Season of Hunger
The Philippine countryside is the heart of our country’s wealth and human and natural resources. We have rich, arable agricultural land and abundant mineral deposits that can sustain millions of Filipinos. Despite this, abject poverty persists, and farmers bear the brunt of this social malady. Cagayan Valley, a region in Northeastern Luzon, is the top exporter of yellow corn, one of the food baskets of the north especially rice and vegatables. It is also home to the first foreign gold and copper mining company in the country. With these resources, the region has tremendous potential to thrive. However , a bountiful harvest does no mean a plenty of food on the table of rice farm workers.
Testimonies of Faith
The fiesta in Tondo, Manila, serves as a vibrant convergence of cultural expression and religious devotion. Characterized by pastel banderitas, lively music, and street games, the event transforms the neighborhood into a dynamic celebration. Central to this observance is the image of the Santo Niño, which moves from private domestic altars to public display, symbolizing the community’s collective identity. The feast day is eagerly anticipated not merely for its festive elements—parades, dances, and games—but for its profound theological significance. For many devotees, the celebration represents a critical opportunity for ‘utang na loob’ (gratitude), acknowledging the Santo Niño’s role in providing divine intervention and support during times of personal and familial adversity.