THE MEMORABLE ENCOUNTER WITH THE FARMERS

People often say that living with intelligent, friendly people shapes your character. As well as living with the farmers, you learned to be like them. That is the most memorable experience I have ever had with the farmers, where I learned simplicity, honesty, and kindness. I am grateful to God and to the Missionary Dominican Sisters of the Rosary for the opportunity to join the postulant formation program and immerse myself among the poor. As part of our modular class, we spent eleven days living in sectoral exposure. From February 23 to March 5, 2026, I stayed with a warm, caring family in San Jose, Bulacan, Philippines.

Sharing meals, work, and stories with Tatay Faustino, Nanay Rowena, and their children deeply moved me. Their faith, mutual respect, and willingness to help one another—despite different religions—revealed God’s presence in their lives.

These beautiful practices made me realize that no matter who you are or where you come from, you share one common calling: to be holy and to cherish the heart and faith you carry.

Although the language barrier made conversation difficult at times, I felt at home and learned much about the daily struggles of farming families.

What I learned from this immersion is:

• The flexibility and generosity of these simple farmers. They are poor but have big and generous hearts.
• Hard work and perseverance: Farmers labor tirelessly to support their children and protect their land when threatened.
• Simplicity and unity: Host families welcomed us and modeled peaceful, compassionate living. One touching practice was that they prayed together before meals, despite different faiths.

Besides what I learned, I also discovered many needs among the farmers. They live in poor areas and lack reliable water for drinking, washing clothes, and bathing. They can eat meat only on Saturdays and Sundays. They do not have sufficient sleeping space or a proper comfort room.

They grow vegetables but cannot afford fertilizer because prices have risen, while farmers receive low prices for their produce. They also suffer many injustices: their voices are not heard by leaders or the government, which, in some cases, tries to take their land. This is unfair: the poor become poorer while the rich become richer.

All these experiences prompted me to reflect on my own journey. As a postulant living in the convent, I have everything provided, so I do not worry about food, water, or clothing. I see how blessed I am, yet I sometimes still complain. If the poor can live with so little and remain steadfast, why can’t I?

As I continue my journey, it is my mission to speak up for the poor and the marginalized, and also to pray for them each day. We are all hoping that someday the government will care for its people—especially farmers, the poor, and the marginalized—by providing land to live, work, and farm. Children should have the chance to receive a good education because they are the country’s future.