December 12, 2025. Day 5 in Mindanao, Philippines, Plantation & Crossing SPED Inauguration Ceremony, Friday Dharma Q&A
Hello. Today marks the fifth day of our visit to Mindanao, Philippines. JTS has been building schools every year with the goal of establishing one special education school (SPED) for children with disabilities in each municipality of Mindanao. Today, inauguration ceremonies for special education schools for children with disabilities were held in two locations: Manolo Fortich and Libona municipalities.
After breakfast, Sunim and the JTS delegation departed from their accommodation at 7:30 AM and headed to Manolo Fortich. As the bus departed, Hyanghoon, the Dharma Teacher and Director of JTS Philippines, explained about the special education school being inaugurated today.
“Manolo Fortich municipality, where today’s inauguration ceremony will be held, has been conducting many collaborative projects with JTS and is a local government that has consistently supported JTS. While other places have built one SPED school per municipality, three have been built here so far. As JTS has built special education schools for children with disabilities, children who previously stayed only at home have newly enrolled in school, and the number of children with disabilities in the area has gradually increased. In fact, in the case of Plantation Elementary School, there were 11 children with disabilities before the school was built, but after the new school was built, the number increased to 17.”
After traveling for about 2 hours and 20 minutes, they arrived at Manolo Fortich Plantation Central Elementary School at 9:50 AM. As they got off the bus, students stood in a line at the school gate and greeted them warmly.
“Annyeonghaseyo. Bangapseumnida.(Hello. Welcome.)”
The children greeted them clearly in Korean. After passing through the playground, the newly built special education school (SPED) for children with disabilities came into view on one side of the central elementary school. It was built alongside regular classrooms and arranged so that children with disabilities could naturally interact with others.
Sunim first toured the newly built classroom. Although it was the size of two regular classrooms, it was designed to be used as three rooms. Currently, 17 children with disabilities are studying here, with two teachers assigned.
Upon moving to the event venue, distinguished guests including the Vice Governor of Bukidnon Province, the Mayor of Manolo Fortich, and the Superintendent of Education had arrived and exchanged warm greetings.
Students welcomed the JTS delegation with K-pop songs and dances.
At 10:30 AM, the inauguration ceremony began. Distinguished guests came forward to conduct the ribbon cutting and unveiling ceremony.
“One, two, three”
This is the third special education school inauguration for children with disabilities in Manolo Fortich municipality. This demonstrates the continued trust and cooperation between JTS and the municipality. After completing the unveiling ceremony in front of the school, they moved to the adjacent auditorium to continue the event.
Teachers then sang hymns in sign language, and everyone sang the Philippine and Korean national anthems together.
Next, the Vice Governor of Bukidnon Province gave a welcoming speech, followed by a progress report from Mr. Noh Jae-guk, Representative of JTS Philippines.
“Construction of this school began with a groundbreaking ceremony in February 2025, and through the cooperation and efforts of JTS, the municipal office, and the education office, it was completed safely on schedule. For this project, JTS provided construction materials, while the local government unit (LGU) provided manpower and actively cooperated by continuously managing the construction site.”
Next, a SPED student came to the front of the stage with a teacher and sang a congratulatory song. When the student seemed to forget the lyrics, the teacher whispered them in the student’s ear. Although the pitch and rhythm were off, everyone gave a big round of applause when the student memorized the lyrics and sang to the end.
Next, Sunim presented the completion certificate to the Vice Governor of Bukidnon Province.
Park Gina, JTS Representative, then handed over the keys to the mayor, and Noh Jae-guk, Representative of JTS Philippines, presented clocks for each classroom to the Superintendent of Education of Bukidnon Province.
The school presented plaques of appreciation to JTS and the local government.
Sunim then gave a congratulatory speech.
“I sincerely congratulate you on today’s inauguration ceremony of the SPED school at Manolo Fortich Plantation Central Elementary School. Students, parents, and teachers, are you happy that a new school has been built?”
“YES!”
“The reason this school that brings you such joy could be built is the result of the combined efforts of JTS, which has worked from the perspective that all children born into this world have the right to education, Mayor of Manolo Fortich and municipal officials, and the deep interest of the Superintendent of Education of Bukidnon Province in children’s education.
