Beginning October with faith and gratitude: Gov. Edduba, BM Kitongan join Sta. Teresita Parish’s 68th Feast Day in Malibcong, Abra

MALIBCONG, Abra — Beginning the month with faith and gratitude, Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba and Board Member Emilio T. Kitongan joined parishioners, families, and guests in celebrating the 68th Feast Day of Sta. Teresita Parish in Malibcong, Abra on October 1.

The celebration brought the community together to honor Sta. Teresita of the Child Jesus while giving the visiting Kalinga public servants an opportunity to take part in a tradition centered on faith, thanksgiving, and fellowship.

Established in 1957, Sta. Teresita Parish has been part of the religious life of Malibcong for 68 years. The parish is under the Diocese of Bangued and has also been associated with Sta. Teresita School and missions serving the Tingguian community in the municipality.

Through the years, the parish has remained a place where the faithful gather for worship, prayer, and celebrations centered on their devotion to Sta. Teresita of the Child Jesus.

Its annual feast day continues to bring parishioners, families, and members of the community together not only to celebrate their faith but also to strengthen fellowship and give thanks for the blessings they have received.

For Edduba and Kitongan, the celebration was also a reminder that faith and gratitude can be reflected in the way public servants carry out their responsibilities and serve the people.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Kitongan said the feast was not only about honoring Sta. Teresita but also about recognizing the blessings received and the opportunity to serve others.

He said faith can help public servants remain humble and faithful to their responsibilities.

“Through this celebration, we are not only honoring the feast of Sta. Teresita, but also giving thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us and for the opportunity to serve our fellowmen. Ang pananampalataya ay nagsisilbing gabay upang manatili tayong mapagkumbaba at tapat sa ating tungkulin,” Kitongan said.

Kitongan explained that the example of Sta. Teresita shows how even simple acts of kindness, love, and service can have a meaningful impact on a community.

He said these values are especially important for public servants, whose positions carry the responsibility of responding to the needs of the people.

“Through simple acts of helping, loving, and serving others, we can become instruments of goodness in our community. Bilang mga lingkod-bayani, mahalaga na dala natin ang pagpapakumbaba, malasakit, at commitment sa ating tungkulin. Ang posisyon ay isang responsibilidad at pagkakataon upang makatulong sa kapwa, kaya dapat natin itong gamitin nang may puso at pananampalataya,” he added.

Reflecting on the occasion, Kitongan also expressed his appreciation for being included in the parish’s celebration and recognized the significance of its long history of faith and service.

He said he was honored to join Edduba and other guests in celebrating with the Sta. Teresita Parish community, describing the 68th Feast Day as a milestone that also recognizes the continued devotion of its parishioners.

“I am deeply honored to have been invited, together with our Provincial Governor and fellow guests, to join the entire community of Sta. Teresita Parish as it celebrates its 68th Feast Day in Malibcong, Abra,” Kitongan said.

He noted that the 68-year history of the parish represents not only the length of time since its establishment but also the steadfast faith of the people who continue to live out the teachings associated with Sta. Teresita of the Child Jesus.

“For 68 years, Sta. Teresita Parish has stood as a pillar of faith, hope, and service in Malibcong, Abra. This milestone is not just a celebration of the parish's foundation, but of the steadfast devotion of every parishioner who continues to live out the teachings of St. Therese of the Child Jesus,” he added.

Kitongan then expressed hope that the celebration would continue to strengthen families and the wider community as they enter another month with renewed faith and gratitude.

“May this feast day bring renewed strength, unity, and blessings to all families as we welcome the month of October,” he said.