Pierre Samson and his Pearls of Solidarity with the Blaans

Renaude Gregoire & Service d'Animation Missionnaire de la SMÉ
Since 1999, Pierre Samson, P.M.E., has regularly published chronicles about his missionary life in the Philippines. He has been a missionary there since 1970, except for a period when he served as Superior General of the Quebec Foreign Mission Society - SME (1985–1991). Through his Chronicle of a Missionary, we can discover pearls of solidarity with one of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao: the Blaans of Little Baguio. Pierre Samson’s commitment includes many pastoral dimensions, initiatives for the marginalized, and various life events. We encourage you to read his rich and inspiring chronicles published on this website. Selecting a few highlights among so many valuable stories was not easy. Here we feature a few excerpts in his lively style, to illustrate his missionary presence and solidarity with indigenous communities. Pierre Samson relies on the support of family, friends, and benefactors for his various initiatives.

Supporting Families in Need

"Since last January, our visits to families have often made us realize the poor and basic living conditions some endure. To relieve them somewhat, we asked our clinic leaders to identify the 10 poorest families in their community, and we visited them to ensure the choices were accurate. Often, the meager family income is just enough for food, with nothing left for proper clothing or children's education. That’s why we donate the clothes we receive to these families. We will also help cover some educational expenses. What a beautiful project!" – March 2019

Building Water Systems in the Mountains

"With more than 50 water systems built over the years thanks to our benefactors, it’s natural for people to come ask us to help them build a quality potable water system—such a valuable gift considering how vital water is in our lives. We’ve just added another one to our long list..." - March 2019

Water, a Blessing

"If Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, I often share meaningful moments with people around the village water point, where everyone passes by for one reason or another. It shows just how much of a blessing access to clean water is for communities." - March 2019

Walking 18 km 

"You probably know that Jesus spent a lot of time on the road, meeting people, responding to their needs, easing their suffering. Many missionaries still do this today—and I’m one of them. The road I take most often was built in 1981 and has slowly evolved. Before that, I had to walk about 18 kilometers through forest trails to reach Little Baguio’s center." - September 2019

Helping Farmers

"During the year, we built 14 corn grinders in our Little Baguio workshop. I must say, this simple device has been a huge success, greatly easing the work of women who used to grind corn with very primitive tools. Our agriculture program also encourages farmers to grow a local grain called ADLAY, easy to cultivate and once undervalued, but now popular and well-paid." - September 2019

A Machine for Hulling Rice

"Yes, this tool is another kind of machine used to hull lowland and upland rice—and also adlay, that plant I mentioned before. Traditionally, women would spend hours pounding rice. This machine is a real relief. In areas without electricity, a gas-powered engine runs the mill. I found this machine by chance while passing by a Honda motor store in Davao. The owner proudly said they were the only ones with this new model. After testing it in the shop, it proved effective, and I bought four units." - March 2020

Coffee Production

"After launching the adlay production program—now with over 50 hectares—we’re now focusing on quality coffee production that can later sell for a good price. We have two varieties in our region: Robusta, which grows below 800 meters, and Arabica, which prefers higher altitudes. Since our people live at various elevations, everyone could benefit from this project. Despite the pandemic, experienced trainers have come through contacts with government offices and agencies. A group recently spent 3 days guiding on-site learning in small demo plantations. We now have 10 trained instructors across the region helping interested producers. According to our data, around 575 farmers already have coffee trees, many awaiting proper guidance to boost production." - September 2020

Waging War on Malnutrition

"Everyone talks about wars! Instead of asking WHO to destroy, we should ask WHAT we want to eliminate. Many wars—some more deadly than others—are right before our eyes. With the help of generous benefactors, we’re ‘waging war’ on child malnutrition in the remote mountain areas. With the help of the children's mothers who cook, we invite them to eat in our simple ‘cafeterias’!" - September 2024

A Program Bearing Fruit

"TRIBAL FILIPINO APOSTOLATE… a diocesan program started in 1985 to support indigenous communities with health, education, agriculture, and social organization services. I was there from the beginning and joined the team in 1991 until it ended. Forty years later, former leaders organized a reunion under the theme 'OUR CALL, from PAST to PRESENT.' I made a small contribution. It was a moment of remembering but also sharing, where it became clear that commitment to the poor and marginalized is still part of their lives and choices. We heard inspiring testimonies and had the joy of reconnecting with people I hadn’t seen in years. The camaraderie and friendship of the past were alive again during these two days of celebration." - March 2025

We invite you to read Pierre Samson’s chronicles in our Missionary Chronicles section: 

https://smelaval.org/chroniquesmissionnaires.html