FR. PIERRE T. Tritz, SJ founder of ERDA – Educational Research and Development Foundation Assistance celebrated his 95th birthday and at the same time, the 30th year of unrelenting service to the Filipino Youth.

        He said, “ To allow a child to go to school is to give him Hope”- was his mission. At that occasion held at Occupational Safety and Health Center, Quezon City last 17th of September 2009 were six (6) ladies and only two brave men honored and awarded as partner of his vision through Education. These two men were Bishop Artemio Rillera, SVD,DD and Fr. Felix Barela of Caceres, Naga City.

        Fr. Felix Barela is currently a School Chaplain of CamSur Polytechnic College-Naga Campus, CamSur High, Naga College Foundation. As a school chaplain, he works not only with the school administrations but more importantly with different campus organizations. He is a sought resource person for Transformational Leadership drawn from his very rich experiences of pastoral ministry in remote and very rural parishes. In particular, he had special studies on Educational Leadership at the Australian Catholic University, Brisbane Campus 2004.

        While on foreign mission, he continued his linkages back home more importantly with Fr. Tritz to continue his Child-rights Advocacy this time at his home backyard in Nabua. In his first parish assignment in Tabgon, Caramoan, he initiated to operate a Pre-School. Thus the parents together with the Pastoral Council they had a strategic partnership in endeavoring programs and projects for the community. In particular teaching them the love of God and protecting the surroundings of Caglago Mountain.

        Also, he pioneered a child sponsorship program, “Patong Tribal Community Development Center” whic has been extending services and goods to hundreds of families in destitute situations along the foot of Mount Iriga in particular the Indigenous Communities.

        With the assistance of Consuelo “Chito” Madrigal Foundation, he is on the preparatory stage of launching a “FOOD Bank storage and the Studio” geared towards mobilizing poor children’s talents and potentials, Thus, empowering the local industry and talents into a competitive arena. Congratulations ! Fr. Tritz and Fr. Barela, May your tribe increase!