Dangupanan Launched at the Parish Level

The DANGUPANAN Parish Level was launched on June 29, 2025, Sunday at St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish, Buhangin which was spearheaded by the Family and Life Apostolate (FLA) and Pangulo sa Kristohanong Banay (PSKB) led by its Coordinator, Mr. & Mrs. Maurillo and Delia Frias in collaboration with the Social Communications Committee (SoCCom), Pangulo sa Pagpanudlo (PSP), Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) and other Ministries such as the formation, PSK, PSA, PSL as partners in this program.

The program was held at the Parish Seminar Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Indeed, the event was highly successful since everyone is fervor of this mission and corresponds with the spirit of volunteerism and desire to serve. It coincided with last Sunday’s Solemnity of the two pillars of our Church, Sts. Peter and Paul, wherein Fr. Orlando “Orly” Angelia, Parish Priest and FLA Spiritual Director emphasized the three significant aspects to consider during his homily at 6:00 a.m. Eucharistic Celebration: 1. The weakness of Sts. Peter and Paul. We, too have flaws, however, these flaws do not hinder to follow Christ. 2. The strength. Their love for Christ became the source of strength and determination to follow Him. 3. The mission. Despite numerous persecutions, they continue to preach for God’s glory.

The 157 registered participants were very much honored and fortunate to have two speakers. Ms. Lilia Aventurado, FLA Secretary introduced the Keynote Speaker in the person of Ms. Fortune Mae Talandang, a Psychologist by profession and a member of Philippine Mental Health Association of Davao with her talk on “MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS & SUICIDE PREVENTION.” Despite being young, she is extremely knowledgeable about mental health issues. She emphasized that while we care for our physical health, we should be concerned with our mental well-being. We should reject negative notion of seeking professional aid that is something to be dismayed of but rather focus on our level of awareness. Since people struggle and face emotional issues, she shared a few tips with the participants: 1. Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment. 2. Connect or establish strong relationships with friends and family. 3. Do not hesitate to seek help from professional aid, and 4. Increase physical activity to boost mood and mental health.

Ms. Mae continued that we are considered as first aiders, by which we can extend our helping hand and value others in need; as such, some of the most significant attributes that first aiders must: 1. Learn to listen to others, 2. Should not judge them, 3. Support and be compassionate, 4. Encourage them to value expert assistance. Her presentation concluded with a fruitful support for Dangupanan.

The Second Speaker, Mrs. Annie Libres, DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM-Davao Program Head, also a FLA volunteer was overwhelmed by the turnout and response of the attendees during the launching. She explained Dangupanan’s Objectives, Vision and Mission, as well as daily program activities and the method for responding to cases, and emphasized that saving souls is one of the most important aspects.

Before the program was concluded, Fr. Orly Angelia blessed the Dangupanan Box, into which we dropped the coupon with our concerns as we were the first clients. The latter was equitably pleased with the support and outcome of the aforementioned event. The Dangupanan Box will be placed at the Parish Office where the Parishioners can drop their concerns to be handled by the Dangupanan Lead Couples, Brod. Wilfredo & Sis. Inday Sebuco and Bro. Jumar & Sis. Lucilyn Racho along with the FLA Coordinator and the rest of the FLA/PSKB Family, are embarking on a journey with a common purpose and mission, toward good mental health. To God be the glory! (Dinah B. Gonser and Hermelita Mapute | Photos: St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish – Buhangin Official FB Page)