Faith-rooted movement ‘Bayanihan Para ki Ina’ launched in Naga

By Jason B. Neola

“THE Lady will not be happy if we only focus to her. We should also be expressive in showing our love to our fellowmen.” This was the message from Chairman Carlo Buenaflor during the formal launch of Bayanihan Para ki Ina, Inc. on September 19, 2025, held at the Archbishop Legaspi Hall of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Basilica, coinciding with the Jubilee Year of Hope in the Pilgrim City of Naga.

The faith-rooted, community-based movement—now registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—is composed of volunteers from various sectors including the academe, professional and business community, civic groups, and devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, or “Ina,” as she is fondly called by Bicolanos.

Vice Chairman and former city councilor Jose B. Perez said in an interview that the movement is formally recognized by both the city government of Naga and the Archdiocese of Caceres. “This is a movement of people from all walks of life who have come together not just for devotion, but for service to the community,” Perez said.

One of the group’s first major initiatives was the transformation of the iconic Rotunda at the intersection of Magsaysay Avenue, Panganiban Drive, Concepcion Pequeña Road, and the Diversion Road. What was once a floral representation of Ina’s image was replaced with a permanent concrete structure of the Nuestra Senora de Peñafrancia.

The image of the Divino Rostro (Divine Face of Jesus) was also added back-to-back with Ina’s image, enhancing the spiritual and cultural symbolism of the site.

Aside from such infrastructure improvements, the movement actively conducts community service programs, including feeding initiatives for malnourished and undernourished children. It is also involved in environmental activities such as Naga River clean-ups in partnership with the city government—particularly during preparations for the Peñafrancia Festival, the largest Marian celebration in Southeast Asia.

Chairman Buenaflor emphasized that their actions are driven by faith put into practice. “Devotion cannot go without community service,” he stressed. “What we do for Ina must also be felt by the people around us,” he said.

Mayor Leni Robredo, in a meeting with the group, expressed full support for the movement’s programs. In turn, Bayanihan Para ki Ina pledged to assist the city’s development and social initiatives.

Founded by Janet Serapio, who also serves as board secretary, the movement is grateful for the growing support being shown by youth volunteers and civic groups, especially through river clean-up drives conducted in partnership with local schools.

The organization is also engaged in special projects such as constructing a new classroom for the Joseph Gualandi School for Hearing Impaired, Inc., and has plans to build a mini-plaza at the “Landingan ni Ina” in Brgy. Balatas where the image of Ina is carried through to her home at the Basilica after the traditional fluvial procession of the Penafrancia fiesta. The mini-plaza will feature a monument of Ina and a native dog that was sacrificed for its blood to be used as paint for the wooden image. According to the folks’ tale at that time, the dead body of the dog was then thrown into the river but swum back alive to his master’s house a few minutes later. According to witnesses, the dog coming back to life for sacrificing its own blood was the first miracle attributed to Ina whose image was accordingly installed at her newly-built chapel of wood and native materials.

With the blessing of the Archdiocese, the support of the local government, and the active participation of citizens, Bayanihan Para ki Ina, Inc. stands as a modern expression of Bicolano devotion—one that combines faith, heritage, and community care.

Spanish Consul-General Ignacio Sanchez graced the launch as guest of honor, symbolizing the deep historical ties between Bicolano Catholicism and its Spanish roots. The original image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is located in Salamanca, Spain.

As the movement continues to grow, its leaders call on more Bicolanos—especially the youth—to join in service. “Let us not only venerate Ina,” said Perez, “but also live out the love she teaches us, by serving our communities and caring for one another.”

FOR INA AND THE COMMUNITY. The Board of Directors of “Bayanihan Para Ki Ina” led by its Chairman Carlo Buenaflor, Vice-Chairman Joe Perez and founder Janet Serapio pose with Spanish Consul-General Ignacio Sanchez (5th from right) during the organization’s formal launch at the Basilica last weekend at the height of the Penafrancia fiesta. Also in photo is Monsignor Noe Badiola (extreme left), the organization’s past chairman.