Center for Community Transformation

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ENSHRINEMENT

All dressed in white, the CCT family gathered once again—a blessed tradition since 2008—to celebrate the lives and ministries of our departed CCT staff, board members, corporate members, kaibigans (street dwellers), and ministry friends. Held today at CCT Lupang Pangako in Cabanatuan City and nationwide via Zoom, it was a beautiful time of fellowship and standing together with the families of the people we serve and serve with in the ministry.

Our dear Founder and President Emeritus, Ate Ruth Callanta, led us down memory lane to the earliest roots of this tradition. She reminded us that the heart of this day is to honor the memories of our departed coworkers and kaibigans, so that their sacrifices and nobility are never forgotten. Ate Ruth also took a moment to honor those who remain in the ministry today, celebrating the many coworkers who continue to persevere with faith and dedication.

“We value each day, each moment that you give yourself to the Lord and to the ministry of CCT. Ang kabayanihan at sakripisyo ng ating mga katrabaho—yan ay hindi pwedeng mawala sa ating pagkatao. This is who we are and what we are,” she shared. CCT President Pastora Sandy Togonon added that this gathering is a true reflection of living out CCT’s core values, expressing her awe at the enduring consistency and love of the CCT family.

The families shared moving testimonies of gratitude, emphasizing that even in the weight of grief, they found a blessed hope through the Lord and the CCT community. From Sis. Mila Pedrera and other families of kaibigans who rejoiced that their loved ones were cared for and are now safely with Jesus. Shiela Aloya, sister of Kuya Jhay Are Aloya—whose life was an inspiring journey from being a kaibigan to becoming a nameless, faceless, servant of God through CCT—expressed deep gratitude to the Lord and CCT for the care shown to him until his very last moments.

Sis. Lyka Rose Sabanal, daughter of Ate Aida Sabanal, shared how her mother gave her life to the ministry and found a true family in CCT that stood by them in their greatest need. Similarly, Sis. Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon, sister of our departed board member Sis. Donna Pangilinan-Simpao, expressed what a privilege it was for their family to see how happy Sis. Donna was serving the Lord through CCT, thanking God for the years she dedicated to this mission.

We also heard from families of those enshrined in years past, whose legacies continue to bloom. Sis. Corrie De Boer, wife of ministry friend Bro. Stewart De Boer, shared how Bro. Stewart was a personal answered prayer and how their shared ministry partnership with CCT continues to flourish. Joining them was Pastor Dan Bacarro Jr., who spoke on behalf of Pastor Sixto Apura Jr., expressing joy in finally being able to join the assembly to honor a legacy that remains alive in his heart.

As candles were lit and doves were released, we entrusted the memories of our brothers and sisters to our Creator, holding firmly to peace, hope, and freedom in Christ. Today, ten precious names—8 kaibigans, 1 staff, and 1 board member—were lovingly enshrined in the Walls of Remembrance:

Kaibigan
Jhay Are Aloya
Ferdinand Medina
Ben Garcia
Rafael Pedrera
Edgar Yatal
Danny Luna
Orac Omadan
Benjamin Cabuenas

Staff
Aida Sabanal

Board Member
Ma. Gemma Donna Pangilinan-Simpao

May the words of Pastor Dalmacio Dayao, CCT Lupang Pangako Head Pastor, continue to anchor our hearts in God’s Word from Psalm 102:12: "But You, O Lord, are enthroned forever; You are remembered throughout all generations." Even when we feel weak or forgotten, God is moving and holding us close: "Dahil si Hesus ay buhay, kaya nating patuloy na mabuhay na may dalang pag-asa, at hindi tayo natatakot harapin ang kinabukasan."

Grief is real, but so is the promise of eternity. Indeed, at CCT, our relationships are eternal. The bonds we have in Christ transcend a lifetime, and the legacies of those who have gone before us will continue to inspire our ministry forever.

Until we meet again at our Savior's feet. 🕊️

The Center for Community Transformation (CCT) is looking for dedicated co-ministry workers to join us in serving communities.

If you are led to this mission, kindly review the qualifications carefully and send us a message.

Be part of a movement that joins the Holy Spirit in transforming the nation—one life, one community at a time.

Start here:
https://bit.ly/CCTEmploymentApplicationForm

Last Friday, April 10, 2026, the Kaibigang Maaasahan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KMMC) held its Annual Membership Meeting at CCT Lupang Pangako, Kalikid Norte, Cabanatuan City—presided over by Sis. Ann Dy, KMMC Chairperson. This was followed in the afternoon by the CCT Blessings Service Cooperative (CCT-Blessings) 2nd Annual General Assembly Meeting, presided over by Ate Sofia Pacaña (Vice Chairperson), and the Blessings at Work, Inc. 5th Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, presided over by Kuya Froilan Parado (President). Across all three proceedings, God’s overflowing grace and love for kaibigans—street dwellers and former street dwellers—was on full display: lives redeemed through Gospel-centered social enterprises and faith communities arising as one body of Christ.

The Lord’s faithfulness was put into flesh through the testimony of Kuya Rodolfo “Val” Regondola—from a tree-planting volunteer in 2017, through seasons of struggle, to a life surrendered to Christ, a restored family, and a home in Lupang Pangako. Through CCT-Blessings, this same testimony was multiplied, as former street dwellers and disadvantaged workers became certified hospitality professionals through nationally recognized NC II assessments.

Pastor David Campanero, Northern and Central Luzon Area Pastor, anchored the gathering in 1 John 3:18, calling the members not to love in words but in action and truth. Meanwhile, CCT President Pastora Sandy Togonon grounded the assembly once more in CCT’s vision and mission, explaining the “tree of life” model that balances faith-based ministry with sustainable social enterprise, and reminding everyone that all growth must flow from intimacy with Christ.

Ministry reports were presented by Ate Mileth Visaya (KMMC General Manager), Kuya Alex Pacaña (CCT Tagaytay Retreat and Training Center General Manager), and Ate Babylyn Casao (CCT Blessings General Manager).

How faithful is the God of the kaibigans! How faithful is the God we serve! The One Who sees, restores, and never abandons the last, the lost, and the least.

"Being confident of this, that He Who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
—Philippians 1:6.

To God be all the glory!