LIFI - National Cathedral

09/10/2025

Thank you po

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥

𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐘

By DOMINIC GUTOMAN
Bulatlat.com

More than 50 participants from seven partner communities joined a livelihood seminar that combined mini-grant support with capacity-building.

The communities vowed to allocate 30 percent of their future farm income to the Mission to the Mangyan (MM) fund, ensuring continuity of programs that benefit their people. Plans are underway to establish a cooperative to formalize income-sharing agreements and expand market access.

“The presence of the church is also a presence of hope and joy on them,” said Bishop Ronelio Fabriquier of the Diocese of Romblon and Mindoro in an interview. “Our end goal is to see them as a self-determined community.”

The church of Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) concluded the project cycle of Abundant Life and Care for Creation (ALCC), a cooperation program in partnership with the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG). It aims to support indigenous communities in their struggle. Their focus for this project is the Mangyan indigenous peoples, equipping them with skills on leadership, paralegal, and livelihood enhancement.

Robin Fodra also organized community outreach for the Mangyan children with the IFI laypeople. They provided school supplies for 50 Mangyan students this year, to aid them in their education.

"It is important that they do not feel alone in our society. By reaching out, they appreciate that they belong to a larger section of the community,” said Fodra in Filipino, during an interview. “We ensure that the timing of our initiative is right at the start of their classes.”

"We really want this to go beyond as a project. We hope that there's a program so we could elevate our community initiatives, especially in helping them more in their livelihood," Fodra said.

ALCC’s impact report stated that solidarity partnerships from other sectors improved for the Mangyan indigenous peoples, with notable persistence especially that the Mangyan leaders and their partners have been subjected to red-tagging.

The Supreme Court has already declared that red-tagging, vilification, labelling, and guilt by association threaten a person's right to life, liberty, and security. (DAA)

27/09/2025

The Laymen of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente South Central Luzon (LIFI-SCL) successfully held their 8th Quarterly Meeting in Bgy. Labac, Naic, Cavite on September 20-21, 2025.

Attended by 7 Dioceses, the event had productive discussions, fellowship, spiritual enrichment, friendly basketball game and cultural presentations from the host Diocese of Cavite.

The meeting featured reports on ongoing projects, and planning of upcoming activities.

The successful conduct of the meeting further strengthened the unity and commitment of the laymen in advancing the mission of the IFI in South Central Luzon.

13/09/2025

What started as a simple conversation and plan between Deputy Naval ChiefChaplain, Rev Father Donato Jose and LIFI-NC President, Engr. Robin Fodra last month, today, September 13, 2025, materialialized into a once in a lifetime experience of boarding and exploring some of our Navy’s assets.

The highlight of the visit was the exploration of the Presidential ship, BRP Ang Pangulo, which provided insight into its role and operations. We also toured Sealift vessels in Cavite, gaining firsthand experience of the facilities and the daily life of naval personnel. The event fostered greater appreciation for the Navy's mission and strengthened ties between civilian organizations and the military.
We thank the warm reception of the Navy sailors. Big salute to you all!

06/08/2025

08/07/2025

We give all thanks and praise to the Lord for the successful holding of the 7th Laymen of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente – South Central Luzon Quarterly Meeting held last June 5-6, 2025 in the beautiful town of Sariaya, Quezon!

This event brought together dedicated LIFI brothers from across the region for two days of fellowship, meaningful discussions, and spiritual renewal.

Heartfelt gratitude goes out to, the Diocese of MaQueBaCa for successfully hosting the participants from six (6) other SCL Dioceses.

Many thanks to the participating LIFI brothers from the Dioceses of National Cathedral, Romblon and Mindoros, Laguna, Masbate, Bataan-Bulacan and Cavite who contributed their time, effort, and prayers to make this gathering a resounding success

Let us continue to walk in faith, serve our communities, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as brothers and one IFI family.

May the lessons, memories, and friendships formed in Sariaya inspire us as we move forward together.

12/06/2025

June 7, 2025: Sleepless travel thru heavy rain and trekking to meet these beautiful people is worth the journey.

Seeing, conversing and laughing with the Mangyan communities from the Hanunuo tribe in Sitio Mananguinan, Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro made us realize that happiness in this world comes from simple things.

