Franciscan Health Care Crossing Borders, Inc.

30/03/2026

On March 30, 2026 around 7AM, the FHCCBI team went to Saban Elementary School where the Blaan Tribe gained their education. This is a school assisted project of Aktionsgruppe Kinder in Not e.V, and implemented by Franciscan Health Care Crossing Borders, Inc. The team prepared sumptuous lunch for the whole Saban community: Bam-i, fish fillet, fried chicken,. Corn muffins and juice served as their snacks.

Mugs, foldable fans, alcohol spray, and perfume are gifts prepared for all students, teachers and staff of the school. All expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the continued support provided for them. Updating the student's profile was simultaneously done while the closing ceremony was held. The team brought an official professional photographer for the documentation.

The organized program, gifts and food distribution was done successfully through teamwork, open communication, proper delegation and coordination of tasks of the team. The head of the school remained thankful for the effort of the team to continue reaching out to the people in the remote areas.

Ms. Teresita Romero gave an update, some reminders and words of encouragement that inspire students and parents. Teachers handed the attendance sheet of the students to the team.

Students prepared dance presentations that entertain some guests and parents.

The sweet smiles of the students and teachers as well as the parents are manifestations of their victory and achievement as school year 2025-2026 ended. The blessings shared to them are grace-filled moments that moved to them to do their best in attaining their education. The good values inculcated them: the sense of gratitude, active community participation, care for the environment and being God-fearing are tangible signs that FHCCBI and Kinder in Not mission are concrete expressions of the new form of evangelization: compassion in action.

The FHCCBI team remains thankful for the trust and confidence of the Kinder n Not that we were able to enflesh the shared mission entrusted to us by God.

16/03/2026

16/03/2026

Salamat kay Gov. Emmylou Lala Taliño Mendoza

11/03/2026

On March 10, 2026, the FHCCBI team traversed the other part of the mountain to Brgy. Pichon proper, where another group of Mandaya tribe awaits. The morning began with mist clinging to the mountains of Caraga, the air cool and heavy with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. As our team trailed toward the Mandaya settlement, the rhythmic sound of the birds, rustle of the wind and the distant laughter of children guided us. The village clearing slowly came into view—woven bamboo huts nestled among towering trees, and smoke rising gently from cooking fires watching our arrival with quiet curiosity.

Families gathered quickly in San Isidro Labrador Chapel where we had our Holy Mass. Fr. Daniel Borromeo, OFM presided over the Holy Eucharist. He emphasized forgiveness and challenged everyone to live it out. A lived out forgiveness result in peace of mind, a fruit of God's grace. The Holy Mass nourished the spiritual need of the community. The faces of the people manifested anticipation and hope. The atmosphere was filled with joy.

After the post communion prayer, Fr. Bert Umbon, introduced the team to the community. He asked Fr. Daniel to explain the flow of the outreach mission.

Right after the Holy Mass, the team proceeded to the gymnasium where we had our goods distribution. The GKK Leaders speaheaded the roll call of the beneficiaries. Distribution of goods and iteracare therapy were done simultaneously. As the therapist used the iteracare, the beneficiaries face shifted from grim endurance to a smile of relief.

The therapy sessions became more than physical healing—they turned into circles of storytelling. One mother, her voice breaking, shared her fears about her children’s future. The therapist listened intently, offering words of encouragement that blended respect for Mandaya heritage with hope for health. Tears fell, but laughter soon followed as others shared stories of resilience, of overcoming hardships with unity and faith.

What struck me most was the tribe’s generosity. Even as medicines were distributed, leaders ensured that those most in need - the sickly, the elderly received priority. The act of sharing was not just practical, but deeply cultural, a reflection of their values of kinship and collective care. The venue echoed with gratitude, not only for the medicines and therapy but for the presence of people who came to listen, to respect, and to walk alongside them.

As the sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the hills, the session drew to a close. Children chased each other barefoot, elders leaned back with visible relief, and mothers clutched their medicine packets like treasures. The day had been filled with healing—not only of bodies, but of spirits.

Walking away from the village, I carried with me the sound of laughter and the weight of the tribe’s resilience.

The mountain had so much to tell about God's generosity. The team had so much to thank for: for the continued trust and confidence of GSFM, for the warm welcome and very good accommodation of Fr. Umbon, for our safety, and for the team's commitment and persevering spirit. In the name of Jesus' mission, one with Pope Leo in his apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, "On Love for the Poor", with hearts full of gratitude, we continue to reach out to people in far flung places especially those who are in need.

11/03/2026

On March 9, 2026, the FHCCBI team with the support of the GSFM, went up the mountain of Caraga in Sitio Sangab, Brgy. Pichon, Caraga, Davao Oriental. The journey to the Mandaya community in Caraga was more than a medical mission. It was a bridge of compassion and understanding. Nestled deep in the mountains, the team was enveloped with the sea of clouds, the green bluish canopy of the forest, the tribe welcomed the team with warmth, their smiles carrying both resilience and quiet anticipation. For many, this was the first time that they would receive direct medical care.

