer for Frontliners

 Watch the video prepared by VIDES Philippines dedicated to our brave frontliners.  Let's pray for the safety of everyone, especially those who serve at the frontlines. 

Announcement: We're Improving the VIDES Pinoy Webpage

We are currently updating and improving our website. Please stay tuned for the launch of the new interface of our webpage this 2020.  Meanwhile, please visit our Facebook Page to see our recent  activities and ongoing initiatives.  You may also read and enjoy the posts and articles on this site.  

Have a great day and keep safe!

VIDES Webinar on Resiliency: Staying Strong and Succeeding Through This COVID Crisis

Despite the implementation of a community quarantine, VIDES Phililppines continues to conduct formations and learning sessions for its volunteers and beneficiary communities.

Last 29 May 2020, Learning Just Made Better (LJMB) Consulting conducted a free webinar entitled, "Resiliency 2.0: Staying Strong and Succeeding Through This COVID Crisis," for VIDES volunteers.

CEO & Chief Consultant Louie Banta of LJMD facilitated the online seminar participated by 57 volunteers and VIDES friends. The interactive and enriching online learning session and discussion centered on the characteristics of resilient people and seven (7) ways to frame a crisis.

VIDES: Giving Hope and Sharing God's Words in the Time of the Pandemic

In March 2020, the National Capital Region and provinces in Luzon were placed under community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As travel and activity restrictions were enforced, VIDES Philippines had no choice but to temporarily cancel its regular literacy and formation sessions in the areas it serves and assists.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, VIDES Philippines continues to fulfill its mission of bringing the good news of God’s love and salvation, especially to those in the peripheries. In these trying times, accompanying others, especially the youth, has become even more pressing. As people experience physical, mental, economic, and spiritual difficulties, the need to provide not just material assistance, but also moral and spiritual support, is highlighted.

The volunteer organization takes advantage of technology and social media to reach out to the volunteers and communities. Despite the physical limitations, VIDES Philippines is able to continuously conduct formation and evangelization activities.

One best practice is Sr Mel David’s sharing of the daily gospel to VIDES volunteers, staff, and beneficiaries using an online messaging application. Members of the VIDES Pinoy community are able to reflect on God’s words, pray together, and interact with one another through the use of social media. Using the references sent to them electronically, kids and mothers in the different communities that VIDES Philippines ministers to also regularly get together to read bible verses, share reflections, and conduct learning sessions.

To make information and materials more accessible to the volunteers, livestreams of eucharistic celebrations, videos of religious events, schedules of church activities, and relevant references are also posted at the VIDES Pinoy Volunteers’ Facebook Group. Videos and gratitude cards which offer prayers and appreciation to medical personnel, other frontliners, and donors are also produced by volunteers and beneficiaries.

As the world continues to feel the negative impact of the pandemic, the entire VIDES Pinoy family continues to pray as a community, show solidarity, and stay true to the motto of being “One for Others.”