04/10/2026
A Mission Encounter in Kalinga: Opening Doors for Collaboration
The mission journey of JVP continues to open unexpected doors, bringing people together, nurturing relationships, and discovering new possibilities for serving communities.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk, serving the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao, recently welcomed its newly installed bishop, Most Rev. Sean Buslig Mejia, DD, the third bishop of the Vicariate and its first local bishop, a son of Tabuk himself.
Just days before, Bishop Sean had returned from the Vatican, where he joined some 147 newly appointed bishops from five continents for an orientation and formation program covering mission, pastoral ministry, safeguarding, liturgy, and Church governance. The gathering culminated in an audience with Pope Leo XIV, a significant moment of communion and renewed commitment to the mission of the Church.
Two days after his arrival home, Kenneth David S. Ricalde, a JVP Batch 47 volunteer assigned in Tabuk, Kalinga, was blessed to meet the new bishop together with JVP Executive Director Blas Descallar, who was in Kalinga for an official supervisory visit.
Kenneth is currently missioned with Alinea Philippines, a non-government organization that promotes Governance for Climate and Disaster Resilience (Gov-CDR). His presence in Kalinga marks a new chapter for JVP as he becomes the first Jesuit Volunteer to be missioned in the province, accompanying efforts toward more resilient and responsive communities.
The visit also became an opportunity to connect and build bridges. Through the help of Blas’ friends – Bishop Nick Vaquilar, the new bishop of the Diocese of Urdaneta and Bro. Melchor Nekawus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc–Lagawe, he was able to meet Bishop Sean, and members of the local clergy - Fr. Romeo Dawaton, Chancellor of the Vicariate, and Fr. Melture D. Pasado, parish priest of St. William the Hermit Cathedral in Tabuk City. Blas introduced the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines, and share more about its mission and volunteer service.
Fr. Melture generously accommodated Blas’ overnight stay, making the visit not simply an official trip but a meaningful experience of hospitality, friendship, and communion in mission.
More importantly, the conversations opened possibilities for future collaboration between the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk and JVP, exploring how volunteer service and the gifts of young people can contribute to the Church's pastoral mission and to the accompaniment of communities in Kalinga and Apayao.
On his journey back to Manila, the JVP Executive Director also made a meaningful stop in Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, to visit Issa VB, a current JVP Batch 47 volunteer teaching at Kalahan Academy, a mission school accompanying Kalanguya Indigenous youth.
From Kalinga to Nueva Vizcaya, the journey was a reminder that mission is about being present, building relationships, accompanying people, and opening ourselves to where the Spirit may lead us next.
And perhaps, in these encounters, new partnerships are already taking root.
