Rice Thresher: His Goodness Overflows

by: Rev. Ptr. Ernie Catanghal

July 1, 2017

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” [Psalm 100:5]

Just barely three months ago Ptr. Manny Cabcaan and Randy Parisan (KAKAMPI Chairman) of the Iraya Mangyan tribe in Kalansan of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro visited Manila to acquire their community’s very first rice milling machine and right after successfully transporting it to the tribe and installing it in a prepared rice mill barn, we have dedicated the Kalansan Rice Mill to the Lord. And now the two tribal leaders are back again to the city for another blessing from the Lord -the RICE THRESHER MACHINE.

This rice thresher will also be the first for the community where farming is their primary source of food supply. It will be the prerequisite equipment for their farming process as it will produce what the rice mill machine will be processing to produce rice. We are all praying to secure this equipment before the next harvest month which is October but God’s goodness overflows as He answered our prayers months before our projections. Through one participant from our guest mountaineers of OHMC in Kalansan last June, Bro. Glen Ganchua from Calapan City, this project came to reality. It was a surprise indeed because we only had a very brief talk while in the mission center and we never discussed any intention on the project. Yet it is the Lord who touches the good  heart and the response came overwhelmingly. Next thing is we are setting up a meeting with him in the supplier’s store in Manila for the proper endorsement to DFCM. With no time to waste, I invited the tribal leaders from Kalansan so that they will be the one to receive the endorsement from our good donor.

July 3, 2017

This is the day that the Lord has made! We met this young man in front of the supplier’s store, our generous brother in Christ all the way from Calapan City who also traveled a long way just to meet us for this purpose. He was all smile as we warmly shake each other’s hands, and after a few introduction we went immediately into our business there -to endorse the purchased rice thresher machine (fully paid) and do a thorough checking and engine test.

Our brand new thresher machine with Bro. Glen Ganchua.

Our 10HP Brigs and Straton gasoline engine for the thresher machine straight from the box.

Waiting for the initial test run.

Checking the mountings on the machine, and it’s just perfect fit.

Doing test run using old newspapers as substitute to actual hays to be shredded by the thresher.

Praise the Lord! The unit is all good and is ready to serve the tribe.

For the last time our Iraya brethren expressing their heartfelt gratitude to God and to Bro. Glen.

July 5, 2017

Through the unwavering support of our friend Alex Gonzales of Caloy Gonzales Paint and Auto Shop we were once again able to secure a transport for the machine to deliver it to Calatagan Batangas where we can meet up the Mangyan’s boat that will ship the thresher to the foot of Mt. Calavite in the island of Mindoro.

Chairman Randy and I with Alex’s company driver, Mon.

As soon as we arrived in our supplier’s store in Manila the machine and the engine was immediately prepared for transport and in in no time we were hitting the highway to Calatagan Batangas.

Our engine being secured with rain protection just in case.

Our machine being loaded at the back of our truck service.

All set to go…

Chairman Randy Parisan during our stop over somewhere along SLEX (South Luzon Express Way).

At the entrance of Calatagan Fish Port in Batangas. We are on standby while checking first if the boat from Kalansan has also arrived, and they have an hour earlier than us.

Our tribesmen who eagerly awaited for us in the port now carefully unloading the blessings for their tribal community.

The Kalansan boys excited with their new farm buddy.

Using bamboo poles to load the machine to the boat.

Loading this machine on the boat is a lot easier than the rice mill we transported last April.

After securing the machine then it was the engine.

After putting some muscles in finally our machine and engine are safely loaded in the boat and are ready to meet the tribe. Our Iraya Mangyan brothers from Kalansan cannot hide their overflowing joy for this gift from the Lord.

As soon as the housing (warehouse) for the thresher machine and other farming equipment is completely constructed alongside our rice mill barn we will be dedicating them to the Lord once again, until then.