Originally, JTS aims to build at least one SPED per municipality, but with today’s inauguration, Manolo Fortich has completed its third SPED school. This shows how deeply the Mayor of Manolo Fortich cares about education for children with disabilities. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the Mayor. I would also like to express my gratitude for supporting JTS volunteers in various ways so that JTS can operate in this region.
Every Child’s Learning Is Precious
Parents raising children with disabilities, I know well how difficult it is to care for and educate your children. Even though it is a parent’s responsibility to care for their children, caring for a child with disabilities does indeed involve many difficulties even for parents. That is why the education office must pay special attention to education for children with disabilities, and local government and JTS must also show greater interest. You are not alone – we are all interested in and caring for the children’s education together, so I hope you will have hope and care for your children. According to the religion you believe in, everything that happens in this world is God’s will. Sending these lovely children to you is also God’s will, so I hope you will joyfully accept that will and care for your children with love.
I also had eye surgery recently and had to cover my eyes for several days, which caused many inconveniences in daily life. I needed help from others for all my daily activities. When someone has a disability like this, they need more help from those around them. However, while it may require more effort and support, anyone can learn regardless of their disability. I hope this school becomes a place that helps children overcome their disabilities and live independently.
I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the teachers who guide children with disabilities. While it requires greater effort and patience, teachers will find great joy when they see these children acquire knowledge and manage daily life like other children through this long process. I ask that you continue your dedicated work in the future.”
Parents, teachers, and students responded with loud applause. Afterward, the mayor gave a response to Sunim’s message.
“Since 2007, we have maintained a very precious relationship with JTS. During this time, JTS has supported a total of 21 classrooms in our Manolo Fortich municipality. On behalf of the local government and residents, I would like to express our deep gratitude to the JTS family for your unwavering support over such a long period.
You have been with us quietly and consistently with a spirit of true compassion and service, without seeking recognition or reward. We will never forget this heart. Your warm sharing and belief that ‘all children have the right to better education’ will remain in the hearts of our residents for a long time. Thank you sincerely.”
Next, the Bukidnon Provincial Superintendent of Education gave a response.
“I would like to ask you all one question. Why are the numbers of special education students increasing these days? Actually, the number of students hasn’t suddenly increased. These children were simply invisible to us before. Children who couldn’t come out and were hiding are now finally beginning to emerge into the world. This is because the community has started to change its perspective little by little.
The biggest reason this change was possible is thanks to the beautiful special education classrooms built by JTS. The most beautiful classroom in this school is the special education classroom created by JTS. The Department of Education also wanted to create this change, but it wasn’t easy to do alone due to resource limitations. JTS joined us on this journey.
There are 720 schools in Bukidnon Province, but only a few central schools have proper special education environments. Even those were only possible with JTS’s help. However, now these children have the opportunity to live normal lives, to show kindness and compassion to others, and to contribute to society. I deeply thank JTS and the local government for making this dream a reality.”
Responses from local officials continued afterward.
After the congratulatory speeches from the other guests, a commemorative tree planting ceremony was held with the distinguished guests. They wished for the children to grow strong and healthy like the tree planted today.
After planting the tree, Sunim made eye contact with each special school student, shook hands, and distributed snacks.
Finally, everyone took a commemorative photo together. The children shouted their school name with strong voices.
“Thank you, JTS! Plantation!”
After the photo session, everyone shared a lunch carefully prepared by teachers and parents.
After finishing the meal and exchanging farewells, as they boarded the bus, the children followed to the front of the bus, waving their hands in goodbye.
After about 30 minutes by bus, they arrived at Libona Crossing Elementary School at 1 PM. This was the final inauguration ceremony of the visit schedule.
Archbishop Tony from Cagayan de Oro made a special trip to attend this inauguration ceremony. Sunim first sought out the Archbishop to exchange greetings.
“How is your health?”
“Yes, it’s good.”
Sunim presented the Archbishop with an English translation of the book “The Buddha: A True Revolutionary.”
“I recently published a book about the Buddha as a human being. It’s based on the lectures I gave on educational broadcasting.”
“I’ll read it carefully.”
After taking a commemorative photo with the Archbishop, they moved together to the newly built school building.
