Barangay Nagbinlod, 6220 Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Community Profile: The Nagbinlod area of Negros Island is mountainous and not far from the sea. It is an agricultural area which is quite close to a mango plantation and a sugar cane plantation; both are income generating projects of the UU Church of the Philippines. This village was the home of the founder of the UU faith in the Philippines, Toribio Quimada, during the final years of his life. Unfairly suspected of having communist ties, in 1989 Quimada was shot to death and his family’s home was burned when he tried to continue the work of his ministry in this place.

The Nagbinlod village is of mixed faiths, Roman Catholic and Unitarian Universalist. Although they have not always gotten along well, they have become much closer as they have worked together in a Community Capacity Building project sponsored by the UUPCC. In fact, Nagbinlod was the pilot project of the CCB and there have been inspiring successes resulting for the community. A water system which has greatly improved the lives of the village residents, a new school and an agricultural training area are some of the projects which have been completed following a community assessment in 2003. Additionally, the women of the village have been empowered through the process!

Today’s residents have concerns about their very rough road, the difficulties in getting medical supplies, nutritional supplements and family planning resources.

The villagers get around on motor cycles and on foot. They do not have internet capability in the village, but have cell phones which they use exclusively for texting. Texting on cell phones is very common throughout the Philippines- speaking on their phones is out of the question for most Filipinos as it is too expensive.

Every year on March 11 and 12, the village holds its annual fiesta. The Catholics hold a mass. Highlights of the festival include a singing contest, a beauty pageant and a public disco dance.

On the first of November, the village celebrates “Kalag-kalag” or All Souls/All Saints Day. Villagers go to the cemetery to offer prayers in memories of their loved ones and family. They also light candles to honor their deceased loved ones.

Christmas is celebrated by exchanging gifts and celebrating the holiday with parties.

The Roman Catholics hold a street procession called the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. In the churches ( Catholic and Unitarian Universalist)reflections are given on the final seven words of Jesus. These reflections are publicly broadcast on radio and television.

Make up of the congregation: There are 123 members of the congregation: 23 men, 26 women, 24 young adults, 35 youth and 34 children. These members comprise 29 households.

The founder of this congregation is the Rev. Toribio Quimada who was the founder of the UU Church in the Philippines. Other early leaders were Mr. Zolio Quimada, Mr. Paustino Diginion and Rev. Rafael Vibar, who was ordained in 1972.

This congregation worships every Sunday. They have Sunday school for the children each week as well. Their worship leaders are Mrs. Alicia Diginion, Rev. Rafael Vibar and Rev. Evaristo Diginion. Rev. Diginion is the minister of the congregation and Rev. Rafael Vibar is the retired minister.

Contact: Mrs. Normelina Pistanas
Barangay Nagbinlod, 6220 Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, the Philippines.