Missionaries of the Assumption: Develop, Empower

Missionaries of the Assumption with Abp Capalla

This assertion of the Indigenous People helps well-intentioned groups in reassessing and redefining their approach to IP communities, such that they have to shift from an empowerment stance to mission partnership.

“Empowerment from their perspective,” Sr. Elvie Soleminio, m.a., coordinator of the Missionaries of the Assumption explains, “suggests a superior position that presumes the inferiority of the other.”

Each man receives his dignity from God himself being created in His image and likeness. Although the IPs culture is distinct from others it does not make them inferior. Though they appear uneducated in the modern sense they have their own system of formation. Although their living conditions may be substandard or their way of life backward they still enjoy the same stature as others. Thus, mission partners could learn from and be enriched in mutual exchange and sharing of their giftedness and uniqueness, Sr. Elvie clarifies.

“We are partners with equal responsibilities in their kalambuan (development), ma-liberate ang ilang katilingban (to liberate their society) in all aspects: intellectual, psychological, relationship with self, others, nature and with God,” thus, according to Sr. Elvie, the Missionaries of Assumption true to their mission recognized with acceptance and willingness. Their mission statement says that they commit actively in carrying out the Church’s mission of integral evangelization, to live the evangelical life of obedience, poverty and chastity consistent with their commitment to be in solidarity with the poor, actively participate in the struggle for liberation towards integral transformation in dialogue with other cultures, faiths and ideologies; work for the restoration of Mother Earth and enhancement of their feminine creative energy.

Their collaboration with the IPs have resulted to the establishment of two elementary schools for the Lumads accepting kinder to grade six pupils in Malabog, specifically in Tuluyan and Kibalaton communities. This initiative has pleased the Department of Education. Run under their (Assumption College of Davao) School Community Extension Service, it has 2 M.A. sisters accompanying the teachers in these extension schools. They also accommodate pupils belonging to neighbouring communities since their area is also far from the public schools. Also through their scholarship program, they have produced teachers. Since their scholarship contract terms include their return service to their tribe, some of these IP graduates already returned and work there as teachers.

In one Mission Congress Sr. Elvie relates how impressed she was with which their mission partners through their leaders spoke with wisdom, confidence and eloquence about their pride as a tribe and how they stand for it no matter what.

Called to witness to the incarnate Christ’s option for the poor through active participation in the Church’s works of evangelization, the Missionaries of the Assumption have also opened a Sunday High School and College for working students.

Sr. Elvie is glad to report that so far graduates have already found better jobs, uplifted their lives and able to help their families. This service has afforded help to more than one thousand working students to date. They also provide work scholarship programs for the Lumad and other needy students and support them with food and supplies through the help also of benefactors while the tuition fees are paid by the scholars themselves through their salaries.

The Assumption School of Davao, which they manage and own endeavors to put into concrete terms the vision and mission of the congregation. Hence their students are also exposed to the conditions of the poor through their immersion programs, thus fostering an option for the poor. Their immersion experiences are given clarification through various integration activities in the classroom. They also advocate simplicity of lifestyle as a model for students with concern for the environment and the poor. This option for the poor could be exemplified by one representative from a party list who claims that it is the inculcation of such value that he now works for the advancement of their cause.

Their commitment to work for the restoration of Mother Earth and enhancement of their feminine creative energy is also expressed in teaching the Lumad in organic farming and women’s health care. The latter concern has also involved them in working with the widows of the San Antonio Parish of Agdao. Sr. Elvie describes it as “pagtoon sa mga biyuda, providing them catechesis, gagmay’ng women inputs.”

The Missionaries of the Assumptions also give others the opportunity to become Mission Partners whether married or single, male or female. They receive orientation of the charism and core values of the congregation. Once ready they get involved in giving recollections to Sunday school students and receive stipends for their common fund. They also help recruit for vocations for women and mission partners, extend financial contribution, go to mission areas according to their expertise. Mission partner Carmen Timario said that she participated in this apostolate to help the sisters as they propagate the Good News in father place such us in Paquibato District. “Importante ang recollection sa mga bata aron mas ma-feel namo ang emotional needs sa mga bata. Importante ang pagtudlo sa ila like the Sign of the Cross and develop the habit of praying,” Timario ended.