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Pilgrimage: A journey of faith

By Christina Hermoso

Around the world, pilgrimages are an age-old tradition stretching back through the history of almost every major religion.

Muslims go to Mecca and the Jews to Jerusalem. Buddhists journey to Tibet, and Hindus to Benares.

Fili­pino Catholic pilgrims visit numerous historic churches, minor basilicas, and shrines as well as sacred destinations, and places with religious significance.

In a predominantly Catholic nation like the Philippines, a pilgrimage – a journey of faith – forms an integral part of every Fili­pino’s spiritual life.

For many pilgrims, the purpose was for religious or civil penance. For others, it has been the desire and longing to get close to divinity.

For some, the pilgrimage is part of a "panata" (vow) for petitions or in thanksgiving for answered prayers. Reaching the sacred destination is said to invoke healing, spiritual awakening and renewal, and strengthening of faith.

Origin of Pilgrimages

Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos said the practice of going on pilgrim­ages began in Rome, Italy as a pious custom during the first millennium to visit the four major basilicas: Saint Peter, Saint John Lateran, Saint Paul, and Saint Mary Major.

The visit used to be done within the same liturgi­cal day, that is, from evening prayer (vespers) to the evening prayer of the following day.

In the course of time, three other churches were added: Saint Laurence outside the walls, Santa Croce in Geru­salemme, and Saint Sebastian.

Thus, the number of churches to be visited on a single day was fixed to seven.

This set itinerary was called 'giro della sette Chiese' (tour of the seven churches), describing the ancient pious custom of visiting the famous 'seven churches,' said the Papal Bull 'egregia populi romani’ of Pope Saint Pius V (1566-1572).

In the country, church leaders said the beginning of pilgrimages is an old tradition dating back to centuries ago.

The Filipinos’ strong devotion to Mary, they said, must have a direct influence on the holding of spiritual journeys to the churches in towns placed under her patronage.

There are various pilgrim­age sites where each town has created its own versions of Mary under dif­ferent titles.

In Antipolo City for instance, which prides itself as the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines, pilgrimages were be­lieved to be held since the Spanish era.

The revered Marian image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or the Virgin of Antipolo, which was brought in from Mexico in 1626 and enshrined in the Antipolo Cathedral, has a continu­ous following among Filipino Catholics since the Spanish colonization period when pilgrims were said to visit the miraculous image.

To this day, a popular custom of pilgrims to the Virgin of Antipolo is the trek going to the shrine on Good Friday and on May 1, from various locations in Rizal Province and Metro Manila.

Some pilgrims would begin the trek from Quiapo Church in Manila following the procession of the image.

A number of Marian images with an established devotion have generally re­ceived a Canonical Coronation, with the icon's principal shrine being customarily elevated to the status of minor basilica and which had become favored pilgrim destinations for many Filipinos. Today, the Philippines already has 15 minor basilicas.

As a deeply religious nation, many Filipinos traditionally go on a pilgrim­age year-round to the countless pilgrim­age sites scattered around the country.

Pilgrimages heighten during the 40-day Lenten season, the Holy Week in par­ticular, which is known as the pilgrimage season, the time of the year when pilgrim tours are at their peak and the sites can get particularly crowded.

Indulgences

The Liturgical Com­mission of the Archdio­cese of Manila said the faithful can gain plenary indulgence by doing the traditional Catholic obser­vances during the Lenten season, particularly dur­ing the Holy Week.

“When the faithful ob­serve certain practices like the Visita Iglesia and participate in solemn processions devoutly in prayer, in sacrifice, pray­ing for the intentions of the Holy Father, he gains a plenary indulgence.

To gain a plenary indulgence, Catholics must also go to confession, receive Holy Communion, pray for the Pope's intentions, and have a heart free of sin,” the Manila archdiocese said.

According to the Cat­echism of the Catholic Church “an indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punish­ment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.”

