My exposure with the Kariton Empowerment Center (KEC) led me to realize that my vocation in Religious Life is all about self-giving. When I accompanied the families collecting garbage around Quezon City, it taught me to be more humble, grateful, respectful and gentle to others. It was not an easy kind of living for they have to be hopeful to collect and sell garbage that can meet their basic needs, especially food. Therefore, I highly appreciate the initiative of building the organization which is Kariton Empowerment Center (KEC) so that our beloved Brothers and Sisters can dream dreams beyond being in the Streets.

My exposure with the Kariton Empowerment Center (KEC) led me to realize that my vocation in Religious Life is all about self-giving. When I accompanied the families collecting garbage around Quezon City, it taught me to be more humble, grateful, respectful and gentle to others. It was not an easy kind of living for they have to be hopeful to collect and sell garbage that can meet their basic needs, especially food. Therefore, I highly appreciate the initiative of building the organization which is Kariton Empowerment Center (KEC) so that our beloved Brothers and Sisters can dream dreams beyond being in the Streets.

Working together with these families collecting garbage for their everyday living was really a humbling and extraordinary experience for me. We had shared so much stories about life. We had so many laughing moments together. I even had cried once. I have experienced something I have never imagined in my life, but these never stop me from believing the reasons why I was brought here. Being with these people gave me so many realizations about life. Learning about their struggles and difficulties made me appreciate everything I have, that I have so much to be grateful for. I was awakened by their profound vision and faith. Through them, I have seen a greater meaning and value of love, life and family beyond my narrow lens. They have so many questions about their situations, but they have never become a hindrance for them to celebrate life and believe in God’s providential care. Kariton Center gave me a wider horizon and a deeper understanding of one’s life. I may be having things that they do not have, I may be eating and living in the place where they are not, but they have more to offer than what I can.“ Ang kanilang kakulangan ang pumuno sa akin”.

Kariton Center will always be part of my journey not just as a seminarian but as an individual. It helped me a lot in my everyday discernment and search for a deeper purpose in life. Through Kariton Center, I have met people working wholeheartedly, dedicating themselves to help in spite of limited resources. Lifting up dignities of life and offering opportunities to others despite the difficulties they have. Kariton Center offers an important values we need in life. It was a privilege for me working with these generous people and I thank all the members of Kariton Center for all the lessons you have given to me.