Once again thank you OHMC (Phil Felix)  for bridging DFCM with people who have heart for our Iraya Mangyans, thank you so much Bro. Glen Guanchua for being the instrument of the Lord for His overflowing goodness to the tribe and may He return the favor to you and your household always. Thank you also Alex Gonzales for always providing us with a transport vehicle, your goodness reaches the heavens. And to you our loving and faithful Father in heaven, all highest thanksgiving and glory belongs to you, and may Your Name be praised in the tribes now and forevermore.

 

OUR NEXT PROJECT

As heads up this is our third equipment which will complete the whole process in their farming, the one used for land preparation before planting rice… THE HAND TRACTOR. We are also praying for another opportunity to make this project happen.

 

His goodness overflows!

All glory belongs to our God.

 

Photo credits to John Rey Pinga (Manila photos)

One Less Hungry Tribe in the World

by: Rev. Ernie Catanghal

April 17, 2017 (Monday)

The day that we have been long praying for, the day the northeast wind have totally subsided and the sea is calm safe for transporting the rice mill machine and engine that we are donating to the Iraya Mangyan tribe of Kalansan in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. Kuya Bong Suarez and I left on a borrowed truck from a friend to transport the “blessings” from Manila to the Port of Calatagan, Batangas where the tribesmen’s two boats are waiting for us. After the cargos  has been safely unloaded from the truck kuya Bong left me and headed back to Manila to fetch the rest of the DFCM team for the following day’s journey to the tribe.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

April 18 (Tuesday)

Hey! It’s my birthday! And there’s no better way to celebrate the day that the Lord has made than to help our beloved tribe make everyone’s dream come true. Just barely after the sunrise our mission team are all in the port with me with some more boxes of blessings for the people. Immediately we loaded everything on the boats and headed straight to the island of Mindoro where the Iraya Mangyans of Kalansan are eagerly waiting.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

From a distance we can see the people building up waiving their hands in great anticipation for us and the arrival of their rice mill. It seemed like it was the usual warm welcome from the tribe but this time their sweet smiles were mixed with tears of so much joy as they joined hands together in unloading the cargos from the boat.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

As soon as we were able to bring the rice mill set on land the tribesmen unboxed them and started working on set-up process, foundation forming, engine break-in until the test run.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Before we called it a day we called for a tribal leaders meeting to take up different matters of the community and to plan for the upcoming big event, the dedication service of the new Multi-Purpose Center and the new Rice Mill.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

April 19 (Wednesday)

The day started with our mission staff (Ate Ahlie and Ate Grace), ladies from the tribe (Teresa, Rona, Vilma, Olay, Leni, Malise and others) and the whole KKP Scholars (Neneng, Liway, Ange, Bibeth, Beverly, Rhea Mae, Cecil, Icel, Maeng, Rael, Mati and Utoy) preparing for the feeding program. In this visit we were able to provide solid meals for everyone for three full days.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Part of the day’s activities is the registration for KAKAMPI membership which was participated by two communities, Kalansan and Agbalite. The response of the people was overwhelming that we ran out of forms to provide for all the applicants, we will continue this registration on the next mission trip as we bring more forms in the multipurpose center.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

April 20 (Thursday)

THE TRIBAL DEDICATION SERVICE for the RICE MILL and MULTI-PURPOSE CENTER

4:00pm in the edge of the rice field

The moment we all have been preparing for and waiting for, the time when we as one tribe and family lift up to the Lord in thanksgiving the biggest blessing in their lives. We all gathered on the unfinished elevated drying floor where our new barn is constructed. One by one we came, filled with excitement and gratitude in our hearts.

