Bayanihan Para ki Ina: A Marian Call to Faith, Unity, and Nation-Building

BY GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY, September 19, 2025 became a day of profound significance within the Peñafrancia festivities honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Mother to All. The Gospel proclaimed that day quietly magnified the powerful role of women in Jesus’ ministry—those who, healed and transformed, became generous supporters of His mission. It offered a tender reminder that the Kingdom of God welcomes all, and that service, healing, and proclamation are shared responsibilities. Though not marked as a major feast, the liturgy overflowed with reflections on humility, generosity, and discipleship.

In the Pilgrim City of Naga, another moment of grace unfolded: the official launching of Bayanihan Para Ki Ina, Inc., held at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. This historic event, deeply anchored in the Peñafrancia 2025 theme “Our Lady of Peñafrancia: Mother to All” and in harmony with the Jubilee Year 2025 “Pilgrims of Hope,” carried a unifying call to mission: “Bayanihan Para Ki Ina: United in Faith, Renewed in Hope, Sent Forth in Love.” Two sacred movements—one liturgical, one communal—intertwined on this blessed day, affirming that when hearts are open and hands are joined, heaven draws near.

Earlier, on August 6, 2025, as the Church joyfully celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a moment of divine affirmation unfolded: Bayanihan Para Ki Ina, a non-profit, non-stock organization, was officially granted its Certificate of Incorporation by the Securities and Exchange Commission in Legazpi City, Albay. The Feast of the Transfiguration reveals Christ’s radiant glory and invites us to embrace transformation. In this same spirit, the birth of Bayanihan Para Ki Ina marked a call to renewal, evangelization, and nation-building—all under the maternal guidance of Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of Bicol and Queen of the Filipino people. This sacred convergence of liturgical grace and civic mission reminds us that when faith and action unite, mountains move and light breaks forth.

For centuries, devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia has been more than a religious tradition—it has been the beating heart of Bicolandia, shaping its people’s faith, resilience, and solidarity. Today, that devotion takes on a greater call: to be harnessed for the healing of communities, the promotion of justice, and the transformation of society. Bayanihan Para Ki Ina envisions a spiritually rooted, inclusive, and resilient nation where faith is lived through service and solidarity. Guided by core values—Pananalig (Faith), Paglingkod (Service), Pakikiisa (Solidarity), Katarungan (Justice), Pagpapakatao (Human Dignity), and Bayanihan (Empowerment and Collective Responsibility)—this movement seeks to weave together spiritual conviction and civic action in the service of God and country.

On a day graced by both spiritual depth and civic pride, the launching ceremony unfolded as a profound celebration of faith, culture, and nationhood. Held within the vibrant context of the Peñafrancia festivities, the event marked a historic moment for Bicol and the Filipino people. The program opened with a solemn Eucharistic Thanksgiving presided over by Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona, OP, DD, setting a sacred tone for the day’s celebration. A symbolic entrance of colors by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and hearing-impaired youth guided by the Sisters of the Little Mission for the Deaf followed, leading into the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the Spanish National Anthem, and the beloved “Bayan Ko.” In this sacred and civic act, Marian devotion embraced patriotism, reminding all that true love for country is inseparable from love of God and neighbor.

The event was made even more vibrant through the all-out support of the Province of Camarines Sur, headed by Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte and the Local Government Unit of Naga City under the leadership of Mayor Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo Their unwavering commitment to faith-based civic engagement was instrumental in the success of the event. Special thanks were also extended to Rev. Fr. Eugene Lubigan, Rector of the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Spiritual Director of Bayanihan Para Ki Ina, whose pastoral guidance and presence anchored the movement in prayer and mission. Key contributions from Mr. Jaime Magalona Letada Jr., Executive Assistant V and Head of the Cultural Development Office, and Mr. Fritz Agravante, the dynamic and hardworking events head, infused the occasion with energy, patriotism, and love for country. The song choices were deeply meaningful and stirred the hearts of all present.