The Norms and Grants in the official Manual of In­dulgences, fourth edition (1999), the latest and most up-to-date edition of the Manual, or Enchiridion Indulgentiarum, listed the following observances in the Grants in the Manual of Indulgences:

Holy Thursday - A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who piously recite the verses of the Tantum ergo after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday during the solemn reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Good Friday - A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who: 1) Devoutly assist at the adoration of the Cross in the solemn liturgical action of Good Friday; or 2) Personally make the pious Way of the Cross, or devoutly unite themselves to the Way of the Cross while it is being led by the Supreme Pontiff and broadcast live on television or radio.

On Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil a ple­nary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, at the celebration of the Easter Vigil renew their baptismal vows in any legitimately approved formula.

Early in the Holy Week, on Holy Mon­day, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday, go to Mass and receive Holy Communion.

“To gain a plenary indulgence, in addition to excluding all attachment to sin, even venial sin, it is necessary to perform the indulgenced work and fulfill the following three conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.

To gain indulgences, whether plenary or partial, it is necessary that the faithful is in the state of grace at least at the time the indulgenced work is completed,” the Manual of Indulgences said.

Way of the Pilgrims

Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos said the journey of a pilgrim is symbolic of earthly life.

“They are compelled by a noble and praiseworthy purpose: to visit the roots of their faith. It is a longing to walk where our Lord had trod, to witness how He lived His earthly life.”

“Pilgrims pay respects and honor the places associated with Jesus, or with His saints. Their visit marks a sense of gratitude for the gift of faith, to pray and to manifest a spirit of repentance, or with humble supplication for graces and blessings for themselves and for their loved ones,” Santos said.

The Church leader reminded the faithful to always travel light on their spiritual journey.

“Let us always be reminded of the Way of the Pilgrims, which is to travel light-unburdened by worldly cares and to journey in life with the unconditional and untainted visions of meeting God and willingly setting aside all worldly allurements.

We travel in this life. We are just pilgrims here on earth,” the bishop said.

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The traditional way of eating is with the hands, especially dry dishes such as inihaw or prito. The diner will take a bite of the main dish, then eat rice pressed together with his fingers.

This practice, known as kamayan, is rarely seen in urbanized areas. However, Filipinos tend to feel the spirit of kamayan when eating amidst nature during out of town trips, beach vacations, and town fiestas.

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Pilgrimage Destinations in the Philippines: A Journey of Faith and Heritage

The Philippines, a country renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and deeply ingrained religious traditions, is home to several significant pilgrimage sites. These sites draw millions of devotees and tourists alike each year, seeking spiritual enlightenment, solace, and a deeper connection to their faith. From ancient churches to sacred mountains, the Philippines offers a diverse array of pilgrimage destinations that reflect the country’s religious diversity and cultural history, especially this upcoming Holy Week. 

Here are the famous pilgrimage sites:

1. Quiapo Church, Manila:

Located in the heart of Manila, Quiapo Church, officially known as the National Shrine of the Black Nazarene, is one of the most iconic pilgrimage sites in the Philippines. Devotees flock to the church year-round, but particularly during the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January, where millions participate in the grand procession, known as the Traslacion. The Black Nazarene is believed to be miraculous, with many devotees attributing healings and answered prayers to its intercession.

2. Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine, Pangasinan:

Nestled in the province of Pangasinan, the Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine is a revered Marian pilgrimage site. The shrine houses a centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary, believed to have miraculous powers. Pilgrims come from far and wide to pay homage to the revered Lady of Manaoag, seeking her blessings for healing, protection, and guidance.

3. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu:

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City is home to the oldest religious relic in the Philippines – the revered Santo Niño de Cebu (Holy Child of Cebu). Every January, devotees celebrate the Sinulog Festival, a vibrant and colorful event that honors the Santo Niño through dance, music, and religious processions. The basilica stands as a testament to the enduring faith of Filipinos and the deep-seated devotion to the Santo Niño.

4. Mount Banahaw, Quezon:

Mount Banahaw, considered a sacred mountain by many indigenous Filipinos, is a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual renewal and healing. The mountain is revered by Christians. Pilgrims undertake treks to the mountain’s peaks, seeking solitude, reflection, and communion with nature.

