UNIVERSITY MISSION TO THE PHILIPPINES JANUARY 1 - 11, 2009

After 24 hours we landed in Manila, slept for a few hours, and then headed for Bacolod. We were met by Bella Alacapa and a bus provided by St. LaSalle University. We were taken to the home of Nordy DiPloma, a local attorney with offices in Manila. We were treated to a gourmet dinner prepared by a master chef from New York. I warned the team that this was not what to expect in the days ahead. We stopped at the Retreat House and left our bags there. We then went to meet with Bishop Vincente Navarro. As usual the Bishop was very gracious and welcoming. Bobby Magalona also joined us.The next day we begin our routine that was to be for the next week. Rise at 6:30, Mass, followed by breakfast and packing of lunches (peanut butter & jelly) and off to the site by 8:30 where we stayed until 5 p.m. The first few days Bella had secured a jeepney but then St. LaSalle provided a bus (all of which we paid for) Bella was unbelievable she would grocery shop for us and loaned us a coffee pot and toaster. The retreat house had a small refrgerator and purified water. It was 90+ each day and very humid but I was relieved that we did not get the week of rain that had been predicted.

The students and team wanted to complete the house before we left but try as we might we only finished 3/4. The people will have to put the roof on and hang doors and windows. All of the supplies are there for them to finish the houses. We ended up building a duplex so two families will have new homes by February 1st. In order to qualify for a home each family needs to work 500 hours. Many people came out to help us so they could accumulate hours. We worked, laughed and sang together.

Because we fixed our own breakfasts and ate packed lunches, we were able to save $1,500. We used that money to purchase 1 - 50 kilo bag of rice for each of the 42 households in the village. The people told us that this would be enough food for a month.Father Nate had been given some money from the Cathedral parishioners and so he purchased beds for everyone. There were 9 families who had beds so they were given foam mattresses.The wonderful gift of this mission was the way the people and the students formed a bond. Father Nate, in addition to working very hard, visited the families in their homes and the students when they took a break interacted with the children. I was grateful for the time I was able to spend with the women and to hear their stories. When it came time to leave, there was not a dry eye to be seen.As you probably know the people of the Philippines are very hospitable and kind. They made us feel like part of their family.There is no doubt the students will carry the memories of the people they served.It was a good mission. No problems with traveling. Flights were on time, hotel was there to pick us up and basically everything ran smooth.

Respectfully SubmittedNatalie Bayci

Diocesan Coordinator for University Missions