by: SocCom correspondence
Don Bosco Formation Center–Lawaan celebrated a milestone on January 31, 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of its foundation.
A series of novenas and activities preceded the event to hype the anticipation— motorcade, movie night, zumba dance, youth night, sports fest, exhibits, among many others. One highlight was the Alumni Homecoming held on January 25th. It was a unique gathering as, for the first time, it brought together all alumni groups from the past 50 years. Since its inception, DBFC has grown from being a simple high school seminary and weekend oratory to an established college department and a short-term catechetical program serving lay catechists from all over the region. The alumni from these different groups met and celebrated as one, forming the unified alumni association of DBFC.
In his homily, Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, former Rector of DBFC, highlighted the important role of the alumni in society: “God chooses the good to become priests. He chooses the best to be sent to the world.” His words were a testament to the dignity and responsibility of DBFC’s alumni, the majority of whom are lay faithful. Bishop Pat encouraged each alumnus to be a missionary wherever they are sent—a nod to DBFC’s original name: Don Bosco Missionary Seminary.
On January 31, the Solemnity of St. John Bosco, DBFC’s 50th anniversary celebration reached its summit. The day began with a traditional dawn procession. During the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Amelito Racelis, SDB, Provincial Superior of the Philippines South Province, the Shrine of St. John Bosco the Dreamer chapel was filled with members of the Salesian Family from Lawaan and neighboring Salesian settings. Fr. Mel expressed his gratitude to everyone who made DBFC’s 50 years of mission possible. He recalled the tireless foundational work of past Salesians and lay mission partners, five of whom were in attendance. He recounted DBFC’s unexpected growth from a simple seminary to a formation center serving the East Asia–Oceania Region, and he challenged everyone to look forward with hope to the next 50 years.
The cultural night capped the 50th-anniversary celebration. It was a fellowship of great magnitude, both in attendance and significance. The evening was filled with thanksgiving and nostalgia, as different presentations stirred different emotions.
DBFC’s 50th anniversary was a celebration not only for the community of Lawaan but also for the FIS Province and the EAO Region. DBFC has left a lasting mark on countless lives, and it will continue to echo its marching song into the future: Ecce ego, mitte me! — Here I am, send me!