Messages of solidarity were shared by government leaders, local officials, and distinguished guests, including His Excellency Ignacio Sanchez Taboada, Consul General of Spain to the Philippines, whose presence symbolized the enduring historical and cultural ties between Spain and Bicol. Cultural tributes, inspirational messages, and community acknowledgments further enriched the celebration, highlighting the spirit of unity and shared mission. Recognition was also given to key supporters, institutions, and collaborators who contributed to bayanihan activities from 2024 to 2025. Among them were BISCAST Architecture Department led by Dean Arch. Jennifer Yee Vibar, the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers Camsur-Naga City Chapter President Engr. Gil Darilay, DPWH Region V Equipment Division Engineer Christopher Ian Gotos, BSP CamSur and Naga Chapters, Mr. Alex Bongalos of Tau Gamma Phi, Hon. Noel Rosal, Congressman Bong Teves, PBGen Andre Dizon of PNPA, and numerous academic institutions, student councils, professional organizations, civic groups, and generous individuals whose names and efforts are etched in the heart of this movement.

A highlight of the program was the unveiling of the “Covenant of Hope” mural, depicting seven symbolic pillars of bayanihan: Faith, Pilgrimage, and Social Harmony; Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Development; Environmental Protection and Climate Resilience; Water, Sanitation, and Public Health; Cultural Preservation and Education; Social Inclusion; and Community Leadership and Governance. The mural’s meaning was eloquently discussed by faith and culture anchor Mrs. Tess Banares Delfin, offering a visual and spiritual reflection of the movement’s mission.

The Oath Taking of Officers and Board Members was led by Rev. Monsignor Noe Pastor Badiola. The newly installed leadership includes Chairman Genaro Carlo Barretto Buenaflor, Vice-Chairman Jose Beldua Perez, Founder and Board Secretary Janet Serapio De La Cruz, Board Treasurer Felina Eugenia Placedes Balbastre, and Board Directors Monsignor Noe Pastor Badiola, Sr. Nora B. Patlonag, SLMD, Atty. Anthonette Velasco Allones, Marilyn Eng Co, Nathalie Del Rosario Maggay, Honney Alamares Kelley, Maria Concepcion Reyes Besenio, and Melanie Baquero Villaranda. Their collective wisdom and commitment will guide the mission forward. Closing remarks were delivered by Miss Melanie Baquero Villaranda, followed by words of gratitude and a Marian blessing from Rev. Monsignor Noe Pastor Badiola, Former Chairman of Bayanihan Para Ki Ina, Inc. The program concluded with a sending forth prayer, post-program fellowship, Marian-themed souvenir distribution, devotional music, and photo opportunities. The event was gracefully hosted by Miss Lizlyn May Sebello Habala, Mr. Jake Adam Malate Badong, and Mr. LA Sarmiento.

In the face of socio-economic challenges, environmental degradation, and threats to human dignity, Bayanihan Para Ki Ina emerged as a timely and transformative response. Its programs align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and World Health Organization (WHO) priorities—addressing urgent needs in health, education, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive leadership. More than a project, Bayanihan Para Ki Ina is a communal mission of love, animated by faith and sustained by hope. Inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 and its theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the movement sends every devotee forth to bring healing, unity, and light to a wounded world.

As Filipinos, our love for Ina found concrete expression in our love for the nation. Devotion transcended prayer, becoming action—embodied in service, bayanihan, and the building of a just and compassionate Philippines. In loving Ina, we loved our country. In honoring her Son, we worked for peace, justice, and renewal. May this launching mark a new chapter in the Filipino story—where faith and patriotism met, where devotion fueled nation-building, and where the maternal mantle of Our Lady of Peñafrancia embraced not only Bicol but the entire Philippines and beyond.

As pilgrims of hope, we journeyed together. For Ina, for our nation, and for the world.

Dios Mabalos po. Viva la Virgen!