Social Action Center Marbel

20/10/2026

The Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel (SAC-Marbel), together with the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), and in partnership with St. Michael Archangel Parish–Gapok, the Mindanao State University–General Santos City College of Medicine, and SOCSarGen County Hospital, successfully conducted a medical mission on October 20, 2026, at the Sitio Kibang Gymnasium, Brgy. Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The activity brought medical services closer to the residents of Brgy. Ned, particularly those facing challenges in accessing healthcare. Beyond providing medical assistance, the mission affirmed the importance of community health, human dignity, and access to essential services, especially for communities raising concerns about the environmental impacts of coal mining activities.

The medical mission was made possible through the service of eight (8) medical doctors, nurses, and volunteers who shared their time and expertise in serving the community. Also present were Rev. Fr. Angelo Buenavides, Vicar General; Rev. Fr. Jerome Millan, Director of SAC-Marbel; and Rev. Fr. Dennis Gamo, Parish Priest of Maitum Parish.

For SAC-Marbel and its partners, accompanying communities means responding not only to their immediate needs but also standing with them in their pursuit of health, environmental justice, and the fullness of life.

16/10/2026

A Diocese-Wide Prayer for a Just and Truthful Joint Venture Agreement Plebiscite | October 17–18, 2026

As the communities prepare for the last voting dates of Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) Plebiscite on October 17–18, 2026, the Diocese of Marbel unites in prayer, seeking God's guidance for a process grounded in truth, justice, and the genuine will of the people.

Through the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, may we be strengthened in faith, courage, and discernment. May Mary, who stood steadfastly with her Son in His suffering, accompany the people—especially the Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) in their pursuit of truth and their rights to decide their future with dignity and freedom.

May the Holy Spirit enlighten the hearts and minds of every voter, guide those entrusted with the process, and protect the community from deception, intimidation, and any form of coercion. May this plebiscite uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the people's genuine decision.

We pray not for a predetermined outcome, but for a process where truth prevails, justice is upheld, and the voice of the people is genuinely heard.

Mary, Mother of Justice and Hope, pray for us. 🙏

06/10/2026

Happy Birthday to our tireless Social Action Director!

We are immensely blessed and grateful that God has called you as His instrument to defend human dignity, advocate for the vulnerable, and safeguard Creation. Your relentless dedication constantly inspires us to serve with greater heart and conviction.

May the Lord grant you abundant joy, good health, peace of mind, and renewed strength for the journey ahead.

05/10/2026

This year’s celebration of Filipino-American History Month holds a deep significance for all of us at Global Seed Savers Philippines!

After 16 years as a U.S.–Philippine collaboration, we officially became a fully locally led organization earlier this year. As communities celebrate the resilience and legacy of the early Manongs in the U.S., we also honor how 𝓢𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓻𝔂 𝓜𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 built this movement for Filipino farmers. Her unwavering dedication to empowering those who till our lands and harvest the food on our tables is an immeasurable contribution.

Now, we strive to carry forward this advocacy toward seed and food sovereignty—one seed at a time.

24/09/2026

CHURCH LEADERS FILE ADMINISTRATIVE CASE AGAINST DEPED OFFICIALS IN REGION XII

A formal administrative complaint has been filed before the Department of Education Regional Office XII in Koronadal City by Rev. Fr. Angelo Buenavides, Rev. Fr. Jerome Millan, and Bro. Manuel De Leon, FMS.

The complaint, which was received by DepEd RO XII, DepEd Sarangani, and DepEd General Santos City on September 24, 2026, is lodged against:

Isagani Dela Cruz, Schools Division Superintendent - DepEd Gensan;
Atty. Nelyn B. Frinal, Schools Division Superintendent - DepEd Sarangani;
Irene Cutamora, Principal - Labangal Elementary School;
Rowena M. Acana, Principal - Cahilsot Elementary School;
and 3 other respondents, Lilibeth B. Deypalubos, Rosalie O. Pajarillo, and Eva A. Bualan.

The case is filed for Grave Misconduct, Gross Dishonesty, Gross Negligence of Duty, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, and Violation of RA 6713 - Code of Ethical Standards for Government Employees.

In its prefatory statement, the complainants emphasized that public trust in government, particularly in DepEd, is shaped not only by officials seen in the news but more immediately by those whom the public encounters personally.

The complaint is now pending action at the DepEd Regional Office XII.

This post is based on the filed complaint document. The respondents have the right to be presumed innocent and to due process.

21/09/2026

Responding to the Ecological Imperatives of Our Christian Faith

“Send forth your spirit, they are created and you renew the face of the earth.”
— Psalm 104:30

𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

from the Integral Ecology Ministry of Caritas Philippines to the Integral Ecology Ministries of the Dioceses in the Philippines

21/09/2026

IN PRAYER AND SOLIDARITY 🕯️
With heavy hearts, we join the entire Banga National High School community in mourning.
No words can ease the pain of losing someone so dear. In this time of profound sorrow, we offer our deepest condolences, our prayers, and our love to the families, friends, classmates, and teachers left behind.
We pray for the eternal repose of the souls of our departed brothers and sisters. May our Lord embrace them with His infinite mercy and grant comfort to those who grieve.
You are not alone. The whole Diocese of Marbel prays with you and stands with you.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

IN PRAYER AND SOLIDARITY 🕯️

With heavy hearts, we join the entire Banga National High School community in mourning.