The Libona Crossing Special Education School for Children with Disabilities was also harmoniously situated within the Central Elementary School alongside regular classrooms. Sunim slowly walked around and examined the classrooms.
“The classrooms are really spacious.”
Two spacious classrooms had been neatly constructed, and each classroom was equipped with dedicated restrooms for children with disabilities.
At 1 o’clock, the ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony began.
“One, two, three!”
Sunim made a request to the Archbishop.
“Please bless this building so that the children can grow up well.”
Archbishop Tony performed a blessing ceremony, sprinkling holy water as he walked around the classrooms. Sunim and the JTS delegation followed the Archbishop and participated in the blessing ceremony together.
After the blessing, they moved to the event venue to officially begin the inauguration ceremony.
First, students came up on stage and sang hymns in sign language.
This was followed by singing the Philippine national anthem and the Korean national anthem together.
Next, there was a progress report by Noh Jae-guk, the representative of JTS Philippines.
“Construction of this school began with the groundbreaking ceremony in February 2025, and thanks to everyone’s cooperation and efforts, it was completed safely on schedule. JTS will continue to work to ensure that children with disabilities are not excluded from basic education. We hope that this Crossing Elementary School SPED Center will greatly help children develop their potential and gain better learning opportunities.”
Next, there were performances by the students. All attendees gave warm applause to the children dancing freely to the music.
Sunim then presented the completion certificate.
Next, Park Gina, the JTS representative, handed over the keys, and Noh Jae-guk, the JTS Philippines representative, presented a clock. The school presented plaques of appreciation to JTS and the local government.
Sunim then gave a congratulatory speech.
“I sincerely congratulate the completion of the Special Education School (SPED) for children with disabilities at Crossing Central Elementary School today. I believe the students, parents, and teachers will be the happiest about the completion of this special education school.
Today is an especially joyful day because Archbishop Tony personally attended and gave his blessing. Despite his advanced age and the long distance from Cagayan de Oro to here, I deeply appreciate that he came in person to celebrate with us. Please give a big round of applause for Archbishop Tony.
Children with physical disabilities face many difficulties in education compared to regular students. In remote areas with poor transportation, even regular students have difficulty receiving education, but children with disabilities are even more likely to be marginalized. That’s why parents of children with disabilities have the greatest concerns. I can imagine how much they must suffer, unable to properly educate their beloved children in such an environment.
Every Child Has the Right to Education
However, parents cannot solve this problem alone. In such cases, not only the parents of children with disabilities but all of us around them must take an interest in ensuring these children receive adequate education. That’s why we have gathered here today.
JTS is working hard to ensure that growing children receive the education they need when they need it. Whether they have physical disabilities or live in remote areas with poor transportation, every child deserves an education. We are particularly concerned about children who face difficulties in receiving education here in Mindanao. The local government and education superintendent here are also providing support for the education of children with disabilities. Currently, each local government unit is establishing schools for special education for children, and it seems that by next year, special schools will be established in all local government units in Bukidnon Province.”
Everyone cheered and applauded after hearing Sunim’s words.
“However, education cannot happen with classrooms alone. First, we need special education teachers who can teach these children. Education and training for teachers must also be provided so they can better teach and care for the children. I hope that not only the education office but also the school principals will pay special attention to this.
And I ask all parents not to keep their children at home but to send them to school, even if it’s a bit difficult. There are many children with disabilities around us who stay at home and cannot go outside. If you discover such children, please persuade their parents well and encourage them to attend school.
Of course, special education is a somewhat difficult process that requires a long time. However, if certain learning is achieved through such a process, they can engage in social activities just like non-disabled people. Our children are gifts that God has given to you. I hope you will care for them with even more love. Thank you.”
Next, the Bukidnon Provincial Superintendent of Education responded to Sunim’s message.
“It has been very meaningful to be able to participate in the inauguration ceremonies over the past four days. Above all, I deeply thank JTS for making all of this possible. I also sincerely express my gratitude to the local government for their active cooperation. And I deeply thank the Archbishop for connecting all of these people to Mindanao.
In the past, children had to stay in poor spaces without lighting or even ventilation. But now the situation has changed. I deeply thank JTS and Venerable Pomnyun Sunim. Thanks to them, special education centers have been established close to each community, allowing parents to send their children to school without having to travel long distances.
