By: Bro. Joseph Alladen C. Lagare
BAGUIO CITY – The City of Baguio gave the Highest Commendation to the
community of Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary (CaReS) for its Care and Share
Program on Monday, May 18, 2026. The awarding ceremony was held at the City
Hall grounds during its flag-raising ceremony. The commendation was given
through Resolution No. 340, Series of 2026, for the seminary’s initiative of helping
the needy brethren.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong and other city officials handed over the commendation. The
award was received by Fr. Anthony Irineo, OAR, Vice Rector, selected seminarians, and some
members of the Recollect Augustinian Youth (RAY), Cofradia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de
Baguio, Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF), Family Apostolate Council, and
Vocation Club of Augustinian Recollects (VoCARe). These organizations are also the frontliners
in promoting and supporting this work of charity.
The community started its program in the month of March by encouraging the mass
goers, seminary organizations, and friends to declutter some of their unused yet usable
belongings and household items, and donate them to the seminary. This Kindness Station is also
aligned with the Pansanopen Tayo! program of the city.
The CaReS community, through the leadership of Fr. Irineo and Sis. Emerita Fuerte
segregated the donated goods and sorted the things that were still useful. After this process, the
chosen goods were being sold for a very affordable price. Some donors also directly gave cash.
The community started selling through the Garage Sale for a Cause on Palm Sunday and on the
following Sundays.
The proceeds of the fundraising were used to procure goods like rice, noodles, milk,
coffee, and sugar. On Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2026, the seminary had its first distribution
of goods to close to 150 beneficiaries, especially the indigents, and some PUV drivers.
The community is still open for donations and continues its activity, and will have its
second distribution on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The ears and hearts of everyone are listening to the cries of society, which moves the
community to extend its hands and aid those brethren who are in need in the best possible way.
Joy and gratefulness are felt by everyone, which inspires them to continue this work of love. This
act is also a sign that no matter what anyone has, as long as they have giving hearts, they can
proclaim Christ in whatever way they can!