The ceremony started with prayers and songs, messages of thanksgiving from the youth, the elders, the tribal leaders and the pastors were shared to inspire everyone. Then it was followed by the oath taking ceremony of the elected and appointed KAKAMPI Officials. After I shared a message taken from the book of Matthew chapter 5 in the Bible which the candle and salt ceremony was inspired. This moment was the most solemn part as everyone held lighted candles and pinches of salt in their hands as we all sing Tagalog Hymns to the Lord and offered the dedication prayer. Then Ate Ahlie, Ate Grace joined me in the ceremonial cutting of ribbons as the KKP Scholars, KAKAMPI Officals, Tribal Leaders and the communities of Kalansan and Agbalite watched and applauded the moment.

The ceremony was concluded with giving away Bawat Butil Program shirts and bags of rice. We also have prepared food and refreshments for everyone plus apples ass highly requested by the children of Kalansan.

April 21 (Friday)

This is the last day for the DFCM Team but not for me. And before they head back home our team maximized the time with the tribe as  we enjoyed games with the kids one last time and the highlight of the game lineup is the “apple eating contest” where our kids had their very first experience playing this game. We also had some interviews with more aspiring applicants for KAKAMPI membership and few more round-ups in the tribe.

After packing-up our team headed to the shore where their service boat is waiting to take them back to Calatagan Batangas. The kids found it hard to say goodbye for now as much as the adults too. There may be tears in our eyes but we are sure these are of great joy. As the kids wave their hands to the team slowly sailing away all we can say is “THANK YOU LORD FOR ANOTHER VICTORY!”

TRIVIA AND PHOTOS:

KALANSAN  (“salansan” in Tagalog) – is Iraya Mangyan’s word for “pile” because this community on the foot of Mt. Calavite is established over pile of rocks. We can notice that well from the shore where there is almost all flat rocks and pebbles and a very scarce amount of sand. Also, right around the limited area for rice fields are boulders of solid rocks where soil is not very much established.

DID YOU KNOW that the people of Kalansan, Agbalite and other neighboring Iraya Mangyan communities are very industrious?

They work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months per year just to provide food for their families which is just enough for 3 months. But with BAWAT BUTIL PROGRAM, our livelihood projects for the tribes we are hoping to multiply their production and in two years time they can feed their families 12 months per year, HUNGER BUSTED!

Below are photos of our “FIRSTFRUITS” in rice milling.

One Less Hungry Tribe in the World…

Our DFCM Team…

(left to right: Kuya Bong Suarez, Kuya JR Pinga, Ate Ahlie Catanghal, Ate Grace Suarez, Kuya Anthony Misarez and Pastor Ernie Catanghal)

(not able to join this mission trip: Ate Jheng  and  Ate Marlyn)

(in photo: Bernabe Cabcaan of Kalansan Tribe)

To God Be The Glory!

Drops of Faith Christian Missions

April 2017

An Impossible Dream Came True

For the Iraya Mangyan tribe there are many dreams that seems to be meant just to be a dream, like seeing their kids finish school, having a decent and stable livelihood for the family, having a community that can provide at least their basic needs daily. These are just some of their “impossible dreams”.

But we believe nothing is impossible with God and with His favor all things can work together  for the good of His people. Drops of Faith Christian Missions is just one of His tools in reaching out to them and making them see the impossibility turning to possibility.

We are so much honored to be used and do these things for them. The work after 18 years have just begun. Focusing on holistic ministry and community development the people’s limited belief is now being opened to the horizon of God’s vast goodness. The blessings are pouring in through brethren, families, friends and partners.

DFCM has initiated the tribe’s community organization KAKAMPI (Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mangyan na Pinagpala) and strarted providing them with tools and training for effective stewardship of every project we are doing with them. Under KAKAMPI we created a livelihood program which we call Bawat Butil Program (BBP) where our goal is to establish livelihood projects on land (farming) and water (fishing). We also aim to produce livestock project under this program.

Today, we are so happy to share to you that one of our major projects has turned to reality as we acquired the RICE MILL with engine and complete set-up. This farming equipment will be  installed in our pre-constructed rice barn inside the tribal community. It is truly a very emotional moment for our tribal leaders, Pastor Manny Cabcaan and KAKAMPI Chairman Randy Parisan when we awarded to them the blessing.

