On September 14-15, 2024, the Sisters Association of Mindanao (SAMIN) hosted a pre-assembly for their upcoming anniversary, gathering members from across the regions of Mindanao in Pagadian, Zamboanga. Mindanao Climate Justice (MCJ) was invited to facilitate a collective care session, nurturing the sisters’ mental health and well-being as they continue their work among marginalized communities.
Arriving in rainy Pagadian, we boarded a ‘bao-bao’ (the local tricycle with a driver in front and room for three passengers at the back) and headed to our hosts, the RVM sisters. Power outages greeted us due to inclement weather, but the sisters’ warm welcome and a freshly cooked, candle-lit dinner soon dissolved the fatigue from our travels. Over the meal, the SAMIN sisters, some reuniting after years apart, caught up, sharing memories and enjoying the freshest seafood from Zamboanga’s shores.
SAMIN’s sisters lead simple, profound lives as missionaries across Mindanao, serving the sick, the poor, and indigenous Lumad communities. Some wear veils, while others dress casually to better integrate into the communities they serve. “It helps us blend in without religious distinctions,” some explained. Others keep their veils for protection, especially in high-conflict areas. Their bond with communities runs deep, often exchanged in small gestures—a harvest of rice, a share of dried fish.
In our collective care session, it became clear that SAMIN sisters, despite their strength and resilience, are not immune to their own struggles. Their mission to serve others often leaves little time for their self-care, with concerns over funding and food security compounding their burdens. During the session, we shared reflections on balance and unity, affirming that even in times of hardship, the joy and support we need can be found in each other. Together, we recognized the importance of kindness and solidarity—‘kapwa’—as a shared human value.
The SAMIN sisters’ reunion, held in the solemn, glass-walled chapel, was a touching reminder of their sisterhood and shared faith. Voices, uplifted in gospel songs of love, filled the air, reigniting passions and commitments forged through years of service. This reunion underscored the enduring bonds of sisterhood and the strength that connection brings, a testament to their journey and the values we share in our pursuit of climate justice and community resilience.