Ang makita ang masasayang ngiti ng mga bata, at ng kanilang mga magulang mula sa simpleng dala naming school supplies, mga damit, candies, chocolates at simpleng pananghalian ay sadyang nakakatanggal ng pagod at puyat.

Sa totoo lang, kami po ang inyong pinasaya, mga kababayan naming Mangyan. Ipinakita nyo sa amin na sa kabila ng kasalatan sa mga basic na pangangailangan, patuloy pa rin dapat ang laban ng buhay. Ipina-realize nyo sa amin na ang susi sa isang masayang buhay ay maging kontento at masaya sa kung ano ang meron tayo. Maraming salamat po. Saludo po kami sa inyo.

Ang pangalawang taon ng LIFI-NC Mission to Mangyans ay naging matagumpay dahil sa partnerships namin unang-una sa Diocese of Romblon and Mindoros (ROOM) sa pangunguna ni Bp. Ronel Fabriquier, IFI-Central Office, at sa aming mga butihin at mababait na donors. Marami po salamat sa inyo!

Next year po ulit.

Pro Deo et Patria!

20/03/2025

The SCL LIFI 6th Quarterly Meeting, held in the charming town of Odiongan, Romblon from March 15-16, was a resounding success. This event brought together leaders and members from 6 out of 10 Dioceses within the South Central Luzon Region to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts, all aimed at advancing the mission and vision of the organization.

The first day was packed with insightful presentations by the SCL LIFI Chaplain, Rt. Rev. Rowel Arevalo, and Rev. Dr. Jose Falogme Jr., constructive discussions during the plenary session, and a Welcome Program during the night.

The second day saw the participants attending the Holy Mass followed by a land tour of the Tablas Island where they visited several churches and tourist spots in the province.

The SCL LIFI 6th Quarterly Meeting was a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together to share, learn, and grow.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Diocese of ROOM for their incredible hospitality and to all the participants for their active engagement and contributions.

17/02/2025

Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

And fellowship we did on Feb 16,, 2025 when we visited the Parish of Sto. Niño in Pandacan, Manila.

Aside from attending the Holy Mass, our primary intent of holding fellowship with our fellow LIFI brothers in Pandacan went successfully and objectivelly.

While our Pandacan LIFI brothers shared their organizational challenges, LIFI-NC brothers shared their best pratices on managing their organization, while others imparted their testimonies and experiences in joining the LIFI organization.

Truly, a very productive brotherly fellowship.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the whole IFI Pandacan congregation for the very warm reception.

07/02/2025

February 2, 2025: the second Sunday of 2025, and the 2nd LIFI-NC Sunday for the year.

To celebrate the day, our LIFI brothers participated in the Holy Mass by leading the Bible readings, intercession, and offertory, where Brothers Titus Fababaer, Dudz Campos and Joseph Alas, did the 1st reading, 2nd reading and intercession, respectively.

After the Holy Mass, a fellowship and Monthly General Meeting were conducted where the LIFI brothers finalized their Calendar of activities for 2025.

After the fellowship meeting, the LIFI brothers served the NC family a sumptuous lunch of ginatang langka and pritong galunggong, sponsored by Bro. Joseph Alas, who will be celebrating his birthday on February 6th.

Padayon, mga bro!

08/01/2025

January 5, 2025: the first Sunday of 2025, and the 1st LIFI-NC Sunday for 2025

To celebrate the day, our LIFI brothers participated in the Holy Mass by leading the Bible readings, intercession, and offertory, where Brothers Mario Ladrona, Charito Rosinas and Robin Fodra ,did the first reading, 2nd reading and intercession, respectively.

The 1st Monthy General Meeting for 2025 was conducted by applying the Robert's Rule of Order to hone the communication skills and familiarize the LIFI brothers to the proper conduct of meeting.

Afer the fellowship meeting, the LIFI brothers served the NC family a sumptuous lunch.

In the afternoon, the LIFI brothers, being the facilitators, conducted the Fellowship Games among the Laity and Clergy of National Cathedral, which ushers the start of the 2025 Feast of Señor Sto. Niño Fiesta season.

Padayon, LIFI-NC brothers!