ABOUT THE JESUIT BUKIDNON MISSION - PARISHES, SCHOOLS, FORMATION CENTER
The Roadmap to Mindanao - Since 1596, Mindanao has long been the focus of the Jesuit apostolic engagements and ministry in the Philippines. The Jesuit Universities in Mindanao, Xavier (Cagayan de Oro), Ateneo de Davao and Ateneo de Zamboanga, have integrated their social outreach programs for the marginalized communities of Bukidnon – these are the Jesuit high schools and parishes located in Cabanglasan, Pangantucan, the village of Miarayon in Talakag, and the village of Zamboanguita in the rural region of Malaybalay City. These communities are populated by indigenous people (Lumad, in the Visayan dialect), whose tribal ethnicities are mostly Talaandig, Higaonon, Manobo, Umajamnen, Matigsalug, Pulangiyen and Tigwahanon.
With their ROADMAP TO MINDANAO as guide, the Philippine Jesuits’ strategic priorities include: the alleviation of poverty among the Lumad peoples and Muslim communities; their protection from the pervasive effects of conflict between government and rebel forces; the prevention of the degradation of the natural environment and the protection of natural resources; the realization of lasting peace through human development, justice and inter-faith dialogue.
Where we are – Bukidnon is a landlocked province in the north central region of Mindanao island. The land consists of wide plateaus punctuated with rugged hills and mountains as well as rolling highlands cut deep by canyons and rivers. Blessed with rich soil and favorable weather conditions, it is a major producer of rice, corn, coffee, sugar, fruits, vegetables and livestock. Major agricultural plantation and food manufacturing companies operate in the area. Many forestal areas are sites of former logging operations.
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – Located in Cabanglasan, along the base of the Mt. Pantaron range where Pulangi River runs through. There are 30 chapels in mountain side villages served by two Jesuit missionaries, reachable only on foot, horseback or by motorbike. Fr. Leoni Memorial School was established in 1981; student population – 581, 20% indigenous youth; 17 teachers. Enrolment profile: Junior HS – 469; Senior HS – 112. Academic tracks offered – general academic, humanities and social sciences. Its town center dorm houses 35 Lumad students; the dorm in nearby Bendum village has 16 students. The parish also supports college scholars.
Visit the Fr. Leoni Memorial School FB page
Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces – Located in Zamboanguita, the outermost barrio of Malaybalay City, also situated on the Mt. Pantaron and Pulangi River highlands. Two Jesuit missionaries cover 30 chapels in the woodlands, reachable only on foot or by motorbike. The parish needs funding for its lay formation programs. St. Isidore High School was established in 1990; student population less than 500; 30% indigenous youth; 13 teachers. Enrolment profile: Junior HS – 394; Senior HS – 96. Academic tracks: accounting and business management; humanities and social sciences. There are plans to revive its defunct agricultural school.
Visit the St. Isidore High School FB page
St. Therese School of the Child Jesus – Located in MIarayon region, the picturesque valley between Mt. Kitanlad and Mt. Kalatungan, part of Talakag town. Two Jesuit missionaries serve 20 chapels in far-flung settlements, on foot, horseback or by motorbike. The parish needs funding for its college scholars; catechism program for its lay ministers and parishioners; altar repair, vestments, liturgical supplies. St. Therese School of Miarayon, the only high school in the area, was established in 1997; student population – 456; 95% indigenous youth; 17 teachers. Enrolment profile: Junior HS – 389; Senior HS – 67. Academic track offered – general academic strand .
Visit the St. Therese School of Miarayon FB page
Pangantucan Community High School – Located on the uplands of Mt. Kalatungan. Established in 1968; student population – 1053; 25% indigenous youth; 33 teachers. Enrolment profile: Junior HS – 840; Senior HS – 213. Academic tracks offered – accountancy and business management; horticulture (technical vocational livelihood strand). The school runs a demo farm adjacent to its campus which it plans to expand to an income-generating, sustainable agribusiness.
Visit the Pangantucan Community High School FB page
Malaybalay Jesuit Retreat House – The Retreat House serves as the spiritual formation center for our students, teachers, parishioners and lay apostolate volunteers. It also attracts retreatants from the region, drawn to its meditative quiet and natural beauty. With the help of benefactors, the Jesuit Retreat House (JRH) recently completed the construction of a dorm for its growing number of Malaybalay-based Lumad college scholars. The JRH however needs to build more prayer stations (cost P80K each) and to undertake continued repairs and upgrade of its buildings and facilities which were built in the 1990’s.
Visit the Malaybalay Jesuit Retreat House FB page