A three-day Safeguarding Orientation Workshop entitled “Safeguarding Vulnerable Minors and Adults from All Forms of Abuse” was held on January 29–31, 2026, at the Dominican Sisters' Motherhouse in Molo, Iloilo City. Bringing together over 80 participants from the Dominican Sisters and other Religious Congregations, the workshop reaffirmed a collective resolve to uphold protection, accountability, and justice within Church ministries.

Facilitated by Sr. Maria Socorro Pilar Evidente, DC, Conference of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (CMSP) Coordinator of the Safeguarding Prevention Commission, with Sr. Aubrey Casimiro, DC, and Sr. Myra Mondia, DC, the formation journey began with Awareness Awakening, grounding participants in children’s rights as articulated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Sessions on Expanded Understanding of Abuse exposed the many forms of harm physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and neglect and confronted the damaging culture of clericalism that silences victims.

Through discussions on Church Accountability, participants engaged "Vos Estis Lux Mundi," Philippine civil laws, reporting mechanisms, and institutional responsibilities, underscoring that safeguarding is not optional but a moral and legal obligation. The formation further called participants to Mission Empowerment and Vocation Renewal, affirming safeguarding as integral to consecrated life and ministry.

Rooted in a Ministry of Listening, the workshop fostered honest dialogue, empathy, and courageous presence through reflection, journaling, and group sharing. A practical session on Commitment to Safe Spaces enabled participants to develop contextualized safeguarding guidelines responsive to their ministries.

More than policy formation, the workshop affirmed safeguarding as a Gospel imperative and a shared mission, a call to actively protect the vulnerable and ensure that Church spaces are places of dignity, healing, justice, and hope.

Voices from the Safeguarding Workshop (Participants’ Takeaways)

Awareness Awakening: “The seminar was an eye-opener. It affirmed my purpose as a consecrated person not to remain passive, but to stand with the vulnerable and become part of the solution.”
Mission Empowerment: “I can now use my platform in teaching and ministry to empower others to stop abuse and help restore the dignity of the Body of Christ.”
Vocation Renewal: “The three-day seminar awakened my vocation to offer myself fully in service, as an instrument of God’s compassion and healing.”
Ministry of Listening: “I begin safeguarding with the simple words: ‘Kumusta ka?’ In that greeting lies care, protection, and the ministry of presence.”
Expanded Understanding of Abuse: “I realized that harm can be physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or through neglect. Awareness calls me to vigilance and action.”
Commitment to Safe Spaces: “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. I commit to protect safe spaces, listen with empathy, and speak when dignity is threatened.”