Choosing Hope, Choosing to Serve: VORSEM 2026 Begins a New Journey of Compassion

July 4, 2026 became more than just the beginning of another fiscal year for the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. It became the beginning of countless stories of hope, compassion, and transformation.

Inside the Sports Conference Function Room of Xavier School San Juan in San Juan City, Metro Manila, aspiring volunteers gathered for the Volunteer Orientation Seminar 2026, lovingly known as VORSEM. Each person arrived with different experiences, different questions, and different reasons for coming. Yet by the end of the day, everyone shared one common purpose. To become instruments of God's love for Persons Deprived of Liberty.

Prison ministry is often misunderstood. Many see only walls, bars, and past mistakes. PJPS invites us to see something far greater. Every person possesses an inherent dignity that no circumstance can erase. Every life remains worthy of compassion. Every heart can still encounter hope.

The seminar opened with an inspiring reflection from General Resurrection S. Morales, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, who reminded participants of the beauty of prison ministry. It is a ministry rooted in choosing love over judgment and mercy over condemnation. It is an invitation to recognize Christ in those whom society often forgets.

Fr. Erwin "Bok" Arandia, SJ, Chaplain and Formation Head, guided participants through the vision, mission, and values that continue to shape every ministry of PJPS. His message reminded everyone that service is not simply about accomplishing tasks. It is about becoming faithful witnesses of compassion, justice, and hope.

One of the most touching moments of the day came through the heartfelt sharing of Ms. Gwendolyn Llano, whose four decades of volunteer service at the New Bilibid Prison have become a living testimony of enduring commitment. Her message resonated deeply.

"Being a PJPS volunteer is more than what we do. It is who we choose to become."

Her words reminded everyone that authentic volunteerism begins with the heart. Every conversation, every visit, every act of listening, and every gesture of kindness has the power to restore dignity and remind another person that they are never beyond God's love.

Safeguarding also remained at the heart of the formation as Fr. Dom Joseph Bulan, SJ, led participants through the foundation's commitment to creating safe, respectful, and compassionate spaces for everyone. The signing of the Volunteer Commitment to Safeguarding became more than a formal requirement. It became a promise to protect the dignity of every person encountered in ministry.

Throughout the afternoon, participants discovered the many ways they could respond to God's call through PJPS's four core volunteer programs.

The Socio Pastoral Program nurtures the spiritual and emotional well-being of Persons Deprived of Liberty through pastoral care and accompaniment.

The Advocacy Program raises awareness while promoting the rights, dignity, and welfare of Persons Deprived of Liberty.

The Scholarship Program opens doors to education, creating opportunities that empower lives and build brighter futures.

The PRL CARE Program provides compassionate support for reintegration, helping individuals and families journey toward healing and restoration.

Program coordinators Mario Jose Dimaala, Roselle Nero, Hesusa Ramos, and Gene Alolosan introduced each ministry with passion and dedication. Their presentations were complemented by moving testimonies from veteran volunteers Gerardo Engico, Raquel Mari Ann Paje, and Rolando San Juan, whose stories reflected the quiet yet extraordinary impact of faithful service.

As the day unfolded, participants prayerfully discerned where they felt called to serve. Their choices represented more than volunteer assignments. They marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to accompany those longing for hope, healing, and a second chance.

The seminar concluded with an inspiring message from Executive Director Atty. Philip T. Gan and a community Mass that beautifully reminded everyone that every mission begins and ends with God.

At PJPS, transformation is never one-sided. While volunteers accompany Persons Deprived of Liberty, they too are transformed. Hearts become more compassionate. Perspectives become wider. Faith becomes deeper.

Every volunteer becomes living proof that hope continues to flourish wherever love chooses to enter.

Today, we invite you to become part of this mission.

Whether through volunteering, praying, or supporting our programs, your generosity becomes a bridge toward healing, restoration, and renewed dignity for countless lives.

Together, we can continue reminding every Person Deprived of Liberty that they are seen, valued, and loved.

Donate Now!

Together, let us continue bringing hope where it is needed most.

#PJPS #AMDG