5. Our Lady of Piat Basilica, Cagayan:

Situated in the northern province of Cagayan, the Our Lady of Piat Basilica is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The basilica is renowned for its dark-skinned statue of Our Lady of Piat, which is believed to have miraculous powers. Pilgrims visit the basilica throughout the year, seeking the intercession of the Virgin Mary for various intentions, including healing, protection, and thanksgiving.

6. Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine, Quezon:

Perched atop a hill in Lucban, Quezon, the Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine is a popular pilgrimage destination known for its towering statue of the Risen Christ and the Healing Church. Pilgrims ascend the 300-step stairway to reach the shrine, where they offer prayers, attend Masses, and seek spiritual healing and renewal.

7. Antipolo Cathedral, Antipolo City, Rizal:

Antipolo Church, officially known as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, is a significant pilgrimage site in the Philippines for several reasons: it’s religious significance, miraculous image, historical importance, scenic location, and cultural tradition. It holds a special place in the hearts of Filipino Catholics, drawing pilgrims seeking spiritual solace, blessings, and guidance from Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

8. Grotto in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is located in Barangay Graceville, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. It features a replica of the famous grotto in Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. This grotto serves as a place of prayer, reflection, and devotion for Catholics. Visitors often climb the steps leading to the grotto while praying the rosary or offering petitions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The site is particularly crowded during religious holidays and special occasions, such as the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Aside from the religious significance, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes also offers a serene and picturesque environment, making it a popular destination for both spiritual and leisure purposes.

9. Baguio Cathedral, Baguio City

Baguio Cathedral, officially known as Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, is a significant pilgrimage site, because of its combination of religious, historical, cultural, and natural elements for Catholics and tourists alike, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience its spiritual ambiance and architectural beauty. Situated atop a hill overlooking Baguio City, the cathedral offers a serene and picturesque setting conducive to prayer and meditation. Its elevated location adds to its appeal as a destination for pilgrims seeking a tranquil environment for spiritual retreats and contemplation.

10. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Baguio City

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Baguio City is a significant pilgrimage because of Marian apparitions, religious significance, spiritual retreat, tradition and history, and miraculous stories. The serene and peaceful environment of the grotto provides pilgrims with a conducive setting for reflection, meditation, and spiritual retreat.

The natural surroundings, including lush greenery and scenic views, enhance the spiritual experience for visitors seeking solace and tranquility. Many pilgrims attribute miraculous healings and answered prayers to their visits to the grotto.

These stories of faith and devotion contribute to the grotto’s reputation as a place of miracles and divine intervention, further inspiring pilgrims to make the journey to seek blessings and spiritual grace.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Unsplash

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Today’s front page, Sunday, May 12, 2024

Latter-day Saints new temple to serve 200,000 members around Pangasinan

• Lyn Resurreccion
• May 12, 2024
• 8 minute read

The Filipino people love the Lord, their church leaders, and their family, and they are very loyal to their nation and to their church.

These are the qualities of Filipinos that struck Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, the highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during his stint in the country as the Philippines Area President from 2002 to 2004

Oaks returned to and resumed his bond with the Philippines together with his wife, Kristen, when he led the dedication of the new temple of the Church of Jesus Christ in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, on April 28.

It is the Church’s third temple in the country, in addition to those in Manila and in Cebu City.

It should be noted that since its first missionaries have set their foot in the country 63 years ago, on June 5, 1961, the Church has gained more than 800,000 members.

This made the Philippines the fourth country with the largest Latter-day Saints membership in the world.

Building temples

Highlighting the importance of temples, Oaks,  explained in an interview with the BusinessMirror via Zoom that the Church of Jesus Christ build them in the “center of the concentration” of their members. where they could come “to worship and strengthen them spiritually.”

It is also “good for the local economy” from people coming from other parts of the province or other areas to worship there, he added.

Mrs. Oaks said their members come to the temple to “feel close to Jesus.”

“In our religion, we come together for baptism…to worship our Savior and make covenants and promises to Him,” she pointed out.

Why build the temple in Urdaneta?

Oaks explained that the choice of Urdaneta was not made by the top leaders of the Church. It was based upon the “recommendation of the leaders” of the Church in the Philippines.

