The Namnama Experience

“There is hope!” I say. “Yes! There is hope!” echoes Eddie Ferrer. This emotional exchange by good friends came after an unexpected visit to a village seen as new-found haven of a dream, a hope and coming together of like-minded people to make it happen!

I came as an advance party of a US delegation of 25 to visit Pangasinan in January 2015 led by First Lady Rhenee Ferrer, Next Gen’s Neil Estrada and spokesperson Virginia Mandapat Coquia. It was a humbling experience to be with the community and see for myself the wonder that President Eddie C. Ferrer has eloquently described the first time he came in 2014. Thank you to Soledad Obedoza Montilla, UCHS alumnus, for her vision and allowing others to make it happen. Her good heart and will power give hope to these indigent families. She carries on the task even further, donates another piece of her land so that surrounding barangays of Asingan, Villasis and Urdaneta can have a place of worship, a new church, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church right next door from the Gawad Kalinga and within the jurisdiction of the Holy Diocese of Urdaneta. It is up to us now, servants of God, to do our part and make it happen.

Eddie Ferrer says, “We certainly do not have financial luxury, but simply share the thought of the poor helping the poor with whatever we have and however we can help.”  Ernie Delfin remarks, “It takes just one person (or a couple) to start a “REVOLUTION” (of the heart and mind). As Pope Francis says, ‘The world tells us to seek Success, Power and Money. But God tells us to seek HUMILITY, SERVICE AND LOVE.’ And, that is what the Montillas and our PB -USA president are showing and leading us by example. I am just very happy to be considered their friend and supporter!”

Ferrer encouraged the group by saying that amidst all the healthy economic forecast by elite financial experts, PB-USA stands aligned with Pope Francis’ world apostolate to reach the marginalized sector of our community who are more often than not downtrodden and forgotten. More actions needed. If it takes the poor to help the poor, so be it. Thanks Pete and Sol for simply being where you are where God wants you to be.

Virginia Mandapat Coquia said that the houses that are built for the indigents are small ones, but they will do for the time being. I say that these families have a roof under their heads made possible by friends who care and dare to make a change in their lives. Mike Mandapat exclaims, “We got 3 more pledges for 3 more homes as a result of this trip! They pledged on the spot! God Bless them! Thank you everyone!”