Justice, Peace and Care of Creation

2008-08-27T13:15:00.007+08:00

JPCC Commission gives seminar in Iloilo City regarding Trafficking of Women

2007-10-09T04:19:00.001+08:00

Pakistan and Women's rights

2007-10-09T04:15:00.000+08:00

Subject: Pakistan and Women's rights
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:55:36 -0400
From: pleblancop@aol.com

Greetings:

 

Title: Shadow report presented to the UN Committee on the Elimination

of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) at the United Nations in New

York

 

Pakistan acceded to the UN Convention on the Elimination of

Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1996. Ten years overdue, the

government of Pakistan presented its first report to the committee in

May 2007.

 

A group of over sixty NGOs from Pakistan, with the support of Justice

and Peace Netherlands, CMC Mensen Mensen met een Missie, and ICCO &

Kerk in Actie, took the initiative to write an NGO report (shadow

report) to raise the most important women’s rights violations and

issues in Pakistan that were not fully tackled in Pakistan’s

government’s report. They presented their report to the committee the

day before the government of Pakistan presented its official report.

Besides specific recommendations, the organizations endorsing this NGO

report urged the government of Pakistan to ratify the optional protocol

to CEDAW and to withdraw the limiting declaration that was made upon

accession to the CEDAW convention. The shadow report was originally an

initiative of the Pakistan Support Group in Geneva of which Pakistani

and other NGOs are members, including Dominicans for Justice and Peace

and Franciscans International.

 

In their concluding comments, the experts of the UN Committee on the

Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) presented strong

recommendations to the government of Pakistan. Women’s rights have to

become a priority in Pakistan. The Committee expects the

recommendations to be implemented before Pakistan’s next report, which

is due in 2009.

 

See attached text.

 

Philippe LeBlanc, OP

STATEMENT AGAINST CONVENING OF CON ASS

2006-12-09T14:59:00.000+08:00

Here is the complete statement of the Association of the Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines and partners regarding the issue of Lower House of Representatives convening itself into a Constitutional Assembly (Con Ass)

STATEMENT AGAINST CONVENING OF CON ASS

“Make fair judgment your concern, act with justice
for soon my salvation will come
and my saving justice be manifest…” ( Isaiah 56:1)

A travesty of democratic processes was committed in the early hours of Thursday , December 7, 2006, by so-called representatives of the people. Like a thief in the night it robbed us of our rights, of an election and of a constitution.

Are we now to believe that the men and women of the House of Representatives had the people’s best interests in mind when they voted to convene themselves into a Constituent Assembly?

Are we now to believe that it is perfectly all right to convene a Constituent Assembly by only one House of Congress and then bully and terrorize the Senate to submit to its immoral act?

Are we now to believe that these recent robbery will lead us to peace and development? Are we now to believe that political dynasties and the system of patronage will be eradicated by a shift to a parliamentary form of government?

We believe not.

The means and methods being undertaken by these so-called people’s representatives will lead to greater instability and a tighter grip on the reins of power. It seems to us that this obsession for power is at the root of this immoral move to revise the constitution.

The undue haste to revise the constitution even by immoral means is an abominable act. First they tried it through a bogus people’s initiative and the Supreme Court struck this down. And now they wish to ram down our throats a Constituent Assembly that will revise or amend the constitution and prolong their term of office. The audacity is mind-boggling but the intention is crystal clear – to perpetuate themselves in power.

Is this the renewal of politics that our bishops have consistently called for?
Is this the way to our people’s redemption from poverty and dehumanization?

This obstinate greed and lust for power and wealth will lead this nation and people to ruin.

Therefore, we call on the House of Representatives:
to abandon this ill-conceived Constituent Assembly
to focus instead, by deed and concrete acts, on restoring the people’s faith in our democratic institutions.
to heed their conscience in upholding truth and justice
to practice seriously love of neighbor more than love for oneself.
to be faithful to the covenant that they be servants of the people and not their tyrants.

The AMRSP and its Mission Partners will stand its ground and oppose this Constituent Assembly as we join our Bishops in their call for “widespread participation, total transparency and rationality that allows for objective discussion and debate” in a just Charter Change.

