MINSAC – Visayas Region is on its sustainability stage of its programs and services. It started with Sponsorship program for the studies of children studying in the public schools as its point of entry into the families and eventually to the community. While it focuses its attention on the welfare of the children’s education, it does not lose sight of its vision towards uplifting the dignity of the poor. With the belief that the children are the future leaders of the community, MINSAC has designed a wholistic program to meet their needs in collaboration with the school, their families and the community.

While the program for the children is being intensified, a program for their families is also being implemented. Most often the family is the source or has something to do with the problems affecting the children. So, the children receive spiritual and value formation as well as their parents. Health and nutrition program is also a vital part in the process.

Aware that MINSAC will not stay forever in a place the Staff see to it that by the time it withdraws from the place, the families are already self-sustaining. So they can move on and start in another community with a sense of accomplishment.

After some social preparations for the parents, using the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to community organizing the families are being led to discover their own skills and giftedness. By using their potentials and resources they start to shape their own future. Their eyes and minds are opened to new possibilities of uplifting their family. They have also become aware of their responsibilities as members of the community.

In Borongan, Basic Ecclesial Community BEC is being activated. Bayanihan and volunteerism are very much evident in the community. The two areas of Surok and Lipgutan built their own sub-center through their own efforts. The mothers gathered nipa while the fathers were the ones who put up their respective sub-centers. Some mothers volunteered to catechize in the public schools where their children are studying. They maybe poor financially, but they have discovered that they have so much to give of themselves. The three areas of Surok, Calingatngan and Lipgutan have their own respective income generating project. They join trade fairs to have access to wider market for their products.

In Llorente, the mothers are also intensifying their own income generating projects by using the resources found in their locality. Social preparations are being made for a group of fisher folks to augment their income. They are aiming at putting up a cannery project from their abundant catch. A Learning Center has been put up to provide quality training for preschoolers through the generosity of civic minded people and organizations.

Cebu Center’s target area – Lower Kawayan, maybe compared to Payatas or Tondo in Manila. It is a congested area. High rates of malnutrition, immorality, OSYs, gambling and use of prohibited drugs exist resulting into utter poverty. It has a unique approach to community organizing. It started from where the people are – their needs and their skills.

They are skilled weavers of coconut midrib but they do not have access to the market. They became victims of middle businessmen who threatened them not to get their ordered products if they would not give in to the price they dictate. For the people in Lower Kawayan, Cebu, MINSAC has given them hope. They look forward to the time, when through the help of MINSAC they will have sure market for their only source of income. MINSAC is facing a big challenge to really organize these people so they may be one in fighting against an oppressive environment.

With these challenges confronting the Ministry, the administration has to professionalize its approach to the situation. Staff development plays a vital role in the performance of the daily activities of the Centers. The staff are honed in their own line of expertise. Since they are dealing with children, their families and community, the staff are trained to serve these purposes. They have undergone Seminars/trainings on family life, family therapy, sexually abused children and children with psychosocial problems, community organizing, small business management, financial management and other related seminars on professional enhancement that may answer to the needs of these partners in development. In fact, one of the staff was sent to the United Kingdom on a scholarship grant by Ford International for a Master’s Degree in International Children’s Welfare.

But MINSAC, no matter how efficient are the staff, cannot go these far without the help of other agencies. The RVM Congregation through the MINSAC National Office plays a vital role in its success. Networking and linkaging with other GOs and NGOs are very evident. Among the agencies, ChildFund Japan has the biggest support to the Center in Borongan. The Center also links with LGU, DTI, DOST, DA, DSWD, UNICEF, the Parish and other generous people and organizations who are willing to share their time, talents and skills for the upliftment of the poor.

With these developments, a glimmer of hope for a brighter future is within reach.