SULADS J o u r n a l March 2014
SULADS
reaching the unreached feature 6 DEMON POSSESSION THROUGH MUSIC Le Nem Jun Aguro
8 SAVED
Bobie Davao
10 GOD PROVIDES IN LITTLE THINGS Myla Canilao
columns 3 EDITOR’S NOTE The Miracle
4 NEWSBITS 5 PROJECT NEEDS 12 TOUCH A LIFE 13 H.E.A.L. CORNER
Adlai Nutrition Facts
16 LITERARY Editor Liz Darnelle Ang
Layout and Design
17 SULADS TONGUE 17 MR. CULTURE SAYS Tikos
Marveluz Blessie Ensencio
18 UPCOMING EVENTS
Contributors
19 PRAYER LIST
Novo Sabas Daryl Famisaran Victor Paradero, Jr. Rebecca Sugdan Jerry Belmonte Le Nem Jun Aguro Bobie Davao Myla Canilao Alejandro Panes
2 SULADS | MARCH 2014
about the cover A handshake for a special purpose- this illustrates the bond of SULADS as they are reaching out to the indigenous people of Philippines.
EDITOR’S NOTE THE MIRACLE
I
t is very touching and moving to hear stories over the years from the missionary teachers of how God helped them through rough times of not having enough food, or meeting challenges in understanding the different cultures in their assigned areas. Miracles happen every day as everyone labors to help the indigenous people in SULADS. But is that what matters the most? I find that the miracle of self-denial is the vital source which keeps SULADS missionary spiritually grounded. It is so easy for us to get absorbed and lost in a self-sufficient, materialistic world. If the lesson of self-denial is not learnt before going to the field, the missionary teachers’ experiences will not bring about a love for the people, which no person will deny. This kind of love coming from a sincere heart, the real miracle, is something worth dying for. “No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life.” Ministry of Healing, p. 470.
SULADS Journal is published triannually by SULADS, Inc., a non-government and non-profit charitable educational institution which aims to educate and inspire the unreached indigenous people. SULADS come from the Manobo term sulad which means brother or sister. It is also an acronym for Socio-ecomic Uplift, Literacy, Anthropological, and Developmental Services. SULADS, Inc. Mountain View College Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon 8709 info@suladsasia.org
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NEWSBITS SULADS Holds Strategic Planning Retreat
The SULADS staff with the speaker and his wife, Ptr. and Mrs. Jerry Patalinghug
On January 22-24, 2014 the SULADS staff took a breather and held their Strategic Planning Retreat in Samal Island, Davao del Norte. It was the first strategic planning conducted ever since the organization has been institutionalized in 2005, and started its operation as an institution in 2006.
During the planning, the staff set long-term goals, thoroughly scrutinized the organizational structure, and reviewed the mission, vision, and philosophy to match the needs and shared aspirations of the organization. Aside from drawing up of plans, the SULADS staff also held a retreat which served to refresh them spiritually. Pastor Jerry Patalinghug, the Davao Mission president, was the speaker for the spiritual retreat.
Truck Donation
A great blessing arrived to SULADS in the form of a truck donated by Elder Park Young Kwon in January of this year. After necessary repairs, the vehicle was used as the SULADS staff ’s means of transportation as they went to Davao in January 22-24. It was also used for transporting the harvested adlai for milling.
Adlai Harvest
The donated truck
Since December 2013 till January 2014, SULADS harvested adlai and produced approximately 250 sacks. Adlai has been proposed to be a great alternative for rice. This served as an income generating project to support the SULADS The CEO himself helped operations. out in drying the adlai
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PROJECT NEEDS SULADS Campus Facilities Construction and Repair Projects for the Upcoming April 2014 Training 1. Existing Nipa Hut Completion (Girls’ Dorm) * Wall- Bamboo and Amakan Combination * Flooring- Concrete * 2 Bathrooms and 1 Toilet Material Cost --- Php 50, 213.24 Labor Cost ------ Php 17, 574.63 Total Cost ------- Php 67, 787.87 Nipa hut to be repaired 2. New Nipa Hut (Boys’ Dorm) * Wall- Bamboo and Amakan Combination * Flooring- Concrete * 2 Bathrooms and 1 Toilet Material Cost --- Php 59, 713.00 Labor Cost ------ Php 20, 899.55 Total Cost ------- Php 80, 612.55
3. Comfort Room, Bathroom Accessories, and Plumbing Repairs Material Cost ---- Php 8, 390.00 Labor Cost ------- Php 2, 936.50 Total Cost -------- Php 11, 326.50 4. Office Building Roofing Repair and Repainting including Dormitories and Cafeteria Material Cost ----- Php 44, 550.00 Labor Cost -------- Php 15, 592.50 Total Cost --------- Php 60, 142.50 Overall Project Cost ----- Php 219,869.42 YOU TOO CAN HELP! Banco de Oro (BDO) Dollar Account Account Name: SULADS, INC Account Number: 103-2100-35355 Swift Code: BNORPHMM Banco de Oro (BDO) Peso Account Account Name: SULADS, INC Account Number: 321-001-8337
Kindly notify us at info@suladsasia.org about your donation details.
