SAMAL, Bataan – Despite the sweltering heat, Papal Nuncio to Japan Archbishop Francisco Escalante Molina visited the CFC ANCOP/CCO–AA Imelda Housing Community to celebrate a simple Mass with the homeowners on June 19, 2026.
“They feel blessed because it was the Nuncio himself who visited,” shared CFC ANCOP Livelihood and TVET Department Head Evan Buban, describing the Samal residents’ reaction to the visit.
Accompanying the Archbishop were Bro. Rudy and Sis. Indette Gaspillo (Country Coordinator, CFC Japan), Bro. Alvin and Sis. Cherry Valenzuela (Country Head, CFC Japan), Sis. Maria “Mel” Kasuya (HOLD National Coordinator, CFC Japan), and Sis. Aimee Borre of the Apostolic Nunciature in Japan.
Warm Welcome
Drum beaters and children waving small flags welcomed Archbishop Escalante to the site, where a simple covered area had been set up along one of the streets to accommodate the 50 families who attended the Mass at 3:00 p.m.
Fr. Alwin Bobis of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Diocese of Balanga, concelebrated the Mass with the Archbishop.
After the Eucharistic celebration, two CFC ANCOP beneficiaries, Modesto Lunca and Sulpicio Ramal, shared their stories with the prelate, especially about how grateful and happy they were to have been chosen as new homeowners in the community.
Many of the families in Samal were formerly informal settlers or had been living beneath a nearby bridge.
Guests
Present at the event were:
- Kapitan Felife Javier
- Kagawad Samuel Lamon
- Kagawad Mario Esplana, Jr.
- Kagawad Virgilio Dela Cruz
- Tanod Jonathan Calma
- Tanod Eddie De Guzman
- Roma S. Dumandan, Assistant School Principal, FC del Rosario Integrated School
- Local CFC leaders, including the Cluster Head, ANCOP Head, the Family Ministries Heads, and Unit Heads, also graced the event.