We, therefore, call on our member-congregations to discuss and reflect upon these dire developments and together, let us besiege heaven with supplications on behalf of our land and our people and let us pour out into the streets in our numbers to stand up for this.

December 7, 2006
AMRSP
and
AMRSP Mission Partners
Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP)
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP)
Task Force Orientation of Church Personnel (TFOCP)
Task Force on Urban Conscientization (TFUC)
Urban Missionaries (UM)
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPICC)
Women and Gender Commission (WGC)

JPCC Conference in Pictures

2006-11-03T17:12:00.000+08:00

On top, Fr.Lohale Prakash,OP, the general promoter of OPJPCC, delivers his welcome remark and talk on the current concern of JPCC. (Second picture) the participants posed with the Bishop of Kaoshiung.

As part of the welcome party, some participants excitingly tried the bamboo dance to the delight of everybody!

At left, a discussion on Buddhism's concept of Justice and Peace.

JPCC Conference On Migration, Trafficking and JP Spirituality

2006-11-02T23:12:00.000+08:00

Dominican Family Asia Pacific Justice, Peace and Care of Creation Conference

CONFERENCE STATEMENT

Context:
Fifty delegates of the Dominican Family representing 11 countries throughout the Asia Pacific region gathered at St Dominic’s High School, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for the Seventh Asia Pacific Justice, Peace and Care of Creation Conference, 16 – 20 October 2006. The Socius for Asia Pacific, the International Co- Promoter for Justice, Peace and Care of Creation, the Asia Pacific coordinator for Dominican Sisters International and the Dominican Leadership Conference UN representative were also present. We wish to thank the Dominican Family of Taiwan for their gracious and generous hospitality.

The three-fold conference theme included Migration, Trafficking and Justice and Peace Spirituality. Resource persons provided in-depth knowledge of their respective topics, many reporting graphic and heart-rending accounts of their ministry, particularly concerning Migrants on the Move, and Trafficking. Exposure visits to organizations associated with migrant and trafficking issues were insightful. Justice and Peace spirituality within the major religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity) provided new and deeper understandings for the participants.

Declaration:

We, the Dominican Family Justice, Peace and Care of Creation delegates within the Asia Pacific region, having reflected deeply on the themes of Migration, Trafficking, and Justice and Peace Spirituality, declare the following:

We affirm the loving care and efforts of those sisters and brothers whose ministries are currently addressing issues associated with Migrants, Refugees, and Trafficking in the Asia Pacific region.

We condemn all forms of human rights violations, particularly human trafficking, and all forms of abuse and unequal treatment of women in the church and society. We especially condemn the abuse and commodification of women and girls for sexual and labour purposes.

We stand in solidarity with the victims of human rights abuses, especially migrants and refugees and their families, and pledge our supports as they act to regain human dignity.

We strongly encourage support of organizations working with victims of human rights abuses, especially migrants and trafficked people.

We alert our congregations, provinces and communities to human rights abuses in their own country, and urge appropriate actions to eliminate the underlying causes of such abuse.

We recognize that in a spirituality of justice “prayer and action for justice, contemplation and social transformation are all integral dimensions of Christian spirituality. Justice perfectly finds its place as an integral element of a holistic Christian spirituality.” (Conference Address by Quirico Pedregosa, Jr, OP)

We pledge our support for continuing interfaith dialogue and collaboration in joint actions of justice.

It will be important to network and collaborate among the Dominican Family in the Asia Pacific region wherever this would be mutually helpful to fulfill the declared actions. Dated: 20th October 2006

Extra Judicial Killings

2006-10-03T21:51:00.000+08:00

Dominican Province of the Philippines

Bahay Dominiko

8 Biak-na-Bato Street, Sta. Mesa Heights

1114 Quezon City, Philippines

Statement

We, Friars Preachers of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, express great alarm at the recent upsurge in extra-judicial killings, especially at the July 31, 2006 cold-blooded murder of REI MON GURAN, a promising young student of one of our educational institutions, the Aquinas University of Legaspi City.