The office roof tarnished through time
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Demon Possession Through Music
O
One Wednesday afternoon, the guard caught a student playing club music on his phone. The guard reprimanded the student because that kind of music is not allowed on campus, as a result the student turned the music off. However, next day more students played the same kind of music and even started to dance to it. During the 5:30 PM Thursday worship, one of the students who was sitting beside me and another who was sitting in front started to feel ill, but they couldn’t explain what they felt. Suddenly, the student in front of me started to pace back and forth.
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She couldn’t s e t t l e because according to her “someone” was following her around. After the worship was closed with a prayer, one of the students, began to scream unusually loud. We were shocked to see a student in front of us jump into the air and quickly speed off towards the school. The teachers ran after her with efforts to subdue her despite the fact that we were all surprised about the student’s wild behaviors.
Image Source: Elias Lewinsky
ne of my co-workers had forewarned me that when we reach Punot, I’d be welcomed by rock, disco, or love songs. I was puzzled as to how the loud music could be possible when the area had no electricity. And yet, when we got there, it really was happening! Rock music was played on and on from afternoon through the night until the morning dawn.
The following Friday morning, we had to send three students ahead to fetch a SULADS member from the nursery. On their way to the nursery, there were parents who approached our students and began asking what they did at the school during the night and why was there a sudden burst of bright fire that covered the whole Punot area. Our students were confused and replied that nothing out of the normal happened there.
incident, we were deeply hurt. It hurts to see that evil spirits can destroy us that way. Wicked demons declared that in the cities, most of the people are already under their spell due to the wicked beats of the music. There are people in the mountains who live in peace living without the need of electricity, but the demons claimed that they will be going after those in the mountains as well. The evil spirits said that every time people would play any form of music that We prayed that evening, does not center around the praise “Lord, please give us rest on the and worship to the Lord, they are Sabbath. And please don’t permit very happy because it means that the enemy to disrupt our worship those people belong to them. on Friday until Saturday.” However, after Saturday sunset, the If we are to remain obedient to demon began to scream through the will of God, “resist the Devil the student and said, “Why do and he will flee from you.” we keep on praying and singing when it’s not even effective?” When Life with the SULADS is the girl came back to her senses, she never easy. But we ought to always explained that the meaning of the remember that in our lives if we are light that so brightly covered Pu- to remain obedient to the will of not was the power of God that was God, “resist the Devil and he will shielding everyone. But a weakness flee from you.” (James 4:7) in that powerful shield was created when the students chose to listen to rock music consequently causing Le Nem Jun Aguro is asthe demon possession to be made signed in Esperanza possible. Sulads Academy for Lumad Tribes (ESALT), When we realized that the teaching the Higaonon students’ choices concerning the Tribe. music was the cause behind the SULADS | MARCH 2014 7
COVER STORY
Saved
T
he gushing waters came rushing over my head as the rope became loose over time. I went under and held on tightly to the rope. I felt a terrible headache and started to feel dizzy as I began to run out of oxygen. I thought in my head, “I’m not going to let go of the rope! If I let go, my body will float all the way to Agusan River in separated parts.”
was also strong. We were looking for rocks or some other way to cross the river when we met some Lumads who had with them a rope. I thought, “Thank God, we’ve got friends who has a rope.” A Lumad swam across the river and brought one end of the rope with him. My partner said, “We need to be like that - strong.” I said, “It’s okay for us to be that strong if we can handle the currents.” They tied the rope to My partner and I, together the other side of the river and left with another mission school teach- the other end of the rope with us. er, were on our way to Gingoog. I thought the river was close to being I told my partner, “Let’s dried up, but the water was deep, pray.” I prayed because I have a past a person’s height. The waters weakness against gushing water. were not only deep, but the current Truth be told, I don’t know how to
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Image Source: Philip Schwarz
When lending the hand would only let you slip away, an arm could save the day. A SULADS Missionary shares why.
