Sundays at SMDP are peaceful. The main event is Mass at 10 am which attracts visitors from near and far. The church is full. 104 orphans sit on the first six front benches, the 46 girls to the right, the 58 boys to the left. Father Boyet, Founder and Dean of SMDP, talks about Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit descendet on the Apostles and Mother Marie. After Mass, we walk under the trees to the Tilapi fish ponds. Mother Mirna, one of SMDP's educators, pointed out that there are 40'000 fish in the pools. They will be harvested next week and sold. The revenue helps to support SMDP's daily operations. Modern fish farming is also one of the disciplines in the Agri-Curriculum that SMDP adopted three years ago.One of the many fish ponds at SMDP. Most of them are below the children's villas

Since last year, Japan allows guest workers from the Philippines to work in the agriculture and health care sector. With their training, our graduates qualify for skilled workers' visas provided they have a basic understanding of Japanese and passed the N-5 language exam. SMDP and Japan have a long-standing relationship. Representatives of the Japanese Embassy attended the inauguration of SMDP's first cottage in November 2006.From right to left, Father Boyet, Chairwoman Lizelle Salvador and the No 3 of the Japanese Embassy toast on the first building in Bustos, Bulacan

SMDP has now opened two Japanese language centers for our orphans. Their progress is good and they are expected to pass the N-5 exame sometimes in 2025. The opportunity for working abroad for SMDP's 30 High School and College Students has become real.16 Years old Mary Grace, a 2nd Year High School Student, welcomes the Visitors at SMDO

A similar cooperation with the Shangri-La group in Hong Kong is currently being discussed. They expressed an interest to take up to ten students per year. With salaries in the range of PhP 60'000 - 70'000 (USD 1'200 - 1'400) both opportunities are attractive. A junior accoutant in Manila makes about PhP 50k per months. The young graduates will have to commit to between four to five years abroad and can then return with significant savings.The JDVSF Road sign planted 18 years ago at the opening of the first cottage is by chance directed towards Japan