OUR LADY OF VIRTUES COMMUNITY – PANGANTUCAN

“God leads me by the hand like a good Father and takes me wherever He wants”

  Fr. Palau, OCD

The foundation of the CMT community in Pangantucan, Bukidnon sprang in a dream and envision of the P. Palau formation House to have another community in the Philippines especially in Mindanao.

In 2007, Sor Christina G. Gadrinab, O.Carm, Mother Superior of Cabanatuan, invited Sr. Asunción E. Ciuraneta, CMT and Sr. Ines R. Fernández, CMT, to visit the Diocese of Malaybalay for a possible foundation.  Later on, they met Bishop Honesto C. Pacana, S.J. and presented to him their desires of incarnating the Palautian Charism in Bukidnon.

Two years later, Sr. Olga Olano Eguiluz, Provincial Superior of St. Elijah Province, Spain and her Council approved the foundation. On July 2, 2009 was the arrival of Sisters Gloria Esther M. Alonso (appointed Local Superior), Eden P. Sales and Claire Marie R. Sy, accompanied by Sr. Ines R. Fernandez in Pangantucan, Bukidnon. They were welcomed by Bishop Honesto C. Pacana, S.J. and Fr. Flordelito A. Nazareno, parish priest of San Isidro Labrador Parish, Pangantucan, Bukidnon together with the parishioners. The sisters were sheltered temporarily by the Matutina Family. On July 6, 2009 was the formal canonical erection of Our Lady of Virtues Community, wherein the first celebration of the Eucharist was presided by Fr. Flordelito A. Nazareno.

The sisters were involved in Parish Pastoral Coordinating Council. They worked in the different ministries: catechetical – formation of the Catechists and Lay leaders, handling classes of catechesis in elementary and secondary schools; facilitators of Pre-cana and Sacraments of Initiation Seminars in the parish and barrios; youth ministry especially in accompanying the Altar servers. Later on, the sisters were involved in the Vocation Promotion organized by the Diocese. 

After five months the community transferred to Ms. Norma S. Dampog duplex house in the town proper. A few months after, the construction of the community house began.

On August 11, 2010, the newly built house of the congregation was blessed by Bishop Jose A. Cabantan, D.D. Later on, several sisters were assigned and incorporated in the community.  In 2011, the sisters helped in the administration of the Preschool of San Isidro Parish Learning Center of Pangantucan.

On May 25, 2013, sixteen young ladies became the first beneficiaries of “Fr. Palau Center of Pangantucan, Inc.” who offers “a SHELTER, a HOME to young ladies who aspire to study Secondary Education” with an Integral development program. Most Rev. Jose A. Cabantan, D.D. of the Diocese of Malaybalay officiated the blessing of the Center on June 2, 2013.

Later on, the Center extended its program and services through Technical Skills Training: ALS (Alternative Learning System), TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and NC II (National Certificate II) in collaboration with the LGU (Local Government Unit) and Del Monte Foundation.

As the program and services of Fr. Palau Center expanded in the year 2017, the construction of the Training Center was initiated with the objective to offer conducive and adequate facilities for training.  It was blessed on October 15, 2019 by Rev. Fr. Frank B. Vendor, assistant parish priest.

At present, the sisters continue their mission in the parish especially in the administration of the school whereas; the Fr. Palau Center serves the young ladies for a better future that awaits them.

“Bound by the ties of love of God…” (C7,3) the community never stop in seeking and fulfilling the will of the Father in loving and serving Her-our Mother Church.