swim. When my partner crossed the river - he had no problem because he’s a good swimmer. After he reached the other side, I followed. I held on to the rope and began to trudge across the river; but when I got to the middle of the river, the water came rushing over me as the rope’s tension started to loosen. I went under for what seemed to me like hours, but I didn’t let go off the rope. I felt pressure in my head as I began to drown. I slowly inched my way up the rope, not being able to see anything. I lost all my strength while in the midst of the rough currents. My partner was just laughing, while the other friend on the other side yelled, “Meet up and help Sir Bob.” My partner didn’t want to cross because the rope didn’t seem strong enough to hold up two people. When I finally found my footing, my partner grabbed my arm and pulled me to the riverbank. It’s been already twice that I almost lost my life to this river. Though I was on the verge of death, God has a hold on me. If I haven’t served in SULADS, I probably wouldn’t understand the love of God in His act of caring and protecting me by extending not only His hand but His arm to save me.
The SULADS handshake was developed through the years of helping each other when crossing rivers and climbing up steep mountain trails. The significant tight bond between every member of SULADS is the assurance that SULADS are heartily and sincerely holding out their arms, not just the hands, to help the indigenous people to grow away from spiritism and animism. The handshake between SULADS is a handshake with a hug, which shows acceptance, sincerity, and love from above.
Bobie D. Davao is a SULADS Missionary assigned to Malinawon Mission School.
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I
God Provides in Little Things
couldn’t forget, while serving in SULADS for two years, we experienced a time where we had to do without rice for three days. We were used to eating rice all the time. Our stomachs that regularly ate rice had to rely on chayote, cassava, and young unripe bananas. So I said to my partner, “It’s alright, the Lord is a Great Provider, we will just ask that He will give us different kinds of food.” Our breakfast was just chayote and kamote (sweet potato) leaves, and for our lunch chayote fruit with chayote leaves.
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A day had passed, and I prayed to the Lord, “Please, show us another way of cooking cassava? We’re not exactly trying to be demanding; I just want something different.” Coming to the end of my prayer, someone came knocking on our door before I even had the chance to open my eyes. Someone said, “Hello Ma’am!” I replied, “Yes, what can I do for you?” Turns out, they brought to us some suman (sticky rice) that was wrapped in banana leaves. I was ecstatic - the Lord has been good!
During those times when we were deprived of rice, my partner and I would just laugh at our situation as we sit around the table. We would take a look at our food and say, “Oh, kamote… Oh, chayote…” Then the next day we’d say, “Oh, cassava.” When we would be out teaching our students, I’d feel my stomach growling, and I felt like collapsing from hunger. I then muttered to myself, “Even these little kids can go on without eating and how much more for us who still have something to eat even if it’s just kamote. They can even endure anything even if they live far away and go to school without breakfast. How much more for us, when I think about it, that have bigger tummies.” That’s when I said, “Lord, I trust that You are the Great Provider of everything, and You will never leave us alone and provide us of our needs here in the mountain.” After three days, we had visitors. The visitors didn’t stay for
long. They had rice with them, but were not able to consume all of it, so they gave the rice to us. That was the time when we were able to eat rice again. My partner and I were overjoyed as we made porridge from the rice given – the Lord was still so good. “We’re not exactly trying to be demanding; I just want something different.” It was there that I could feel true happiness and joy; I learned to be content in my heart with what I have. I have learned not to ask for too much because the Lord knows what I need most. Before I could ask, He had already given them to me. I could see that the Lord is good. God is good. Myla Canilao is assigned in Sitio Kapok Acmonan Tupi, South Cotabato, teaching the Blaan Tribe.
We would be glad to read your SULADS mission stories. Email us at care@suladsasia.org. You can also view the testimonies of some of our missionaries at our Youtube channel - Sulads Asia. SULADS | MARCH 2014 11
TOUCH A LIFE
I
’m Novo, a Lumad from the mountain of Santo Domingo. I was born in the forest of Dapiloan where killing was a common practices in our violent tribe. I look back and marvel at the fact that I survived and didn’t fall victim to murder. I never knew that there were other people living outside our forest. I always had thought we were the only people living there.