To everyone who believed and who took part to this very meaningful project, those who shared their blessings to complete the work… THANK YOU SO MUCH! The work has just started and we are praying to continue this until we reach the mark the Lord has set for us. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

So happy to share to you the photos below, and more photos to follow as Pastor Ernie Catanghal delivers the equipment to the tribe in days to come.

DFCM and Community Development

Drops of Faith Christian Missions (DFCM) is an independent Christian missionary work to the tribe. Our work since 1999 has involved volunteers and partners, individuals and people group alike, from different walks of life that has expressed their desire and commitment to cooperate and reach out to the tribes through the inspiration of the Spirit of God in them. These people have been rendering their invaluable service and resources through cheerful giving for the love of God and fellowmen, and under one vision which God has given through the foundation of the mission work of DFCM.

Under the cooperation of DFCM and our Partners we have initiated different self-sustainable programs that will attend to the holistic needs of the tribal community. These programs which started small evolved through God’s wisdom and grace into a diverse community development program. DFCM is committed to pursue this divine direction by exploring advance methodologies and partnerships to achieve our ultimate goal -to see the tribe for the tribe, Mangyans ably helping Mangyans.

Our Community Development Four Step Process

Community development is a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. Community well-being (economic, social, environmental and cultural) often evolves from this type of collective action being taken at a grassroots level. -United Nations

Community development seeks to empower individuals and groups of people with the skills they need to effect change within their communities. These skills are often created through the formation of social groups working for a common agenda. Community developers must understand both how to work with individuals and how to affect communities’ positions within the context of larger social institutions.

Programs for the Tribal Community Development Program:

Community economic development (CED); an alternative to conventional economic development which encourages using local resources in a way that enhances economic outcomes while improving social conditions.

Community-driven development (CDD), an economic development model which shifts overreliance on central governments to local communities.

Asset-based community development (ABCD); is a methodology that seeks to uncover and use the strengths within communities as a means for sustainable development.
Participatory planning including community-based planning (CBP); involving the entire community in the strategic and management processes of urban planning; or, community-level planning processes, urban or rural.

Community organizing; a term used to describe an approach that generally assumes that social change necessarily involves conflict and social struggle in order to generate collective power for the powerless.

Sustainable development; which seeks to achieve, in a balanced manner, economic development, social development and environmental protection outcomes.

 

To be able to secure a continues stewardship for the program DFCM has established the local community organization for the Iraya Mangyan tribe which is KALIPUNAN NG MGA KATUTUBONG MANGYAN NA PINAGPALA (K.A.K.A.M.P.I.). The leadership of this organization is decided through an exclusive Mangyan election process. Once the leadership positions has been established a special program for proper teaching and training will be conducted under the ministry of DFCM. This will equip every community leader on their respective roles and responsibilities and how to work effectively as one unit for the benefit of the community. Along this process DFCM will provide and assist the community in raising relevant, strategic, self-sustaining projects for livelihood which is under BAWAT BUTIL PROGRAM. Once the leadership and the community mature in this collaborative process the organization can secure government registration as a legitimate Cooperative Organization.

Project: Halieis Anthrópos

We were called to follow Jesus in Matthew 4:19 to become “fishers of men” (ἁλιεῖς ἄνθρωπος). This is the very core of our missionary work in the tribes, to catch men from misery and definite destruction and bring them into the boat of grace (through Christ Jesus) that heads to glorious eternity with the Father.

Fishing is also one thing that Jesus was fond of while He was here on earth in earthly form, as we could see that he spend a lot of time on the boat with His fishermen friends. We also serve in the mission field with this trust: “TO NOT ONLY GIVE MEN FISH TO EAT BUT TO TEACH THEM HOW TO CATCH FISH FOR WITH THAT THEY WILL NEVER BE HUNGRY AGAIN.” So we always try our very best to make our outreach program become self-sustaining by not doling out help but rather equipping our stakeholders to become our counterparts in every way. This project is just a part of our holistic approach, to feed them by helping them learn to feed themselves, Project: Halieis Anthropon.