“They looked to a temple district and they showed us that about 200,000 of our 800,000 members in the Philippines live within a suitable distance in Urdaneta,” he said.

Mrs. Oaks said: “Ultimately it was a spiritual choice. Our prophet has a major responsibility and one of them is [building] temples. And he makes the selection. We believe that God allowed him to make the selection there.”

The Church’s current 17th President and Prophet is Russell M. Nelson, according to their website.

Oaks added: “He would not pick the exact site, but he would say that he wanted to build another temple in the Philippines to bless a concentration of members.”

The religious leader pointed out that only Latter-day Saints members are allowed to enter the temples when they are already dedicated.

The temples are closed on Sundays. On weekdays, members hold their “temple recommend, certifying their full compliance with the standards and objectives” of the Church.

However, even members have limited access to the temples.

“We have certain time for services but we want the maximum number of our members to come to the temple,” he said.

On Sundays, Latter-day Saints members worship in their home chapels or wards, he explained.

Mrs. Oaks said their members come to the temple because they feel close to Jesus Christ.

“In our religion, we come together for baptism…to worship our Savior and make covenants and promises to Him,” she said.

Increase in number of members in PHL

The Latter-day Saints membership in the Philippines ballooned from about 500,000 to about 900,000 within 20 years after Oaks’s mission in the country..

The Filipino people “recognize that… we have more resources to learn about our Savior Jesus Christ than the Bible. We love the Bible but the Book of Mormon is an additional witness to Jesus Christ,” Oaks said.

He explained that the Book of Mormon tells about the ministry of Jesus in the American continent after Jesus’ resurrection.

“People are drawn to the teachings they find in Latter-day Saints faith,” he said.

He added that they help in raising children and in making families stronger, in assisting members in helping one another, and even nonmembers of the church.

“We have a large humanitarian services enterprise,” he added.

Mrs. Oaks agreed that they have the same services worldwide.

“We have the same curriculum for children, young women and young men. We want to [be closer] with the Heavenly Father. We value the family. It is so important to us. Filipinos also love the family, and they love each other,” she said.

With the increase in the number of members in the Philippines, three more temples are under construction and seven are being planned to be built in the country.

Other factors that make Filipinos join the Church

The Philippines is a Christian nation, different than its neighbors in Asia.

“We begin with people who love Jesus Christ. We offer them opportunities to learn more about Him and the fulness of his Gospel. The temples themselves stand for that,” Oaks said.

Mrs. Oaks said the Church of Jesus Christ is a “demanding religion.” Its members have to come to church every week, and read the scriptures and pray everyday.

In addition, the youth come during the week, while the whole family has activities on Monday night.

“When I say demanding…it is a Church you devote your life to,” she added.

Oaks said that in many religions, you come to church on holy days, Christmas, Easter or on saints’ days.

“In the Church of Jesus Christ, we teach the importance of going to church every Sunday,” he said.

He added that 20 percent of their members are in the church every Sunday. So with 800,000 members in the Philippines, they would have 160,000 members going to church on Sundays.

“We have a very participatory religion, and that is very important to our members,” he said.

Mrs. Oaks added that members “like to do service… to be involved in the community, to get back to the community,” in projects like helping in schools, immunizations, health care, vision care, or providing wheelchairs not just for members but for those not of our faith in the community..

“You don’t have to be a member to receive those services,” she pointed out.

Memories from his first PHL mission

Oaks said he could not forget “the loving, loyal culture and nature” of the Filipino people.

“They love the Lord, they love their church leaders, they love their family, and they are very loyal to their nation and to their church,” he said.

Mrs. Oaks said she could not forget the Filipino Church members who would run to her 6-feet-tall husband “surround him and hug him.”

She also loved working with the youth, as Mrs. Oaks has worked among children when she served for many years on the Board of Primary Children’s Hospital, according to a briefer.

“I like little children. Filipinos love to sing, and I love singing with them. Just everyone we work with, they became our dear friends. It was not like they were employees. We love each other.dearly,” she said.

