On January 8-11, the Vincentian Family Collaborative Action Program (VFCAP) for Asia Pacific was held at the Canossa House of Spirituality in Tagaytay City, Philippines. This was the first time that the VFCAP was held outside of Paris, France since its inception in 2013.

Forty six leaders represented the Vincentian Family branches and institutions from Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Bangladesh, South India, Vietnam and all over the Philippines.

Created by the Vincentian Family Collaboration Commission, the VFCAP responds to the need for more innovative ways to engage the branches of the Vincentian Family and encourage them to work together on global, regional, and local levels to transform the lives of those living in poverty.

Participants had a chance to experience the five VFCAP modules from January 8-10. These formal sessions were followed by three simultaneous collaborative meetings with the trainors, the Vincentian Family Philippines, and, the Systemic Change and Vincentian Family for Asia Pacific groups.

A Eucharistic celebration and Mission sending capped the three day session. The last day was dedicated to the Vincentian Heritage Visit which included the Daughters of Charity Provincial House, the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Adamson University and the Intramuros in Manila where the ruins and landmarks of the first Vincentians are found. All the activities promoted a unique bonding among the participants.

It is with much hope that they shall make ripples of strong collaboration through concrete programs among their members, the Vincentian Family branches and other stakeholders for better service among our Lords and Masters.

The VFCAP for Asia Pacific 2015 was spearheaded by the Vincentian Family Philippines and Adamson University. Among the trainors and facilitators were: Fr. Manuel Ginete, CM (International VF Commission member), Dr. Marty Martin and Ms. Pamela Mantuhac (VFCAP Design Team members), Ms. Ana Maria Escano and Ms. Melodee Marciana de Castro (VFCAP 2014 participants), Sr. Maria Teresa Mueda, DC (Systemic Change International Commission member) and Fr. Gregorio Bañaga, Jr., CM (Adamson University President and Systemic Change for Asia Pacific Coordinator).