God gave us something special in bringing SULADS program to our place. The SULADs risked their lives to reach us. We had no hope until SULADS came to educate us. Through the SULADS, I came to know who the true God is, the Creator of heaven and earth and Jesus Christ, who brings salvation to all. I was educated, and so I educate to give back by coming back to my own people. I’m so happy for the blessings that has come into our lives. I believe that God
used the SULADS organization as an instrument to let us know the good news of salvation. Because of the education that the SULADS shared with me, I now have the capability to work. My mission now is to share the good news of salvation to my fellow Lumads in the mountains. Novo Sabas is now a teacher in SULADS Comprehensive High School for the Lumads in Sto. Domingo, Bukidnon, his hometown.
Touch a life and that life will touch more lives.
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H.E.A.L. CORNER
ADLAI
Health | Education Agriculture | Livelihood
Meet the SULADS’ new agricultural venture and check out its health benefits.
A
dlai (Coix lacyma-jobi Linn) is an indigenous crop, easily overlooked due to its physical appearance which greatly resembles a number of common grasses seen throughout the country. Adlai is naturally found in the tropical parts of Southern and Eastern Asia. Adlai, also known as Chinese Pearl barley and/or Job’s Tears, is known with different names among various tribes in Mindanao. It is Adlai to the Subanen of Zamboanga and T’boli of South Cotabato, Aglai to the Higaonon of Agusan, and Olivon to the Manobo of Bukidnon.
The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-NOMIARC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City is currently conducting the development, promotion, and utilization of Adlai to enhance and sustainably nurture its potential as an alternative food source for Filipinos.
As food
The grains can be cooked in the same manner as rice and corn grits. The difference is that, cooking Adlai requires twice as much water therefore resulting to more grain content when cooked. Testimonies from a taste test conducted by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) claim that Adlai grains are softer in texture and more compact as compared to white corn grits, and that it provides the feeling of being “mas matagal magutom” (takes longer time to feel hungry).
As food source
Adlai is a potential feed for both ruminants and non-ruminants. As food source, Adlai is as versatile as rice. It can be cooked and processed as the main ingredient for rice-based Filipino kakanins such as maja SULADS | MARCH 2014 13
LAI
H.E.A.L. CORNER blanca, champorado, polvoron, etc. The grain can also be ground into flour to make bread and pasta. Adlai can also be husked and eaten like peanuts. Agronomic Characteristics Height: 250-300cm (about 9 to 10 feet) Panicle: Each 30 panicle can produce 5 grains Stem: Each stem can yield 250g of unmilled dry grains Maturity: In area of low elevation, harest can be done after 4-6months Yield: 2,000-4,000 kg/ha can be harvested depending on the variety. Each hill could produce 5,400 grains. Ratooning can be done 2-3 times Local varieties: Kibbua, Ginapay, Gulian, and Tapol. Seeds are available at the DA-NOMIARC, Dalwangan, Malaybalay City and at the SULADS Campus. The table below presents the nutritional values of Adlai, White Corn Grits, Brown Rice, and White Rice. Serving Size: 100 grams Adlai
White Corn Grits
Brown Rice
White Rice
Energy (k cal)
356
135
129
110
Carbohydrates (g)
73.9
24.6
27.9
22.9
Protein (g)
12.8
2.6
2.7
2.6
Fat (g)
1.0
0.7
0.3
0.9
Calcium (mg)
63
31
32
27
Iron (mg)
16.9
1.3
1.3
1.0
Phosphorous (mg)
280
16
283
36
0.44
0.01
0.32
0.10
0.11
0.01
0.06
0.05
2.6
0.2
5.5
0.5
Nutritive Value
contact B1 Thiamine (mg) 053
s College ukidnon
Riboflavin (mg) Niacin (mg)
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H.E.A.L. CORNER Because Adlai has a high level of tolerance against pests and diseases, it can be grown without the aid of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides --as opposed to the bombardment of chemicals necessary for rice production. The SULADS are currently in possession of another variety that we want to share with the DA-NOMIARC. The Pavecca variety is characterized by a shorter stalk but yields bigger grains compared to the varieties available at the DA-NOMIARC. References: • IOCCC (1995) Nutritional factsheets: sugars. (http://www.caobisco.com/doc_upbads/nutritional_factsheets/sugar.pdf) • Food composition tables. Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) NATIONAL SCIENCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (NSDB) HANDBOOK 15th Revision Feb 1980. • DA-BAR 2011. Adlai Traditional Staple Food Corp. • “Why Eating Adlai is Good for You”. Department of Agriculture: BAR Research and Development Digest. Official Quarterly Publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research. Oct-Dec 2011 Issue, Vol. 13, No. 4. (http://www.bar.gov.ph)
Image Source: Zhong Wei Horticultural Products
If you are interested to buy Adlai (seeds and/or milled grain), you can contact (+63) 926-165-6053 for details or email us at info@suladsasia.org
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LITERARY MY HOLY MOUNTAIN By Daryl Famisaran
I. Far out into the distant wildwoods Way up there just below the sky Shines a paradise garden school Safe in heaven’s watchful eye. There the children sing and pray Lifting up their praises above For miracles that happen everyday Showing God’s heavenly love. Chorus: Oh I love this paradise home My holy mountain, my holy mountain IT TAKES FAITH By Blessie Ensencio
There I talk with my God alone In my holy mountain, my holy mountain There I sing reaching God’s throne In my holy, holy mountain. II. I love to watch the butterflies flitter O’er and around the flower garden I love to hear the birdies twitter Singing the love songs of heaven. I love to hear the brook singing As it trickles down the slope I love to touch the fogs fly by kissing Each one of us with God’s grace and hope.