Today we are 60% accomplished as we have provided 2 sets of fishing nets complete with all the materials needed. We also have provided for a small fishing boat and it is almost ready to test the waters. We just need some finishing materials and this project will begin providing food for our Mission Center staff and all our KKP Scholars.

We will be posting here update of our boat once it comes into 100% completion. Praise God for this wonderful project that He have provided to us.

Our Tribal Multi-Purpose Hall and an Mission Ambulance Boat

We are so happy to share to you the growing fruit of our prayers and unity for this pioneering tribal project, the Tribal Multipurpose Center which will be established in the strategic location of Kalansan. This holistic project will be the first ever of this kind that will address the need of the communities in the field of education, health, livelihood, faith and  community development. Right now we are in the 40% of the building development.

THE BOOK AND TOY LIBRARY will address both the intellectual, emotional and social growth of the children of the tribes through a wide variety of section of books and through educational toys both for indoors and outdoors. We will provide a library system with a trained Mangyan librarian.

TRIBAL HEALTH AND RESCUE CENTER will also be the very first for the Iraya Mangyans in in this remotest region of Mt. Calavite. This project will address the very poor health condition of the tribes and will target to provide a regular program that will attend to their general medical needs through partnership with doctors and other medical professionals who have the heart to reach out to desolate communities like this. This center will also provide AMBULANCE BOAT and BASIC LIFE SUPPORT for transporting people in critical condition to the provincial hospital which is about 80-90 kilometers away.

THE KAKAMPI COOPERATIVE STORE is the business center inside the tribes for their farming and fishing needs. Its objective is to provide a variety of commodities and services that has a very reasonable cost or price for the tribes. Its generated income will be entirely allocated for the community development projects and other vital needs of the community.

SOUP KITCHEN is the area where the regular feeding program preparations will be done. This will help facilitate our program that will address the vital need for balanced meal and nutrition specially for the children of the tribes.

THE WAREHOUSE will house all the produce and other supplies of the community. It will be adjacent to the proposed rice mill behind the multipurpose center.

THE KAKAMPI OFFICE (Kalipinan ng mga Katutubong Mangyan na Pinagpala) will serve as the session hall for the elected tribal leaders and the administrative office for the tribal organizations economic and ministerial functions.

STAFF ROOM is the small quarter allocated for missionaries and other guests of the tribes. It will be provided with a small bed and is situated near the kitchen and toilet and bath area.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The functional Multipurpose Center of Kalansan today.

 

Our humble beginnings.

We need your support for us to complete this project for the Iraya Mangyan tribe in Kalansan, Agabalite and Pinagbayanan of Occidental Mindoro. We are still in need of the following:

• funding for the remaining 60% cost of the building project
• thresher, hand tractor and portable welding machine
• ambulance boat with portable oxygen tank, stretcher for patient transport
• 100 watts solar panel, battery with electrical layout for lighting
• generator for back-up power source
• basic dental chair (non powered)
• nebulizers, weighing scale, etc. for the clinic
• books and toys for the library
• kitchen utensils for feeding program (450-600 children capacity)

For sending support you may contact:

Pastor Ernie DV. Catanghal (DFCM Mission Director)

Email: edvcat@yahoo.com

Contact Number: +63(02)6411656 -landline / +63927-8684899 -mobile

Who “Thrive” from the Tribe?

Farming rice is the main source of livelihood for the Iraya Mangyans. But with the very limited land area left to them by the foreign settlers of the island (and mostly marshlands and forestland) their harvest for a year is just a fraction of what they need in a year, worse it would still be exploited by the businessmen who thrive on their little (and crude) farming.

The answer.

