National Prison Ministries Philippines

Mahal Kita ‘Tay project

Web Administrator — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:27:49 +0000

“Sometimes, oh oftentimes this solo parenting makes me so tired and exhausted … but when I see their happy faces before retiring to bed, with their hugs and kisses, I’m strengthened. And that’s what you exactly miss … so hurry up. Kulitin mo si Lord na makauwi ka na … sayang oras. Love…”

These are notes written by a wife whose husband is inside New Bilibid prison for eight years.

“Dear Papa,

I miss you. We dream the day when you can be with us and we will be happy.

Your son”

Mahal Kita 'Tay project

The Singles Group who took the challenge to bless the kids of inmates was in for a surprise. Angel Revil, who led a group of mini Angel Tree of the Prison Fellowship International, found it so heartwarming. One of the families they went to wrote the messages on a board paper without hesitation. The board papers will then be presented back to the inmates with pictures of their loved ones.

Mahal Kita ‘Tay (I Love You, Dad) is an attempt to create a communication line between the inmate and his/her loved ones. Gifts were gathered by the group from friends and given to the kids. The families of inmates were encouraged to write to them. The group envisions family reconciliation and restoring of relationships even through these simple ways.

If you wish to become a vessel of joy for the families of inmates, please contact us. Donations are also accepted.

Visitors joined in Sycamore Tree Project

Web Administrator — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:22:23 +0000

Yutaka Osakabe, a student of graduate studies from Rikkyo University in Japan is working on his thesis on Restorative Justice. He visited the Philippines last January 27, 2010 in time for the celebration event of Sycamore Tree Project, Prison Fellowship International’s model of Restorative Justice.

Tess Uadan (NPMP vice president) and Yutaka Osakabe

Sycamore Tree Project

Despite brewing tension between gang affiliates, Yutaka still felt the warm welcome extended to him by religious volunteer officers who joined him and the inmates inside the maximum security of the New
Bilibid Prison. He was also given the chance to talk to one Japanese inmate who has been befriended by a Korean, a fellow inmate. He was able to pray for the Japanese.

National Prison Ministries Philippines, Inc. (NPMP) also welcomed and assisted Seongyong Park from Seoul, Korea when he visited last November 2009. He came to see the Sycamore Tree Project at work in New Bilibid Prison. He was briefed on Restorative Justice by Tessie Uadan, vice chairperson of NPMP, prior to his visit inside the prison for a first-hand experience.

Seongyong Park was also given the chance to give a short message at the Spokesman Club which followed right after the Sycamore Tree Project at another dorm area.

NPMP welcomes anyone who would like to participate with the restoration of inmates. Contact us for details.

Happy fathers on the day of hearts

Web Administrator — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:14:13 +0000

Happy fathers

Following on Mahal Kita ‘Tay (I Love You, Dad) project of the Singles’ Group, the initial batch of fathers received their families’ greeting posters on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010. On hand to give the poster messages were Tessie Uadan, incumbent vice chairperson, and Florenda S. Gabriel, a member, representing the academe, of the National Prison Ministries Philippines, Inc. (NPMP).

The fathers could not help but cry as they read and saw the photos of their respective families while making the greeting posters. One father drew back from the crowd as he tried to view the pictures that went with the poster privately. He has not seen his youngest child but through his the greeting poster and pictures, he saw his children who he has not seen for more than a couple of years.

More gifts are scheduled to be given to the children of other fathers personally by the Singles’ Group and a representative from NPMP.

As of this writing, Rod Cornejo of GMA Network and member of NPMP suggests school supplies for the children of those inside the Correctional Institute of Women (CIW). NPMP is open to accept donations in cash or in kind earmarked for CIW.

Spokesman Club yields more spokesmen

Web Administrator — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:58:49 +0000

New spokesmen of the Spokesman Club

Grace Communion International with headquarters in Glendora, California, has been using the Spokesman Club for years. It is a tool to improve the personality and speaking ability of men and women all over the world. With the purpose of sharing the tool to the less privileged and incarcerated children of God, National Ministries Phils. Inc. brought the program right inside maximum security of New Bilibid Prison.

Spokesman Club is a long-running program, shortest is about eight months. It has 12 lesson speeches that every member of the club has to go through. Every participant will also have to have been assigned even once as topics master and toastmaster. All participations are evaluated, by assigned evaluators and director of the club. The club members elect their respective set of officers who will see through the standard program and encourage the members.

The second club yielded 11 spokesmen last December 16, 2009. For the record, it was able to have to its club project a wooden pulpit which may also be borrowed by other groups for their respective activities. Before the event, elder Luz Pangilinan of Grace Communion International presented for the graduates a poster printed in tarpaulin. At certificate-giving event, the graduates also gave the directors a token of their appreciation by way of signed notes on a t-shirt.

A third club has been oriented last January 27, 2010. Election of its officers was held in abeyance as there was some stirring going on among inmates.