VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation Inc.

09/09/2026

The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2026 sends a clear message: progress is possible, but time is running out.

Over the past decade, millions of people have gained greater access to water, healthcare, education, electricity and digital connectivity. Yet progress remains uneven, while conflicts, climate change and growing inequalities continue to put the most vulnerable at risk.

At VIDES International, we believe sustainable development starts by putting children, young people and women at the centre, through education, human rights, participation and global solidarity.
Every local action matters. Together, we can strengthen partnerships, invest in people and ensure that no one is left behind. 🌍💙

📖 Read the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2026 and join the commitment to build a more just and sustainable future https://sl1nk.com/nvm6l2f

08/09/2026

Sharing experiences of VIDES Philippines in Spain....

08/09/2026

3rd Quarter VIDES Board of Trustees Meeting

Last September 6, the VIDES Office hosted its 3rd quarter Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting in a hybrid format, balancing face-to-face and online participation. The meeting brought together six lay BOT members and two FMAs.

The agenda centered on 2026 VIDES Convention in Seville, Spain. The delegates discussed various aspects of the event, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and key strategies concerning social justice, integral ecology, and digital communication.

Attendees included two FMA representatives, Sr. Lanie Pilar, and Sr. Jojo Carrasco, who serves as both the VIDES delegate and the International BOT member. Also present was Lezeil Ebdane, VIDES Pinoy President and Lay International BOT member, who provided valuable insights and updates.

Other matters discussed during the meeting included the upcoming Aeta Christmas Party, a significant event aimed at community engagement and outreach.

The BOTs also reviewed the operations manual to ensure smooth organizational processes and compliance with DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) requirements.

The meeting concluded at 3:30PM with a reaffirmation of VIDES’ commitment to service, international collaboration, and community development.

The BOTs expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming events and initiatives, aiming to strengthen VIDES’ mission both locally and globally.

08/09/2026

Why Do Catholics Celebrate Mama Mary’s Birthday?

Every September 8, we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—the birthday of Mama Mary.

Why is it important?

Because Mary’s life is intimately connected with Jesus and our salvation. Her birth marks the dawn of a new chapter in God’s plan: through Mary, God prepared the way for His Son, Jesus, to become human and dwell among us.

Mary is one of only three birthdays celebrated in the Church’s liturgical calendar—together with Jesus and St. John the Baptist.

Her birthday reminds us that God prepares ordinary human lives for extraordinary missions. Mary responded to God with a humble and courageous “YES.”

So, when we greet Mama Mary
a happy birthday, we are also thanking God for the gift of Mary and for her “YES” that brought Jesus to us.

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!
Teach us, like you,
to say YES to God.

08/09/2026

A SWEET SALESIAN FAMILY ENCOUNTER WITH SR. CHANTAL MUKASE, FMA

On September 7, 2026—the first day of the Canonical Visit of Sr. Chantal Mukase, FMA to Don Bosco School, Manila—37 VIDES Volunteers joined the DBS Educating Community in a simple yet meaningful encounter with her.

The gathering brought together the faculty and staff of Don Bosco School, Salesian Cooperators, ADMA members, Past Pupils, and VIDES Volunteers, making it truly a joyful Salesian family moment. Though brief and simple, the encounter was filled with warmth: each group shared a short message, offered a token of appreciation, and captured the moment through photos. The gathering ended with a beautiful expression of agape as everyone shared food and fellowship together.

The 25 Junior VIDES Volunteers of DBS were especially happy and grateful to have been invited to represent VIDES Philippines in this special encounter. For these young volunteers, meeting Sr. Chantal was more than simply being part of an event—it was an opportunity to feel connected to the wider Salesian family and to the mission they have embraced.

In her message, Sr. Chantal reminded the Educating Community that every person who encounters a young person has a responsibility and an opportunity to make a difference. A welcome, a smile, a patient word, a listening ear, or a simple gesture of care can leave a lasting mark on a young person's life. She encouraged everyone to help young people “draw new maps of hope”—to know that they are valuable, that they are not alone, that they can grow, begin again, and make something beautiful out of their lives.

These words resonate deeply with the mission of VIDES Volunteers, who seek to be present among young people, especially those who are most vulnerable, accompanying them with care, hope, and opportunities to discover their dignity and potential. As Sr. Chantal reminded us, following the spirit of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello means being among young people, listening to them, loving them, and—above all—believing in them even before they are able to believe in themselves.

Indeed, this short encounter reminded us that we are not simply different groups working in one institution. We are one Salesian family, sharing one mission: to walk with young people, believe in them, and help them find their way toward a future filled with hope.

Thank you, Sr. Chantal, for reminding us that our presence, however simple, can become a path of hope in the life of a young person.
Viva Gesù! Viva Mary Help of Christians!

07/09/2026

Hello September!

To all our September babies, Happy Birthday!

May you continue to be a light and blessings to others.

05/09/2026

From Dreams to a Milestone!

VIDES Philippines proudly and joyfully celebrates our scholars who have journeyed with us from childhood into young adulthood and now stand proudly as college graduates!

We have seen them grow—not only in years, but in character: resilient in the face of challenges, determined to reach their goals, hardworking despite difficulties, and willing to make sacrifices for a better future. Today, they carry with them not only a diploma, but also the dreams they have nurtured along the way.

Their graduation is more than a personal achievement. It is a reminder that when a young person is given hope, opportunity, and someone who believes in them, dreams can become a reality.

To our generous and faithful scholarship sponsors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for walking with these young people and for sustaining your support until they reached this beautiful milestone. Your generosity has helped open doors and make their dreams possible.

To our graduates, congratulations! May you continue to dream big, work hard, remain humble, and use what you have learned to make a difference in the lives of others.

Your VIDES family is so proud of you!
May this graduation be not the end of your journey, but the beginning of an even greater one.

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

Mabuhay, VIDES Volunteers!

We are filled with great joy and excitement as we officially announce that Sr. Chantal Mukase, FMA, the General Visiting Councilor from Rome, is currently in the Philippines for her Canonical Visit from August 30 to November 30, 2026.

As a member of the FMA General Council, Sr. Chantal travels across the globe to strengthen the spirit of communion, listen to local communities, and accompany the FMA family on its mission. Throughout her three-month journey across the Philippines–Papua New Guinea (FIL) Province, she will be encountering the various educating communities, lay mission partners, and youth groups to see firsthand how St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello’s charism is alive and thriving.

As VIDES Volunteers, our dedication to volunteerism, social justice, and youth empowerment is central to this shared Salesian mission. Let us join the entire Province in praying for Sr. Chantal’s safe travels, fruitful encounters, and blessed journey in all our communities.Let us continue to serve with one heart and mind, ready to share our stories of hope and service with her!

Keep an eye on the official VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation Inc. page for more updates on her visit.