These children also have the right to be educated, the right to be loved, and the right to be respected. All they need are slightly different tools and facilities. Once these are in place, these children can also develop their potential, contribute to society, and grow into beings who share gratitude and kindness with others. Thank you once again.”
Next, responses from local government officials and school principal continued.
After the responses were finished, they planted a commemorative tree together, wishing for the children to grow up healthy.
After distributing snacks to the students, finally all the guests, parents, teachers, and students took a group photo together.
“Thank you, JTS! Libona Crossing!”
After the inauguration ceremony ended, they moved to the faculty room and shared the food prepared by the school. Sunim expressed gratitude and encouragement to the education office and county office officials who had worked hard.
Before boarding the bus, Sunim also specially expressed his gratitude to the Bukidnon Provincial Superintendent of Education who had attended all the inauguration ceremonies over the past 5 days.
“Since you have such deep interest in children’s education, JTS will actively support you in the future. Thank you for attending all the inauguration ceremonies.”
As the bus departed, the children waved goodbye until they were out of sight.
During the journey on the bus, Sunim encouraged the JTS volunteers who had worked hard to build 15 schools this year.
“You all really worked hard. Come forward one by one and share your thoughts.”
First, Mr. Noh Jae-guk, the representative of JTS Philippines, shared his thoughts.
“Having just finished all the inauguration ceremonies with the Libona Crossing SPED inauguration ceremony, my heart feels proud. I think we were able to finish the inauguration ceremonies well thanks to the vows of all of you who prayed for us, worried about us, and supported us from unseen places. At every inauguration ceremony, the residents and teachers sincerely gave us food which we enjoyed, but I don’t know how to repay all of that. Sunim quietly watched over me as I ran wild and taught me, so I was able to build schools with a reassured heart.
Next, Dharma Teacher Hyanghoon shared his thoughts.
“At first, it was really difficult. However, after building schools diligently for a full 6 years, I now think it would be okay to continue this work. Thank you for going through all the schedules together without complaining despite the tough itinerary.”
The bus continued climbing up the winding mountain roads.
At 3:30 PM, they arrived at the Mindanao JTS Center, completing all the inauguration ceremony schedules for the 5 days.
After taking a short rest, from 6:30 PM, Sunim conducted a live Friday Dharma Q&A broadcast from the auditorium on the 3rd floor of the JTS Center. In Korean time, it was 7:30 PM. With about 3,500 people connected to the YouTube live broadcast, Sunim gave his greeting.
“I am currently in Mindanao, Philippines. This year, JTS Philippines built a total of 15 schools in Mindanao – 10 indigenous schools and 5 special schools for children with disabilities. Among them, 3 schools had their inauguration ceremonies earlier, and I have been here for the past 4 days, completing ceremonies for 8 schools, 2 per day. The remaining four schools haven’t finished construction yet, so they will be completed in about a month.”
Finding Children in Educational Blind Spots
The main reason we build schools in the Mindanao region of the Philippines is not only because it is economically disadvantaged, but also because indigenous people living in mountainous areas have no educational opportunities due to inconvenient transportation and scattered living in the mountains with small student numbers. So we are building schools with 50 to 100 students in each indigenous mountain village. Also, there are almost no special schools for children with disabilities here. So we continue to build one special school for children with disabilities at the central elementary school in each county.
Through these activities, JTS is realizing the value that ‘all children born into this world have the right to education and should receive education at the right time.’ Initially, the Philippine government and education offices were somewhat negligent in providing educational opportunities to people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in conflict areas who have difficulty accessing education. However, recently their awareness has changed significantly and they are participating very actively. These days, they are working hand in hand with JTS to accomplish many things together. Let me first show you photos of the inauguration ceremonies we held earlier, and then I’ll listen to your stories.”
Sunim shared the journey of the past 5 days briefly while showing photos of the inauguration ceremonies.
Then he had conversations with questioners who had applied for questions in advance. During one hour, four people pressed the hand-raising button and asked Sunim questions. One of them shared their frustration about how their company president easily gets angry, making communication difficult each time and creating repeated tense relationships, asking what they should do.
When the President’s Anger Becomes a Company Risk, What Should I Do?
