Mindanao Clergy Annual Convention

Tackle Disaster Preparedness

The Mindanao clergy is set to tackle the challenges the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan are facing in the aftermath of typhoon Sendong as the priests meet for their annual convention in Cagayan de Oro on February 13 to 15.

This year’s gathering is a stark departure from the usual annual fellowship of the clergy as organizers seek to keep the meeting simple and relevant in solidarity with typhoon victims.

In a letter sent to dioceses, DCM president Fr. Lyndon Sayaz said each diocese can send five to 10 delegates to participate in the gathering which include the bishop and priest-directors of Social Action and BEC formation.

The forum titled “DCM and Bishops’ Forum on Typhoon Sendong and its challenges for Mindanao,” will include presentations and lessons learned on disaster management and preparedness as well as environmental concerns.

Speakers are Fr. Pedro Walpole, SJ, who will speak on “Watershed Protection of Mindanao” and Fr. Rey Raluto on “Theological Perspectives on care for the environment.”

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma will preside the opening concelebrated Mass at the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral on February 13 at 5 pm. The Mass will also be a thanksgiving celebration for the 60th anniversary of Cagayan de Oro as an archdiocese.

Delegates are also expected to visit the affected areas and relocation sites for the typhoon victims.

On February 15, the bishops will have a follow-up of the earlier consultation on peace building with resource persons from Catholic Peacebuilder’s Network (CPN).

Participating clergy come from Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Ipil (Zambasuli); Dipolog, Ozamis, Pagadian, Iligan, Marawi (DOPIM); Davao, Digos, Tagum, Mati (DADITAMA); Cagayan, Butuan, Surigao, Tandag, Malaybalay (CABUSTAM); Kidapawan, Marbel and Cotabato (KIDMACO). (CBCPNews)