What's Happening

By Sister Maria Yolanda Manapsal, OP
Chapter Prioress, Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter

March 27, 2025, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines – The Adrian Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, based in the Philippines, recently gathered with clergy and community members to witness the blessing of the newly constructed Covered Court, a sacred space that will serve as a hub for various activities and gatherings. 
 
The occasion was graced with the presence of the two Archbishops of the Archdiocese of San Fernando who hold a special spot in their hearts for the Sisters: Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, DD, and Archbishop Emeritus Paciano B. Aniceto, DD. Friends, family members, and benefactors also joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and Holy Eucharist. In his homily, Archbishop Lavarias emphasized the importance of listening to God in prayer to discern God’s will and faithfully follow God’s path.  

The Covered Court was designed by the Arkiteks Envision Design and Construction Firm, headed by Architect Gerard F. Angeles and his team. The Covered Court represents a dream come true for the Sisters and the entire community of the Dominican School of Angeles City Foundation, Inc. It will provide a safe and comfortable space for the Sisters’ activities and serve as a venue for the students, who for many years had to endure the heat of the sun during school events. In addition, learners will engage in athletic and other recreational activities in the Covered Court.

This sacred space will be a beacon of hope and compassion for our less fortunate brothers and sisters, including the Indigenous Aeta and Badjao people, persons with disabilities, children and adults on the street, women, family members of victims of extra-judicial killings, and farmers, who will gather for various programs and services.

Finally, this Covered Court is a remarkable gift from God to the Sisters, realized through the collective efforts of everyone who worked tirelessly, especially the Dominican School of Angeles City community and the Pampanga clergy, who sold tickets and solicited donations. 

The Mission Council of the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, led by Sister Maria Yolanda G. Manapsal, OP, and the school community, are deeply grateful for God’s continuous blessings. Truly, God’s plan unfolds in God’s perfect time.

The Covered Court was in use shortly after its dedication. The Dominican School of Angeles City, led by Sister Arsenia Marie T. Puno, OP, PhD, the school Directress, and Principal Sister Rowena Marie D. Cruz, OP, held its recognition and graduation ceremonies on March 27 and 28 in the Covered Court. 

The graduation event was honorably attended by Father Jomarsus Gatus, who in his homily reminded the students that their achievements are not solely the result of their own efforts but also a reflection of the support provided by those who served as instruments in their success.

 

The recognition ceremony welcomed proud parents and guardians, who gathered to applaud their children for their accomplishments throughout the school year. Sister Arsenia shared a powerful message about camaraderie, friendship, and the importance of recognizing the talents gifted to us by God. 

This day stands as a celebration of achievements for students, teachers, and parents alike, honoring the collective efforts and the belief that hard work truly pays off. It serves as a reminder that with dedication and support, achieving great things is indeed possible.
 

Caption for above feature photo: Adrian Dominican Sisters of the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, along with Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, DD, and Archbishop Emeritus Paciano B. Aniceto, DD, and community members prepare to cut the ribbon for the new Covered Court at the Dominican School of Angeles City Foundation.

By Sister Maria Yolanda Manapsal
Chapter Prioress, Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter

March 24, 2025, Mining, Angeles City, Philippines – In celebration of Women's Month, the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter and the Dominican School of Angeles City Foundation, Inc., along with social worker Liz Maricarl E. Cordero, came together to address a pressing issue: the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. 

The presentation was an initiative of the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, based in the Philippines, in alignment with the Adrian Dominican Congregation’s 2022 Chapter Enactment on Women. The presentation was given to the students in grades 7 to 10 to teach them how to protect themselves against human trafficking, which entraps many children in the area. About 161 people – including student advisors and some Adrian Dominican Sisters – attended the event.

This initiative aims to educate students about the risks of online exploitation and emphasize the importance of open communication regarding Internet safety. Workshops and awareness campaigns can empower parents and children with the knowledge they need to safely navigate the online world.

Liz Maricarl Cordero, a former social worker at the University of the Assumption in San Fernando, Pampanga, spoke on the rights of children delineated by the United Nations, and on the dangers to children of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) serves as a foundational document for children's rights. It emphasizes that every child should be protected from all forms of violence and exploitation. Article 19 states that children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and Article 34 states that governments must protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. This includes protecting them from being forced into sexual activity, prostitution, and pornography. Both articles highlight the need for safeguarding children against abuse, especially in the context of evolving technologies.

As children increasingly engage with the internet for education and social interaction, they become more susceptible to online threats. Predators exploit the anonymity and accessibility of the digital realm, making it essential for parents, educators, and communities to work together to create a safer environment.

Celebrating Women's Month means advocating for the rights of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us, our children. Let us commit to fostering a secure community that protects children from online threats, ensuring they can explore, learn, and grow in a safe environment. Together, we can champion the cause of child protection and uphold the principles set forth in the UNCRC, fostering a brighter and safer future for generations to come.

 

Caption for above feature photo: Social worker Liz Maricarl E.Cordero speaks to students at the Dominican School of Angeles City about the dangers of online sexual abuse and exploitation.