Flores De Mayo Gathered Children & Police In Tungkalan!

Children in Barangay Tungkalan in Davao City’s Toril District, Southern Philippines had their big day on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

After setting aside their Saturdays for the Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) Marian devotion, the kids culminated their month-long offering to the Virgin Mary with a simple prayerful gathering.

“I learned about the life of Mary, her faithful obedience to God as she raised Jesus. We were taught how to pray the rosary, offer flowers, and prayers in praise to God,” Fiona Cybel V. Donaire, 11, shared her experience during the Flores de Mayo.

“I felt happy as I offered flowers and prayers to my Mother. I was happy to have a heavenly loving Mother watching over me and other kids,” Fiona added.

Like any other kids in the village, she found time to participate in the devotion on Saturdays because of their classes on weekdays.

“They could have done it daily like in the previous school calendar where the month of May fell as vacation days already,” PMsg Brendan R. Cailing, Cluster 2 Team Leader, disclosed.

“I will share my beautiful experience during the Flores de Mayo with other kids to have more friends and encourage them to attend the devotion next year,” Fiona added.

The sight of kids offering flowers and prayers to Virgin Mary brought back childhood memories too.

“Seeing the children attending Flores de Mayo at Birhen sa Kasilak Chapel felt nostalgic. We had been also active attending Flores de Mayo during childhood,” Pcpl Cristalyn L. Dablo said.

“Providing security to the kids during Flores de Mayo brought back the good old days and made us happier seeing them attending such religious activity now safe and secured,” Pcpl Dablo added.

Residents living in Barangay Tungkalan survive on agriculture and subsistence farming. Some are employed at banana plantations in the area.

“Since the introduction of the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (RPSB) in the area four years ago, we conducted several projects for the community. We supported a hog-raising project, constructed at least two daycare centers, participated in school renovation & clean-up activities, and constructed a water pipeline for the village, among others,” PMsg Cailing, whose RPSB Team has been active in Tungkalan, disclosed.

For the Flores de Mayo culmination, the policemen prepared something for the kids. “I bought some rosaries for them. We also bought school supplies to be given away as gifts for them to use when they return to their classes on Monday,” PMsg Cailing added.