One with the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools, we condemn these heinous crimes. We appeal to the voice of conscience and the sworn duty and plead that they protect the citizens, safeguard their well-being, and uphold the rule of law at all times.

We urge the law enforcers to relentlessly pursue the perpetrators of lawlessness and bring them to justice. And we warn those responsible for trampling on the human rights of helpless civilians, of the inescapable retribution of Divine Justice.

Lastly, we ask our fellow Filipinos who share the same aspiration for a peaceful, just and humane society to join us in the crusade against all forms of violence and inhumanity.

(Signed) Rev. Fr. Allan V. Lopez, OP
Provincial Promoter
Commission of Justice, Peace and Care of Creation

(Signed) Rev. Fr. Edmund C. Nantes, OP
Prior Provincial

Year of Social Concerns

2006-09-10T20:34:00.000+08:00

Bishop Deo answers questions on the issue of impeachment. At left, Sis. Sofie,op delivers the closing remark.
Fr.Allan,op delivers his talk and reflections on the Social Encyclicals of the Church as applied to the current social issues of the Philippines. Three hundred ninety three participants composed of faculty members, staff and administrators of Kalookan Diocese Schools Association attended.

Fr.Jerome, the KADSA superintendent, delivers the opening remark for the symposium on Social Issues last August 7, 2006.

This story inspires me!

2006-09-03T23:50:00.000+08:00

This true to life story never fails to give hope! It is simply amazing and worth sharing.

An Englishman's faith
DF Issue No. 29 April 05

These days, it’s so fashionable to give in to the belief that the Philippines is hopeless, that it’s catch as catch can and the devil take the hindmost.

But every once in a while, a story comes along that stands out because it highlights the best in every Filipino — the traits that we sometimes forget we have and that others have to see in us before we even remember that they exist.

Then, you realize that we’re only hopeless if we think we are. And that we can actually do something to improve the lives of the people around us if we set our minds to it.

Many people have heard of the story of Dylan Wilk, the rich young Englishman who started a life of improving the plight of poor, homeless Filipinos by selling his BMW to build cheap houses for 80 families. But few people really know what led Wilk to do what he did two years ago.

Now Wilk has settled in Manila, where he has become one of the most prominent endorsers of everything good in the Pinoy. He was interviewed by Bo Sanchez for Kerygma magazine, the alternative Christian glossy, which is published by Shepherd’s Voice.

Nowadays, when every politician seems to be talking about how to save the poor and the country without really doing anything, it’s nice to here from someone who has actually dedicated his life to doing just that — one household at a time.

*****
Dylan Wilk was born to a poor family. But at the young age of 20, he started a computer games company that made him a millionaire. Soon, Dylan operated in nine countries and ran his own TV channel. Then at the age of 25, Dylan sold his company for multimillion British pounds. He became the ninth richest person in the Great Britain under the age of 30.

But one night, while lying in bed, he was distressed by a nagging question that wouldn’t let him sleep. “God, why am I rich?”

He asked if there was a reason for his immense wealth. Ironically, he also felt terribly empty inside. This, despite his ability to have any kind of pleasure he wanted. He had just bought himself a brand-new Ferrari and took one holiday after another. But he was discovering that pleasure was like fire... it constantly needed more fuel to keep it going. And he realized he would never be happy in the path he was taking.

One day, a Filipina friend visited him. She said she felt guilty going there because her plane fare could have built two homes for the poor. That made Dylan pause. How can you build two houses for that measly amount? He decided to investigate.

In January 2003, he visited the Philippines. And for three hours, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Director Tony Meloto brought Dylan to different GK villages for the poor. With his own eyes, he saw something that would change his life forever...

Bo: What did you see on that day?

Dylan: I saw hope. More than newly built houses, I saw transformed lives. We were entering rather dangerous slums, breeding ground for thieves and kidnappers... yet in the middle of that was an oasis... the Gawad Kalinga village. I saw people smiling, men working, children laughing... I’ve seen many other projects in South East Asia and across the world. And I’ve never seen anything like GK. This was different. This really worked!

