San Roque Parish: Dili Basta-basta, Upat Ka Dekada Na

San Roque Parish of Brgy. Malabog gracefully celebrated its 40th Parochial fiesta last August 16, 2024 with the theme: “San Roque: Kanunay nga Kauban sa Pagpuyo Isip Piniyalan.”

The celebration started with a Holy Eucharistic Celebration that was presided over by the Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao. “…daghan manganhi diri. Ambot ngano na maayo siguro mopangga”, as the bishop stated in the introduction of his homily. The bishop described the community of the parish as “dili basta-basta” and it reflects on the life of San Roque who came from a wealthy family and left his “dili basta-basta nga kahimtang” in order to receive “dili basta-basta nga grasya sa Ginoo”. San Roque has the unusual courage to sympathize and be with the sick. The bishop pointed to the patron saint as our example in coming to God, which he defined as “dili basta-basta nga tuburan sa kinabuhi”, since God is source of inspiration and strength of San Roque.

Following the Holy Eucharistic Celebration is the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation of more than a hundred young believers and the unveiling of the Fr. Balaquinto Hall, which was specially attended by the Balaquinto family.

Present from the Davao Clergy is Rev. Fr. Danilo Dotollo and Rev. Fr. Jemasol Ortiz—both are previous parish priests; Rev. Fr. Ronald Arcillas and Rev. Fr. Junel Bustamante—both products of San Roque Parish; and Rev. Fr. Ritsche Gamaya.

Did it end there? Of course not. A huge socialization happened during and after lunch where parishioners and visitors interacted and enjoyed themselves. What made the interaction even more special is that the goods displayed in all the booths were given freely to those who wanted it. The booth contest participated by the 12 zones showed the creativity of the parishioners. Zone 6 emerged as the champion, followed by Zone 10 then Zone 4. A bunch of presentations entertained the audience through the dance contest, where Zone 6 was declared the winner, and through the singing contest, where Jemar Abuton of Zone 5 triumphed as the winner. The day also included a bundle of raffle draws and a blind volleyball game which all had a thrilling prize.

“Isip piniyalan niining maong parokya tugoti ko sa pagpasalamat ninyong tanan,” Fr. Cirilo Bermudez the Parish Administrator, expressed his thanks with a wide smile on his face. His expression of gratitude reflects the team effort of the people who worked, prepared, and prayed for the success of the 40th Parochial Fiesta of San Roque Parish, and that made the parish therefore “dili basta-basta”. For in terms of faith and togetherness, upat ka dekada na.

To sum it up, it was a day of celebrating an abundance of faith and blessings, which were done through united prayer and merriment.

To God be the glory!

(Jozeil Crodua)