Last April of this year, we started to venture into organic farming as one way of sustaining our mission of the dorm. It was also last April that Pondo ng Pinoy 2-year project of food sustenance for the dorm ended. Providence sent us Kuya Chong who taught us(the students, volunteers and sisters) the technicalities of starting an organic farm. The FMA Provincial Office & Bishop Pabillo provided us the initial funds, the parents of the students gave their share of organic fertilizers, while the whole dorm was enthusiastic in giving their share of labor. We had our first taste of the fruits of our project last May, 2008, when we harvested 9 kilos of pechay. As of end of June, 2008, we were able to harvest: 58.57 kilos string beans; 58.30 upo; 43.38 eggplant; 24 kilos cucumber; 8 kilos patola; 4.5 kilos kalabasa; 3.05 kilos radish; 2.55 kilos tomatoes; 9.55 kilos pechay; 6.50 kilos mongo, etc. So that practically our harvest of these vegetables has provided us the bulk of our food consumption!

After the students left for their monthly home break, the volunteers, FMAs and the selected leaders headed for San Rafael, Puerto Princesa, Palawan for their annual evaluation and planning. For the first time, they had with them the student leaders as active participants of the evaluation and planning, last 30 June – 3 July,2008.

The student leaders presented their plans and projects based on the 5 Core Values and Vision-Mission they have formulated together with the volunteers, parents and FMAs last January 2007. The proposals of the students and that of the 3-year development plan, facilitated the planning the volunteers and FMAs had to accomplish. Everybody looks forward to the next school with much hope and confidence!

As the culmination of the one-week formation for leaders and catechists facilitated by Sr. Leonor Peralta, FMA, they were formally inducted last 23 June, 2008, after the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Pabillo, D.D. Sr. Cathy Urgello,FMA with Bishop Pabillo gave the medals of Laura Vicuna and Domenic Savio to the leaders and the cross to the catechists.

At their outing at Isla Rita last 23 June, 2008, the Dorm Pips welcome the newest set of volunteers for the school year 2008-09. They are: Ms. Cherie Lo, a JVP (Jesuit Volunteer of the Philippines) volunteer, who is their academic coordinator; Mr. Jodel Ampil, the other JVP, who forms part of the houseparent team for the boys; Bro. Chris, as tutor also; and Kaspar Ng, a Chinese-Canadian VIDES volunteer.

May 15, 2008 was a much awaited day for St.Ezekiel Moreno Dormitory of Macarascas, Palawan! The Dorm Pips attended the wedding of Annie Ngan Tian, their beloved houseparent for the school year 2007-08, to Alex Barrameda, also a part-time volunteer of the dormitory. No less than His Excellency Bishop Broderick Pabillo, D.D. officiated the marriage ceremony at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral of Puerto Princesa. It was indeed a day to remember for all to witness how the good Lord sealed and blessed the marriage vows of Annie & Alex, the two persons who have made a difference in the lives of the Dorm Pips! 

The Dorm pips headed by Bishop Pabillo hiked up to the pier to board the motor boat to bring them all to Isla Rita. Everybody had fun with the games organized by Sr. Leonor, FMA, together with the leaders. Bishop Pabillo even headed the game of tug of war: the boys vs. the girls. The weather was just perfect for everybody to swim and hike, not too much sun and a bit windy. But when we were all settled back in the dorm, the rains poured down.

Matel Padul from St. Ezekiel Moreno Dormitory, Macarascas, Palawan is the first recipient of the highest honor, “Fr. Rogelio Alarcon, OP Award” given to the graduates of Angelicum College REAP Program (Re-entry Education Alternative for the Poor) last April 14, 2008.

What makes it special to be a in the dormitory especially here in SEMD?  Well, the volunteers, sisters, and the students do things together.  They play, pray, do chores, and study together everyday. This time, what are the boys up to? They are collecting “gagambas”! That’s their latest gimmick.

Sr. Leonor Peralta, FMA joined Fr. Christian Sabili and the parish staff to visit for the first time Old Panggangan community and Sr. Leonor,FMA gave a follow-up formation session for the catechists at New Panggangan.

SEMD welcomes Sr. Lido, FMA and the VIDES Tokyo representatives: headed by Sr.Inagawa Takako, FMA, Sr. Akagi Jyunko,FMA, Ms. Ezaki Setuko, Ms. Fukue Mami, Ms. Takakura Megumi, Ms. Asahina Anna, Ms. Satou Etuko and Mr. Yamane Hiroshi,  last August 10, 2007. To seal their partnership, the Dorm Pips and VIDES Tokyo painted a tree on a piece of white cloth and painting the leaves with their hands. It was a fun-filled day for all.