by DJ G Wabe

“One and a half years after Typhoon Sendong, a new dawn has come for Xavier Ecoville.” These words uttered by Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap SJ in his homily at the morning Eucharistic Celebration encapsulates the historical significance of the events that transpired last July 6, 2013. That day, more than 500 permanent houses for those displaced by the tragic floods of Sendong were blessed and “Dayun, Padayun: The Xavier Ecoville Hope Festival” was celebrated at the Xavier Ecoville settlement in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan De Oro.

Moving In
The permanent homes were blessed right after the 8 am Mass held at the new chapel of Xavier Ecoville. This chapel was built with the help of the Religious of the Assumption and Ateneo de Manila University. The blessing was led by Fr. Bobby Yap and other priests from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, sisters from the orders Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) and Religious of the Assumption (RA), seminarians from St. John Vianney, and lay ministers from the XU Chapel were present to help him. The residents, on their part, had prepared their new homes to graciously accept the blessing and their guests. They had also prepared for the activities ahead as several households had set up their merchandise to showcase during the festival.

Moving On
A slew of activities followed that were enjoyed by its residents and guests from the XU community, benefactors, and other sectors. As mentioned, residents participated by preparing merchandise for the Food Fair. They also joined in on the Village Parade held right before the Opening Program. Their children were members of the marching band from Lumbia Central School and Lumbia National High School. Their own organizations, including the Xavier Ecoville Homeowner’s Association, Day Care Center, Cooperative, and Peace and Order groups also joined the parade. These were all held on the streets of the settlement, where the RSO and Community Exhibits, featuring photos documenting its development, were located.

The Opening Program was also graced by the presence of Fr. Yap, who emphasized that “XU will not leave Xavier Ecoville behind,” even after the permanent homes were finished. There is much to be done, he said, to build a sustainable and healthy community, but he acknowledged and gave thanks to the benefactors who helped the project come this far. Representatives of the benefactors present were from Habitat for Humanity, San Miguel Foundation, Union Bank, Maybank, Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Rotary Club, Gawad Kalinga, CEPALCO, the local government of Barangay Lumbia and Cagayan de Oro City, A. Brown, and Ladies Association Sacred Heart Parish Cebu.

The settlement is a joint project between Xavier University and the local government of CDO. Thus, newly-elect City Mayor Oscar Moreno also graced the Opening Program with his presence. He announced, to everyone’s surprise and applause, that he made Fr. Yap the new Senior Economic Adviser to the City, paving the way for more collaborations between the University and the Local Government for the good of Xavier Ecoville and the rest of Cagayan de Oro. He also shared that, if it hadn’t been for Xavier Ecoville, the concrete pavement of the road leading from the National Highway to the settlement and adjacent barangays in Lumbia would not have been finished. This additional benefit was made possible when the rehabilitation of survivors after Sendong was brought to the attention of the National Government. He gave his word that, now that the settlement has moved in, his administration will move on to work on the development of livelihood opportunities in this remote part of the city.

Representatives from the benefactors also offered some words during the Opening Program. Mr. Amado Jun Castaño of Union Bank, in particular, uttered a humble line saying, “Kami ang magpasalamat sa inyo. Salamat sa higayon nga makatabang sa inyo.” (We want to thank you [Xavier Ecoville residents]. Thank you for granting us the chance to help you.)

In between speeches, Xavier University Glee Club gave stirring chorale performances that earned them rounds of applause from the crowd. Dr. Hilly-Ann Roa Quaoit gave her Closing Remarks, stating again “Dayun, padayun – mupadayun ug suporta ang unibersidad.” (The University will continue supporting [the Xavier Ecoville Community]).

Turn-Over of the Livelihood Center and Contract Signing with Maybank
The new building for Xavier Ecoville’s Livelihood Center is located right behind the Multi-purpose Center and Day Care Center. It is beyond the walls of the settlement and is actually standing on public land granted with the assistance of Barangay Lumbia’s local government. This center will house a wholesale merchandise store and training facilities for teaching livelihood skills such as welding, plumbing, and sewing.

Fr. Yap once again took the floor for the Opening Address. He emphasized that the real challenge, after providing homes, is livelihood. Also, any new funds to be received by Xavier University will go to this very concern. Now that he is appointed as Senior Economic Adviser to the City, he will use the position to try to influence the flow of economic development of Cagayan de Oro to benefit the less fortunate of the City, especially those from Xavier Ecoville.

Present at the Turn-Over were representatives of the benefactors, including Steag State Power, Inc., Smart Communications, Maybank, Peace and Equity Foundation, the local government of Barangay Lumbia, Rustan’s, and Rotary Club West.

Steag State Power, Inc. Plant Manager Dr. Carsten Evers praised the livelihood concepts already practiced by the cooperative and said, “It’s yours now,” officially turning-over the Livelihood Center building to XEMPCO. Mr. Rommel Esguerra of Rotary Club West stated that his group will continue its support and they are currently searching for a grant that will help boost the community’s efforts.

Maybank Head for Corporate Affairs Mr. Eric H. Montelibano presided over the contract signing with XEMPCO for a renewed collaboration in developing livelihood opportunities in Xavier Ecoville.

Fun and Entertainment
The rest of the afternoon and evening was dedicated to activities for the enjoyment of Xavier Ecoville residents and guests. There was a Freedom Wall, Face Paint and Henna stations, ReCreate/Art Attack activities, Chalk Art, Origami Making, Family Bingo and Fun Games. There was also a Photobooth, which proved to be the most popular attraction with a line stretching through the Multi-purpose Center where it was located. A band from XU Soundtable played to provide music throughout the afternoon.

The Showcase Night, which started at 6.30 pm was packed with spectators. Residents of Xavier Ecoville and guests present were clearly entertained by talented performances given by their very own dance groups and by artists of XCCA. Sky lanterns were released and fireworks shot up to light the night sky – a perfect metaphor to the roots of Xavier Ecoville. This humble community was built on hope that was lighted with the help of good people inspired by God’s grace. And this light remained shining through the darkness of their suffering with the perseverance characteristic of the Filipino people.