We had a chance to have a mission exposure for four days in Mindoro. This opportunity helped us to be aware of how much our Mangyan brothers and sisters are suffering from the lack of many basic necessities. Our first encounter with them was in the afternoon of our arrival. We invited them to attend the Medical Mission on the following day. That encounter made us see for ourselves the kind of poverty they were used to. They have no access to education. They live in a community with very poor sanitation. The results are very evident especially in the children and pregnant mothers.

During the day of the Medical Mission, we saw many of them coming in the hope of being checked-up and receiving medicine and some goods. We had the opportunity to help them with their basic needs. They were also given catechism instruction to which they most interestingly listened. Most of the kids were bathed and properly cleaned before they ate the simple lunch prepared for them. The third day was another rewarding experience. We went up to the mountain to meet another tribe of Mangyan. When we reached the place, we were faced with almost the similar situation of people and so the task immediately began. Indeed, the job was tedious but it was very fulfilling as we saw from them the happiness brought by the simple help they received.

Mindoro Exposure was an experience that we will forever remember. We hope and pray to be able to extend a more sustainable assistance to them in order to uplift their lives.