According to the studies of “The Naga Kaantabay sa Kauswagan” (a program of the City designed to empower urban poor) , in 1990: 5,000 out of 19,500 household of Naga City alone were classified as squatters and slum dwellers almost doubling the figure in 1980 (10 years before). Just imagine doubling up another 5000 in the next 10 years as population rises! This is how we, the JCI Naga Cariñosa witnessed one-fourth of the urban poor population during our gift giving at the Missionaries of the Poor on Christmas Day and Dec. 28, 2007.

        The very first Missionaries of the Poor in the Philippines was established here in Naga City through the invitation and efforts of Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D., Archbishop of Caceres, in June of 1992. The accomplishments of the Missionaries of the Poor in the Philippines are countless. They have given comfort to the physical, moral and the spiritual sufferings of our brothers and sisters. They have aroused the admiration of many for their tireless work among the mentally ill, the physically disabled and the poor children. They have invited many back into the fold of the Church through Mass Weddings, Mass Baptism, and Bible Studies. Medical and dental missions were held to cater to the health of those whose needs are way beyond their means. Concrete comfort rooms were built for the community to render it more hygienic and water supply were installed to provide a safer and constant source of portable water. (excerpt from MOP website)

        Last December 25 and 28, JCI Naga Cariñosa was on its way for a mission at the Missionaries of the Poor in Cararayan Naga City. A very vital mission to complete the less fortunates’ Christmas. The first day was jam packed with 800 men, women and children who were benefited with a sumptuous lunch and gift bags. On its last day, the Missionaries of the Poor invited 500 children for a simple Christmas Party with JCI Naga Cariñosa. They were pampered with lunch, gift goodies, fruits, and bread. And the day wouldn’t be complete without of course the clown presentation and magic show which made the children very excited and happy. Special thanks to those who continued to share and support JCI Naga Carinosa: LISAM, Five Starex Commercial, Lynette Cu and Penafrancia Tours, Nice Romero and Romero’s Bakeshop, Roan Uy of Manzihing Enterprises, Geraldine Seechung and Benmar Marketing, Robertson Dept. Store, Ms. Jane Chineth Padrigon and most especially to all the JCI Naga Carinosa members, and board members through the effort of 2008 LOM Pres. Leah Andrea S. Soriano.

        It was such a fulfilling mission that when you see in those children’s eyes how happy they were, made us feel so accomplished. Think about how these children longed for hams or cheese and toys this Christmas. But looking back, think of how lucky are we to have homes who have enough that sometimes we forget to share because of some unavoidable circumstances . Let us realize that giving without asking in return is the most important practice for there is enough for us in heaven than material things on earth . And let us also be reminded that, “Service to humanity is the best work of life”!