“Even if our husband gets angry a lot or our son gets angry a lot, it’s difficult for me to do anything about it, right? So how can I do anything about the fact that our company president gets angry a lot? The best way is to quit the company. ‘Will I starve without this company? I don’t want to work under such a person. It’s better to go to another company even if the salary is lower and the work is harder.’ That’s one way to decide.”
Second, if the company is generally good except for the president’s anger, then you have no choice but to endure it. Especially if the salary is good and the working conditions are good. In other words, since the president is the one getting angry, I just don’t make it a problem. Even when he gets angry at me directly, I can think ‘I’ll consider it like being bitten by a mad dog.’ Think ‘Maybe something bad happened at home this morning’ or ‘Maybe he’s under a lot of stress these days’ and let it go. Because while the company has other good conditions, this bad condition comes with it. It’s like when you climb a high mountain – the view is good but the climb is hard. Not all conditions can be good. It would be better if the president didn’t get angry, but everything can’t be perfect. That’s how things are in the world. If this is good, that’s bad; if that’s good, this is bad. So there’s no choice but to endure it.”
“And it’s better not to make an issue of your president getting angry at other people. Just think of it as ‘the wind is blowing’ and let it pass. What can I do about it? Character issues like this generally don’t change easily. Even if someone becomes aware and tries to change, it’s not easy. Do you think it will change just because someone else talks about it? Even presidents of countries sometimes become unhappy by not listening to others and stubbornly doing things their own way. That’s because no matter how much people around them advise, it doesn’t reach their ears. So as long as your president maintains such a high position, there’s no possibility of change through subordinates talking to him. Unless the company fails because of his personality, or he faces some difficulties, or there’s a risk of being fired by someone higher up, he might change a little. But the possibility of change through your talking to him is practically zero. I think you should think this way and just accept it.”
“All decision-making power rests with the president, and since I’m at a branch office, rather than confronting him directly, I’m also enduring it. The president was in Korea, but after his wife passed away, he came to Japan three years ago. Since he doesn’t know how things work here, he gets angry at the employees a lot. The president is in Tokyo and I’m a branch manager in a regional area. Since the president has only been in Japan for three years, there are conflicts in all areas. Since he gets angry at all employees, I need to solve this problem, but I can’t say more than three words in front of the president. Still, I am enduring it for now. When the president starts getting angry, I say ‘yes’ in front of him and bow my head. Then later, I do everything the way I want to. But honestly, as Sunim said, I’m worried the company might fail. It can’t fail. So I want to solve this somehow.”
“Don’t confront him when he’s angry. It’s worth trying to speak quietly to the president sometime when he seems relaxed.
‘President, you often get angry, which makes it difficult to talk to you, and the employees are also uncomfortable. I would appreciate it if you could improve this a little.’
You should try suggesting this once or twice. But if that doesn’t work, there’s nothing you can do.” (Laughter)
“Yes, I understand. Thank you.”
Questions continued one after another.
My American husband feels uncomfortable with Korea’s fast-paced and competitive culture, and these complaints keep coming up in our conversations. How should I respond to respect our cultural differences while not escalating conflicts?
I want economic independence but am dependent on my father due to realistic income limitations, and I also dream of striking it rich through the lottery. If I come into a large sum of money, how should I manage it, and what mindset should a young person have when considering buying their own home?
I cared for my parents-in-law devotedly for a long time, but during the inheritance process, I feel deep resentment and anger due to my eldest sister-in-law’s unilateral actions. Should I take legal action even at the risk of family discord, or would it be better to let go of these feelings?
After receiving questions from four people and having conversations, the live broadcast ended with promises to meet again next week.
After finishing the live broadcast, dinner was served at 7:40 PM. After dinner, a ‘Mindanao Night’ event was held in the front yard of the center.
They lit a bonfire and sat in a circle, solving OX quizzes while reflecting on the past five days. Then each person shared their thoughts and sang songs together.
Finally, they released lanterns into the night sky, hoping that the efforts of JTS volunteers would become a light of peace in Mindanao. At 11 PM, the last night in Mindanao quietly came to an end.
Tomorrow, after completing the morning project evaluation, they will depart from the JTS Center to Cagayan de Oro Airport, and continue with a Dharma Q&A lecture for Korean expatriates in Manila.