As the sun rose over the lush hills, families gathered in the chapel where we had our Holy Mass. Mothers carried their children close, elders whose hands carried the aroma of taking good care of the land, and young men helped set up to prepare for the Mass. The air was filled with hope.

Fr. Ben, OFM highlighted humility, unity and solidarity in his homily. Solidarity in the plight of the community in the struggle to protect and to care for the earth. Fr. Bert Umbon and Fr. Daniel Borromeo, OFM concelebrated the Holy Mass.

Fr. Umbon introduced the team to the community after the post communion prayer.

Right after the Holy Mass, we transferred to the gymnasium. The opening prayer of Fr. Umbon commenced the outreach mission. While the team set up the goods for distribution, the community gathered around eager to participate in the event.
The ecobag, malong, lunch bag, basic medicines, pack of biscuits, pancake and chocolate were distributed. The team left 1 box filled with medicines to the Barangay Health Workers. The team remained thankful for the proper coordination of the community of Sangab. This resulted in a smooth and well-organized goods distribution.

The therapy session was conducted right after the team had lunch. It was not only physical but also emotional. Elders spoke of the hardships and the challenges of preserving their traditions while facing modern health struggles.
What stood out most was the tribe’s collective spirit. Even as medicines were distributed, the Mandaya leaders emphasized sharing ensuring that those most in need received priority. The session became more than a medical outreach; it was a gathering of hearts, where modern care met indigenous wisdom.

The day revealed the Mandaya people’s strength and dignity. Despite limited access to healthcare, they showed gratitude not just for the medicines, but for the presence of people who listened, cared, and respected their way of life. The children’s laughter and the elders’ stories painted a vivid picture of a community that thrives on unity and resilience.

The medical assistance and therapy session was not just about healing bodies. It was about nurturing spirits. It reminded everyone involved that healthcare is most powerful when it honors humanity, culture, and connection. The Mandaya Tribe left the team with a lesson: that true healing is found not only in medicine, but in empathy, respect, and shared hope.

11/03/2026

11/03/2026

On March 7, 2026, the Franciscan Health Care Crossing Borders Team embarked on a humanitarian mission to the Mandaya Tribe in Caraga. The team departed from Kidapawan carrying boxes of essential supplies including medicines, biscuits, bags, malong (traditional woven cloth), and bath towels. This initiative was part of the continuing outreach program aimed at providing medical assistance and psychosocial support to indigenous communities in Mindanao.

The heart of the FHCCBI team aims: to deliver medical aid and basic necessities to the Mandaya Tribe, to conduct therapy sessions using Iteracare for their well-being, and community resilience, and to strengthen ties between the Franciscan mission and indigenous communities through compassionate service.

On March 8, 2026 right after the Holy Mass presided by Fr. Roberto Umbon, DCM the team conducted
therapy session using iteracare. Four members of the team generously share their being to the Indigenous People who want to avail the Iteracare. Engagement with them fosters self-expression and strengthened communal bonds. The team conducted Medical Assistance wherein we distributed medicines for common illnesses.

It can be gleaned that the Mandaya Tribe warmly welcomed the team, showing gratitude for the assistance provided. Many community members expressed relief at receiving medicines, as access to healthcare facilities remains limited in their area. The therapy sessions fostered openness and trust, with participants actively engaged in sharing with the therapist in-charged.

The mission successfully achieved its objectives by addressing both the physical and emotional needs of the Mandaya Tribe. The Franciscan Health Care Crossing Borders Team reaffirmed its commitment to serve the marginalized communities with compassion and respect. This outreach highlighted the importance of holistic care, combining medical assistance with psychosocial support to promote overall well-being.

15/01/2026

Thanks to the continued generosity and trust of MZF to FHCCBI🥰💚

12/01/2026

01.11.25

FHCCBI Team went to Brgy. San Vicente, Olanggo Island, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu for its continuous gift-giving outreach mission and educational assistance for children.

All had meaningful interaction with the beneficiaries. The children were given bags filled with school supplies, jolliburger, dutchmill, malong, bath towel, goodies, alcohol spray, 5 kgs of rice, cooked bijon prepared by parents and among others.

All were thankful for what they received. The generosity shown by the FHCCBI team is rooted from the TRUE SOURCE OF EVERYTHING that exists, THE GIVER OF LIFE. We strive to imitate the example of Jesus to love beyond borders. Hansarang Methodist children may have different expressions of faith but the bottom line is WE ARE ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS. Thanks to MZF Franziskaner Helfen who continues to believe in our concerted effort to reach out to people in need.

The team remains thankful for all the people who generously share Time, Talent and Resources to make this outreach mission meaningful for ALL. May God bless you.

11/01/2026

01.10.2025
Thanks to the generosity of Aktionsgruppe-Kinder in Not e.V through Maam Sabine Ehrenberg for being the FHCCBI sponsor of the gift giving to the Children of Cahumpan, Calbayog City, Samar.🥰