Mati ready to host 45th DCM convention

City of Mati – The Diocese of Mati is at the verge of preparations for the 45th DCM Convention, trying to make it an experience of a lifetime for the participating clergies from Mindanao.

Bp. Abel Apigo had given his instructions to the 14 committees to make sure that their respective tasks are complied for the eventual success of the convention.

The Liturgy Committee, Ways and Means, Secretariat/Registration, Food Committee, Accommodation Committee, Physical Preparation, Socio Cultural Committee, Sports Committee, Souvenirs Committee, Promotions and Documentation, Transportation Committee, Traffic and Security, First Aid/Medic Committee and Committee Coordinating to the Provincial/City/Municipal Governments are keen in making their focus vivid to come up with the best output.

Every detail of the preparation had been scrutinized, from the venue of the convention, the A57 Techno Park boasting of its very spacious hall that can accommodate such big delegation, venues to the different activities like the St. Therese Gymnasium at the Clergy House Compound where arrivals will be welcomed, with soothing welcoming and delightful service, the Provincial Capitol Covered Court for the Opening Program and Fellowship Night, the Davao Oriental State University Gym, home to the their most loved basketball and other sports venues.

The Secretariat is making sure that every registration is matriculated into the list.

Needed security was also properly looked into, as coordination and discussion, and updating with the authorities were done while the flow of activities was meticulously approved.

The delegates were booked in different hotels in the city, with the desire to give them very good accommodation.

The Committee on Promotions and Documentation is set to embark on what will be their most challenging assignment to date, coming up with a comprehensive coverage in various platforms: radio, television, print, and social media, and to come up with a good and accurate reportage for the 3-day event on February 14-16, 2023.

Negotiations were made with the provincial government of Davao Oriental and the city government of Mati to get their support for the convention, as an enormous way also to promote the province and city so the delegates will be cognizant with what the city and province can offer, especially in tourism, as the Diocese of Mati, comprising the whole province of Davao Oriental, is richly endowed with beautiful tourist spots.

The host diocese, Diocese of Mati is home to 19 parishes, 2 quasi parishes, with 45 diocesan priests at the helm.

As of February 6, 2023, there are already 18 bishops who confirmed their attendance to the occasion, and 846 priests registered for the convention, coming from the sub-ecclessiastical regions of DADITAMA (Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati), DOPIM (Dipolog, Ozamis, Pagadian, Iligan, and Marawi), ZAMBASULI (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Ipil), CABUSTAM ( Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Surigao, Tandag, and Malaybalay), and KIDMACO ( Kidapawan, Marbel, and Cotabato).

The Diocese of Mati might be at the edge of the southeastern part of Mindanao, but despite the distance, the Diocese is exhausting all means to make it a very beautiful learning experience, as they are an experience richer, rejuvenated, and more service-driven and so inspired in their chosen ministry, with the ultimate goal of doing everything for God’s greater glory. (Neela G. Duallo)