DFCM through its community development organiztion, KAKAMPI is launching “BAWAT BUTIL PROGRAM (BBP)” – a program that caters to the indigent Iraya Mangyans in their farming needs. It’s goal is to provide system and resources that will make the community self-sufficient and self-sustaining. We are reaching out to three (3) communities in the north-eastern edge of the island namely, the Kalansan, Agbalite and Pinagbayanan communities.

We can help them increase their produce and be self-sufficient.

Want to know how? Just reach us at:

+63 (02) 710-9550 landline / +63 (02) 927-8684899  mobile

Email: edvcat@yahoo.com

LET THERE BE LIGHT, LIVELIHOOD AND NOW FOOD.

Thank you so much Lord for blessing our Mangyan community with people who would carry the burden with us in sharing to them the goodness of the Lord. Through the collaboration of Drops of Faith Christian Missions, some church organizations, social clubs, friends and caring individuals we were able to raise, maintain and expand our Project: Let There Be Light. This project has already brought hope and joy to the communities most specially to their children who are now enjoying the benefit of studying with ample light at night. This project has also generated daily income that has become their funding for farming which is being blessed with good harvest that will bring food on their tables.

Our lighting project is an alternative power source system using solar panels for our charging station which provides charging capacity for the DC batteries which we have provided for the families for their home lighting source. Currently we are blessed with 7oo watts of solar panels through the invaluable support of Cainta Wesleyan Church (Young Adults and Youth Group) and the outdoor group of Campers and Backpackers (CAB)/Daloy. The base structure for the station, concrete pathway and other electrical paraphernalia for the street and homes are provided by our ever valued good-hearted families, brethren and friends. We would also like to acknowledge the love and support of our KKP Sponsors, our partner organization, Make A Change Philippines and Ohanna Mountaineering Club. Indeed you have made a change and touched many lives in the tribes. This project will not be made possible without the favor of our Lord God and people like you, thank you very much!

Our Limited Edition Mission Shirt 2016

This DFCM MISSION SHIRT will be available exclusively for our Mission Staff, Tribal Coordinators,  Volunteers and for our valued support-partners.

Building Hope, Making History

The Iraya-Mangyan community in Kalansan have expressed their unanimous intention of not only supporting this very first Multi-Purpose Center Project but of contributing through the best of their capacity and means by providing a lot with a structure where the center can start with.

This structure is an old Mangyan house which is unusually big for a commoner in the community, which is owned by a visually impaired old man, Tatay Guding Tungkarawin, who then decided to give up the house for the better use of the community.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Also, the tribal leaders have convened and committed all the families of the tribe to contribute to raise a carabao (water bufalo) or an equivalent amount of a carabao to payback the expenses of the old man. They also expressed their commitment to share whatever indigenous materials they can produce for this project. They will also render their service in building this multi-purpose center.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Our role now is to help providing the rest of the building materials, the supplies and equipment we will be putting inside the children’s library, the health clinic, the cooperative office, and also providing the tribesmen the proper education and training they need, to facilitate and maintain the functions in this multi-purpose center. We also need to provide them with the self-sustaining programs that will lead them to self-reliance and progressive life.

To all who have shared their blessings and are continuously helping us work on this very meaningful project for the Iraya-Mangyan tribe in behalf of the people we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

THE WORK IS NOT YET DONE.

WE NEED HELPERS.

WE NEED PARTNERS.

What else do we need?

We also are praying for medicines for the pharmacy, solar panel system, a generator, a rescue/ambulance boat,  a basic dental chair (used/unused), and livelihood projects.

For inquiries kindly email us at edvcat@yahoo.com

Or to send support kindly click this link for info:

https://dfcmtribalmissions.wordpress.com/contact/

This Multi-purpose Center will be first and only in this side of the northern part of the island. There are many other adjacent communities who will surely benefit from this project.

Will you join us make a history and build hope in their lives?