The Latter-day Saints leaders don’t wear priestly garb and are dressed in white just like the members “to promote closeness” with them, Oaks noted.

“There is no distinction in our temple worship between the highest official in the church or the most humble who is just starting in their membership,” he pointed out.

Catholic, Church of Jesus Christ similarities, differences

Oaks said both churches are hierarchical. The pope is the leader of the Catholic Church, while the president is the head of the Church of Jesus Christ.

“We look to a hierarchical organization for leadership. We have local leaders but they look to leaders not to their congregation for policy,” he said.

The difference, he said, is in the priesthood authority.. The Catholic Church looks at the succession from Peter.

In the Church of Jesus Christ, the basic priesthood authority was lost in the centuries after Jesus Christ.

“It has to be restored by heavenly messengers who appeared to the first prophet of our church, Joseph Smith in 1820. From that time we have been a restored church with priesthood authority,” Oaks pointed out.

Mrs. Oaks said they have great respect for the Catholic Church.

“I have been to a Catholic school. They are great teachers; great people,” she said.

Humanitarian services

Besides spiritual work, the Latter-day Saints take care of the welfare of people in need, not only of their members.

According to Oaks, as the Church have over 17 million members from about 117 countries, it has resources from its members’ tithes.

“We give worldwide over a billion dollars a year for humanitarian services.” he said.

In the Philippines, 346 humanitarian projects were created in 2023, with 16 percent growth from 2020 to 2023.

He cited that among them was the distribution of 13,500 food kits to affected residents during the flood in many parts of the country in January.

Likewise, over 22,000 food kits and thousands of hygiene, kitchen and shelter kits were distributed to survivors of typhoons in August and September in 2023.

Oaks said: “Not just in dollars, also human services are given shoulder to shoulder to people, not only to members of our Church.”

‘Follow the Commandments of God’

In his message to Filipinos amid the challenges they have been experiencing in their daily lives, Oaks recalled an experience he had a week after he arrived in the Philippines with his wife in 2002 for his two-year mission.

He recounted that he was awakened from sleep with a strong spiritual impression to look into the Book of Mormon.

“I was drawn to a sermon by a prophet who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ,” he said.

He recalled that the prophet talked to people about the principles of the Christian religion.

The sermon, Oaks said, contained words which he used as the major subject in his teaching in his mission in the country.

It is from the Book of Mormon in the Book of Mosiah, Chapter 4, Verse 10, which says: “And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you.”

He said the following words from the verse “were emblazoned” in his mind: “Now if you believe all these things, see that you do them.’”

“My challenge. then and now, to the Filipino people is that you have the commandments of God, you know what you need to do… be faithful to our Savior. If you believe those things, see that you do them. be faithful, follow the direction of the prophets of God,” he pointed out.

For her part, Mrs. Oaks said: “We love you [Filipinos] so much. It is evident that you have been doing that [following the commandments of God] or the Lord will not have given another temple. where so many more beautiful things could come [with the love of] Jesus Christ. We just love the Philippines. We are so proud of them [Filipinos].”

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COLORS OF HEAVEN AT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Visit the famous Marian shrine and explore the colorful sites of Mexico.

Departure Dates

October 01, 2024 - October 11, 2024

Chaplain: Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

Check out our other trips!

Enthralling eastern europe.

TURKEY TREASURES & THE GREEK ISLES

CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM

HOLY LAND: OFF THE BEATEN PATH

FAITH & FUN MARIAN JOURNEY

Adriatic Coast with Our Lady of Medjugorje

Special Departure: Italy to Czech Republic

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

For more information, please contact us!

(LANDLINE) + 63 2 8929 0144

(SMART) +63 919 0736359

(GLOBE) +63 917 561 6440

[email protected]

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JEMELA'S JOURNEY OF HOPE

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Despite facing significant adversity, and personal loss, *Jemela's journey below serves as a testament to empowerment and resilience. With the support of Strengthen Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) Institutions and Resilience (SPIR) II, Jemela not only conquered mental health obstacles but also actively pursued economic opportunities to secure her family's future.

