Echoes of Unity: SARF Fraternal Visit to Palawan Chapters

Despite the strong winds from Typhoon Tino on November 6, 2025, Fr. Ronel Gealon, OAR, and Bro. Edwin Ruiz, SAR, along with Sis. Marwin Oane, SAR, and Sis. Miriam Ruiz, SAR, proceeded with their fraternal visit to the Palawan region.

They arrived at Puerto Princesa Airport at around 11:30 AM, had lunch, and then proceeded to Brooke’s Point, which is about a 4-hour trip. They reached Brooke’s Point by 5:30 PM and received a warm welcome from the members of the SARF Brooke’s Point chapter.

The next day, on November 7, 2025, they left Brooke’s Point at around 9:30 AM. They passed by Tinagong Dagat before proceeding to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Inagawan for a fraternal visit with the SARF Inagawan chapter. They arrived at 12:30 PM and were warmly welcomed by Fray Roy Baluarte, OAR, the Prior of the community and SARF Palawan regional spiritual adviser; Fray Samuel Eyas, OAR, the spiritual adviser for SARF Inagawan; and Fray Louie Gabinete, OAR. A delicious lunch was served. The meeting started at 2:30 PM and concluded around 5:00 PM.

They left Inagawan at around 5:30 PM to meet the members of the SARF de St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality and Development Center in Puerto Princesa. The visit began with a Mass at 6:30 PM, officiated by Fr. Ronel Gealon, OAR. After the Mass, the community shared dinner together before continuing their visit, which started at 8:00 PM and concluded around 10:00 PM.

On November 8, 2025, the day began with a Mass officiated by Fr. Ronel Gealon, OAR, alongside several AR Sisters at SEMSDC. Following the Mass, the AR Sisters served breakfast, and the group departed around 8:30 AM for an orientation at San Rafael de Arkanghel Parish in Barangay Plaridel, Aborlan, Palawan. They received a warm welcome from Fr. Tony Limchaypo, OAR, who is the prior of the community.

The SARF orientation was well attended by parishioners, as well as some attendees from Narra, Palawan. Several members of SARF de SEMSDC from Puerto Princesa also came to offer their support and encouragement to the new group.

The group was unable to make their fraternal visit to SARF de Casian due to the significant damage caused by Typhoon Tino. The roads were impassable, and the coast guard had prohibited boats from sailing in the waters.

Overall, the fraternal visit was a significant success. Fr. Ronel and Bro. Edwin achieved the primary purpose of the visit: to better understand the chapter and offer assistance for its benefit. They also presented important points regarding the new SARF General Statutes issued by the Generalate. In turn, the chapters showcased their commendable activities and discussed the issues facing their respective communities. They received valuable suggestions and recommendations on how to address these challenges.

Our visit ends, but our mission continues—together in faith, together in action.”

By: Sis Marwin M. Oane