austraLasia #2225


Durian - the way to young Filipino hearts? They believe so in Davao City

(Durian: the 'king of fruits' in Asia, with a silky custard-like flesh that smells like stinking socks!)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines: 12th August 2008 -- The Provincial Council and the Rectors of the FIS spent three days in Davao City last August 4-6, 2008, and gave a powerful boost to the Salesian presence in Mindanao, the country's 2nd largest island. Durian, very much in season during these months, gave a special flavor (and smell) to their stay. While some kept away because of cholesterol problems, most enjoyed the various varieties of the fruit. They were billetted at the Clergy House of the archdiocese; here they spent their first day of serious meeting and discussion. But they closed the day with supper together with the 90 boys of Davao Boys Town. Of course, the dessert was durian ice cream.
    The whole day of the 6th was spent visiting the other places where the Salesians are presently planting the seeds for future presences. First, they traveled three hours all the way to Maramag City in Bukidnon, hopped into four-wheel drive jeeps to traverse a few kilometers of off-road driving, and entered into BARBA (Baclig Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association) Farms. Here, in the midst of the 1-hectare farms of fifty families, beneficiaries of agrarian reform, the Salesians have already built a chapel and day care center, and are presently setting up model farms for a presence among the rural poor. People were surprised and happy to see such a big number of Salesians in their midst.
    Then, they traveled back to Buda, a village within Davao City, but under the diocese of Malaybalay (Bukidnon), to enjoy a good Italian lunch, and be aware of the possibilities of a Salesian presence among the indigenous tribes. Finally they visited the newly established parish of Mary Help of Christians in Dacudao, still in Davao City.
    The Salesians returned to their communities laden with durian and pomelo fruits, but left among the people of Mindanao hopes for even better fruits--young people formed in the spirit of St. John Bosco!
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Title: australasia 2225
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces FIS - Mindanao
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2225