Like many rural women in Ethiopia, Jemela was married at a fairly young age - just 22 years old. Though starting with high hopes, her marital journey diverged drastically from her expectations. Despite her and her new husband suffering from the hardships of poverty, Jemela found herself confined to her in-laws' home, expected to work in the home, and unable to seek employment to alleviate their circumstances. Day by day, the weight of the many household chores bore down on her until she could bear it no longer, and decided to return to her family's home.

Upon her return to Habru district of the Oromia region, Jemela discovered she was pregnant. Thankfully, with the unwavering support of her parents, particularly her mother, Jemela embarked on the journey of raising her daughter. Yet, as time passed and her daughter approached the age of eight, Jemela sought companionship again through marriage, leaving her daughter to be cared for by her parents. However, her second union also proved to be fraught with challenges. Both she and her husband toiled as daily labourers, but her husband squandered their precious earnings on vices like cigarettes and Khat (a stimulant, sometimes called Mirra), leading to frequent discord within their home.

The arrival of two additional daughters quickly added further strain to Jemela's already burdened shoulders. With infants to care for, she decided to bring her eldest daughter from her parent’s home to live with her and assist with childcare. Unfortunately, this choice led to a violent conflict between Jemela and her husband, ultimately resulting in the tragic loss of her cherished daughter, who fell victim to her husband’s brutality. Devastated and traumatised by the loss, Jemela’s world shattered. Yet, justice prevailed, as her husband was apprehended by the authorities, tried, and sentenced, and is now serving time behind bars. She was left to pick up the pieces of her fractured life, Jemela and her surviving children sought refuge with her parents.

During this turmoil, the SPIR II team offered Jemela a lifeline. During a mental health screening conducted by project staff, Jemela revealed her struggles and the impact they have had on her mental health. Identified as a candidate for intervention, Jemela was invited to participate in Group Problem Management Plus (GPM+), a group-based psychosocial support program aimed at addressing both emotional and practical challenges.

Through five weeks of GPM+ sessions, Jemela experienced a remarkable transformation. She developed tools for managing her depression and became determined not to let her tragedy dictate her future. Reflecting on her journey, Jemela remarked, "Even though losing my daughter in that way caused an indelible pain, I refuse to let it control my destiny. The discussions in the group helped me understand how stress and depression impact not just our lives but those around us."

The project empowered Jemela, enabling her to seize economic opportunities. With the help of a $300 cash grant from SPIR II, she purchased three goats to fatten and sell them during festive seasons with good profit. Additionally, she diligently saves through her Village Economic and Social Association (VESA) group and gets monthly maternal grants from the project, all of which she uses for the particular aim of securing a brighter future for her daughters.

"Now, my only dream is to provide for my daughters and ensure they receive the education they deserve," Jemela declared. "While I'm forever grateful for my parents' unwavering support, I'm determined to lighten their load by working tirelessly to support them."

In the face of adversity, Jemela emerged not as a victim but as a resilient woman, forging a path of hope and empowerment for herself and her daughters.

The story of Jemela highlights the overlapping obstacles encountered by rural women in Ethiopia. Early marriage limits girls' educational and economic opportunities, perpetuating poverty and inequality. Traditional gender norms confine women to caregiving, hindering career pursuits and full economic participation. Addressing these issues requires promoting gender equality through education, economic empowerment, and challenging societal norms. Empowering women economically, expanding educational access, and challenging entrenched gender roles are vital steps for Ethiopia to advance gender equality and inclusive development.

In 2022 and 2023, SPIR II conducted five-week GPM+ sessions for 4,661 individuals, with females accounting for 35% of participants, all experiencing common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

*The Name has been changed to protect the identity.

About SPIR II  

Strengthen Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) Institutions and Resilience (SPIR) II is a five-year Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) implemented by a consortium of partners led by World Vision that includes CARE, ORDA, and learning partner IFPRI. It is powered by funding from the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), which focuses on enhancing livelihoods and resilience to shocks and improving food security and nutrition for rural households in Ethiopia’s Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions through interventions aligned with the government’s Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP).

By Emnet Dereje, Communications Specialist (SPIR II), World Vision Ethiopia