Share your poems and songs to care@suladsasia.org.
It takes faith to know that there are mountains behind mountains It takes faith to serve in the most difficult terrains. It takes faith to see that there are still lands beyond the horizon It takes faith to yearn for the needy’s tone. It takes faith to trust what we cannot touch, hear, and see And it takes faith to press onward, one body we.
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Both pieces were inspired from the beautiful mountains of SULADS Comprehensive High School for the Lumads in Sto. Domingo.
SULADS TONGUE Confused what to say when you encounter our Lumad brethren? Here’s some helpful greetings that you may use. GOOD MORNING. Manobo - “Marajaw wo masulom or Maupian masulom.” Tiboli – “Feu Flafos” or “Heu Flafos.” Talaandig – “Maayad ha Masulom” HOW ARE YOU? Manobo – Kumosta ka ra?
TIKOS
MR. CULTURE SAYS
Tikos is a Manobo ornament which has been used in many cultural ceremonies such as marriage and war. When a man and woman exchange tikos, it means that they are engaged already. In starting a war, a datu could break the tikos of another datu as a sign that he declares war with him; and they will set a specific date to start the battle. But for the SULADS missionaries, the tikos is used as an identifying band to integrate them into the Manobo culture, thus, people in the village will not harm them. It has helped them live longer because it is a vital piece that acts like a torniquet, which helps in stopping snake and other poisonous insects’ venom from spreading throughout the body. It also prevents having leg cramps even when hiking for many days in the mountains.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
J
oin us in reaching the unreached! To be equipped, we will have a 56-day training starting April 1 until May 26. The training will cover plenty of interesting activities including lectures on how to reach out to the different tribes of Mindanao, teaching strategies, and survival skills.
The application form is now available at www.suladsasia.org Deadline for pre-registration: March 27, 2014 For sponsorship and inquiry, contact (+63)927-758-8685 or email info@suladsasia.org.
May 14 -17, 2014 SULADS Reunion Join the SULADS volunteers and supporters through the years as they gather together in Mountain View College, Bukidnon, Philippines this summer!
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PRAYER LIST Prayer of Praise
• Bountiful harvest for adlai, corn, and rice • Expansion of agricultural venture • Donated truck • First ever Strategic Planning • Support of the church • New staff volunteers • Donation package
Prayer Request
Sorting the donated clothes and supplies
• SULADS Reunion • Graduation of the different SULADS Mission Schools • Sponsors for the incoming trainees
SULADS TRAINING 2014 ESTIMATED COST MAJOR NEEDS Qty. Unit Items Unit price
Total
Consumables 100
pax
Food for 56 days (Php25*168meals) Training Handouts and Books
100 sets Facilities 150 pcs Monobloc Chairs 20 pcs Writing Desks 10 units Comfort/Bath Rooms Hanging Area (with 2 units concrete posts) 2 areas Tenting Area Others Kitchen Utensils Building Repairs
4,200.00
420,000.00
500.00
50,000.00
500.00 1,000.00 10,000.00
75,000.00 20,000.00 100,000.00
1,500.00 10,000.00
3,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 Php 728,000.00
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You will soon see Jesus behind the cloud, reaching out His hand to help you; and all you have to do is to give Him your hand in simple faith and let Him lead you. - Testimonies vol. 5, page 578
www.suladsasia.org