The Delegation of the Philippines

 During its working session on December 7, 2008, the Superior General in council, after having consulted with all the entities concerned, decided to place the delegation of the Philippines under the auspices of the Federation of the three provinces of the United States.  This decision becomes effective as of May 1, 2008.

 Five principal reasons motivated this transfer: it is a way of facilitating communications through the common usage of English in both the Philippines and the United States; the delegation was already part of the English language conference; the similarities between the educational structures of the delegation and of the US provinces is even more important; the delegate has, in the past, participated in several meetings organized by the federation of the US provinces; the Province of Canada is also responsible for the delegation of Central Africa.

 According to the Rule of Life, a delegation must have a canonical link to a single province; that is why, even if the delegation of the Philippines continues its existence under the auspices of the federation, the Superior General in Council has chosen the Province of New York to ensure such a link.  As such, all the canonical decisions that could be taken by the federation will have to be confirmed by the New York provincial, alone or in council. By way of example, the federation, following a consultation, has named the council of the delegation and the Provincial in Council of the New York province has confirmed that nomination during a meeting which was held on February 12, 2007.  That is how Brother Ellaquim Sosmeña was named the delegate of the Provincial and Brothers Edgardo Escuril and Jose Godofredo Sapigao were named as the first and second councilors of the delegation.

 In conformity with Appendix A3 of the Rule of Life, this new council will be invested with authority through a delegation of powers that will enable it to assume its responsibilities.  Moreover, this council will be in place until June 30, 2009, the date at which the current administration of the New York province will end its term.

 The coming May 1^st constitutes a new beginning for the delegation.  All the Institute hopes that it continues its pilgrimage with hope and prays that the Lord will accompany them with his grace and light.  We express our gratitude to those who have built up this part of the Institute.  We extend our best wishes to those who now take up the task: the brothers of the delegation, its council, the Province of New York and the Federation of the three US provinces.

April, 23,  2008

lien