No words can ease the pain of losing someone so dear. In this time of profound sorrow, we offer our deepest condolences, our prayers, and our love to the families, friends, classmates, and teachers left behind.

We pray for the eternal repose of the souls of our departed brothers and sisters. May our Lord embrace them with His infinite mercy and grant comfort to those who grieve.

You are not alone. The whole Diocese of Marbel prays with you and stands with you.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

17/09/2026

In celebration of National Law Day, the NDMU College of Law, through the Marist Hope Center for Justice and Good Governance, will be hosting a University-wide Free Legal Consultation and Services for all NDMU students, personnel, and stakeholders!
📅 Date: September 19, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 NN & 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: BRC Lobby
Participating lawyers will assist beneficiaries in accordance with the Unified Legal Assistance Service (ULAS) rules.

In celebration of National Law Day, the NDMU College of Law, through the Marist Hope Center for Justice and Good Governance, will be hosting a University-wide Free Legal Consultation and Services for all NDMU students, personnel, and stakeholders!

📅 Date: September 19, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 NN & 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: BRC Lobby

Participating lawyers will assist beneficiaries in accordance with the Unified Legal Assistance Service (ULAS) rules.

𝗪𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗗𝗠𝗨 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲.

17/09/2026

A bishop of the Diocese of Marbel asked the Office of the Ombudsman to preventively suspend the board of directors of South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) while complaints over its controversial joint venture agreement with Ignite Power and Energy Corp. are being investigated.

Link to full story in the comments section.

16/09/2026

𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗘𝗟 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗟𝗚 𝗫𝗜𝗜 𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧-𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗔 𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗢'𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗠𝗨𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗔 𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗔 𝗔𝗞𝗧𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗗 𝗦𝗔 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗢 𝗜𝗜 - 𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗝𝗩𝗔 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗘

Koronadal City, South Cotabato — Pormal na hiniling ng Coalition of Priests, Laity and Sectoral Representatives ng Diocese of Marbel, na binubuo ng Social Action Centers ng Diyosesis, sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office XII ang pagsasagawa ng isang malalimang fact-finding investigation kaugnay sa umano'y partisan at iligal na aktibidad ng ilang halal na opisyal ng lungsod, munisipyo, barangay at kanilang mga itinalagang empleyado sa isinasagawang plebisito ng South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO II).

Sa pormal na liham na may petsang Setyembre 7, 2026 na ipinadala kay Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay, Regional Director ng DILG XII, at opisyal na tinanggap ng tanggapan noong Setyembre 9, 2026, inihayag ng Coalition na kumikilos sila sa ngalan ng mga Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) ng SOCOTECO II na siyang tunay at legal na may-ari ng kooperatiba mula pa noong 1979.

Ayon sa Coalition, ang kanilang pagkabahala ay nag-ugat sa Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) na pinasok ng Board of Directors ng SOCOTECO II para sa praktikal na pagbebenta ng lahat ng assets nito sa pribadong korporasyon na IGNITE Power, na iniulat na consortium nina dating Senador Emmanuel D. Pacquiao at Mr. Enrique Razon. Anila, ang JVA ay labis na dehado at nakakasira sa kapakanan ng mga MCOs na bumuo sa SOCOTECO II.

Ibinahagi ng Coalition ang mga umano'y natuklasan sa kanilang field investigation na may kalakip na mga litrato at sinumpaang salaysay ng mga apektadong MCOs:
1. Pamamahagi ng bigas kapalit ng boto. Ayon sa ulat, ilang opisyal at empleyado ng barangay ang namamahagi ng sako-sakong bigas kapalit ng electric bills at boto pabor sa JVA.
2. Proxy Vote Harvesting. Umano'y sapilitang pangongolekta ng proxy votes kung saan ang mga opisyal mismo ang tumatayong kinatawan ng mga MCOs nang walang malayang pahintulot.
3. Paggamit ng Pampublikong Opisina at Recursos. Paggamit ng pampublikong opisina, tauhan, at pondo upang mangampanya, mag-alok ng trabaho, at impluwensyahan ang resulta ng plebisito.

Binigyang-diin ng Coalition na ang mga nasabing kilos, kung mapatutunayan, ay tahasang paglabag sa Konstitusyon na nagbabawal sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno sa partisan political activity, gayundin sa Local Government Code at sa mga panuntunan ng COMELEC.

Bilang tugon, pormal na hiniling ng Coalition sa DILG XII na:
a) Maglabas ng paalala sa lahat ng opisyal hinggil sa kanilang tungkulin na manatiling politically neutral;
b) Mag-isyu ng angkop na direktiba na nagbabawal sa partisan activities kaugnay ng plebisito; at
c) Magsampa ng kaukulang kasong administratibo laban sa mga mapatutunayang lumabag.

"We trust in your steadfast commitment to uphold political neutrality, good governance, and the welfare of the people. We hope that through your intervention, these illegal acts will be stopped and our public officials will instead protect the interest of the poor who depend on affordable power," ayon sa bahagi ng liham.

Ang liham ay nilagdaan nina Br. Manuel De leon, Fr. Jerome Millan, at Fr. Angel R. Buenavides, bilang Co-Convenors ng Protect SOCOTECO II Coalition.