Singapore – A delegation from the Claretian Missionaries’ Solidarity Mission (SoMi) Team of the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province recently concluded an immersive mission encounter in Singapore, partnering with the renowned soup kitchen, Willing Hearts. The visit, which took place from June 18 to 22, 2025, was organized by Fr. Arnold Abelardo, CMF, head of Ako Ang Saklay Inc., and aimed to foster solidarity and understanding of social outreach in the region. It proved to be a profound experience for the Philippine-based team.
The SoMi team was led by Fr. Arvin Bellen, CMF, the Prefect of Apostolate, and included Bro. Joseph Roy Villarin, CMF, the Mission Procurator; Fr. Arnold Abelardo, CMF, JPIC Coordinator; and Ms. Hiyas Alipustain of the Mission Procure Office. Staff from the Ako Ang Saklay Foundation, a mission partner of Willing Hearts, also participated in the immersion.
The highlight of the mission was the team’s hands-on involvement with Willing Hearts, a leading charity organization in Singapore that prepares and distributes approximately 10,000 free, hot meals daily to the needy and marginalized, including the elderly, low-income families, and migrant workers. The delegation began their days at 5 a.m., working alongside local volunteers in the bustling kitchen to prepare, pack, and distribute the meals.
During their time at Willing Hearts, the SoMi team had an inspiring encounter with its founder, Mr. Tony Tay, a recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award. Mr. Tay shared the humble origins of the organization, which he started in 2003. When asked about the beginnings of his mission, he simply stated,
“I started with my two hands, the rest is God who provides.”
His dedication and the expansive, volunteer-driven operation left a deep impression on the visiting missionaries.
The mission encounter also provided an opportunity for the Claretian team to connect with other key players in Singapore’s social and charitable landscape. They held meetings with representatives from CHARIS (Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore), the overseas humanitarian arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore. Discussions also took place with TRAXX, a payment solutions company that provides support to non-governmental organizations, and a group identified as REN Yİ.
This immersion served to strengthen the relationship between the Claretian Missionaries and their partners, fostering a deeper understanding of the various models of service to the poor and marginalized. The experience is expected to inform and enrich the apostolic and charitable works of the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province and the Ako Ang Saklay Foundation in the Philippines.