Bo: So what did you do after your trip?

Dylan: I went back to England. I saw my BMW parked in the garage and realized I could build 80 homes with it... and affect the lives of 600 people. I saw the faces of the children I could help. I called up Tony Meloto and told him I was thinking of donating $100,000 to Gawad Kalinga and asked him if that was okay...

Bo: What did Tony say?

Dylan: He said, “No, I don’t want your money.”

Bo: Only Tony can say something like that. (Laughs.)

Dylan: He said if I was really serious in working for the poor, I should go back to the Philippines. So two months later, I sold my BMW and flew back to Manila. And in June of that year, I made a decision to stay in the Philippines and work for GK for seven more years.

Bo: Wow.

Dylan: I’ve decided to invest in the poor of the Philippines. Not in stocks or bonds. If I can help in uplifting the poor of this country, I can say that I spent my life well.

Bo: I presume your family wasn’t too crazy about that decision.

Dylan: No! They thought I was brainwashed by a religious cult! (Laughs.) So my mother came and spied on me. But she was soon convinced of the beautiful work we were doing and went back home and told my sister about it. And my sister said, “Oh no, they brainwashed you too!” (Laughs.) But today, all of them support what I do.

Bo: You’ve made a decision to give up your wealth for the Filipino poor.

Dylan: I don’t see it as a sacrifice. When you give charity out of pity, you feel pain parting with your money. But when you give charity because you love, you don’t feel that pain. You only feel the joy of giving to someone you love. That’s what I feel.

Bo: I hear you built an entire village for GK in Bulacan.

Dylan: I don’t see it as my village. I just provided the materials. Architects, engineers, volunteers gave their labor. Together, we built 63 houses for the poor.

Bo: Amazing. What else do you do?

Dylan: I go around the world telling everyone that Filipinos are heroic. Because I work with them every day... the volunteers of GK.

Bo: What do you see in the Filipino that we take for granted?

Dylan : You’re hardworking. You’re always laughing, always eating, always singing. Even in your problems. You’re loyal. And honest. Sure, there are exceptions, but generally, that’s been my experience. And you have the bayanihan spirit. The pyramids of Egypt are beautiful but they were built by slavery. GK villages are more beautiful because they’re made through the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino. It’s especially this bayanihan and love of family and community that makes the Filipino more valuable than gold. If you take a golden nugget and kick it on the floor for 400 years, afterwards you won’t be able to see much gold, just mud. This was what happened to the Filipino... for 400 years you were slaves and then you suffered under dictatorship and corruption. This is where the crab mentality came from; I don’t think it’s a natural Filipino quality because every day I see the gold under the surface of ordinary Filipinos. If we wipe away the mud by bringing hope and being brothers to one another in bayanihan, the gold will shine through and the world will see it.

Bo: Let me get personal here. I hear that you don’t only love the Filipinos, but you’ve fallen for a particular Filipina.

Dylan: (Smiles.) Two months ago, I married Anna Meloto, the eldest daughter of Tony Meloto. She grew up with the GK work, so we’re totally one in our mission. And yes, I’ll be having Filipino children. The best way I can secure a future for my kids is to continue to help raise this country from poverty. Instead of building high walls in an exclusive subdivision to protect us from thieves and kidnappers, I will go to the breeding ground of thieves and kidnappers and help transform their lives.

Bo: Thank you for this interview. You don’t know how much you inspired me.

Dylan: Thank you for being our partner in GK. I read Kerygma every month and I’m happy to see GK stories in every issue.

Bo: It’s our immense privilege to tell the world about it and ask others to join the miracle.

Dylan: To me, GK isn’t just Gawad Kalinga. It is a part of “God’s Kingdom” in this world. Thank you.

*****

Re-printed with permission from Jojo Robles. First printed in the Feb. 02, 2005 issue of Manila Standard.

The Law that Favors the Poor

2006-09-01T23:01:00.000+08:00

Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 (Republic Act 7279) was signed into law by the then President Corazon C. Aquino on 24 March 1992. Four days later, the complete text of which was published simultaneously in two news broadsheets: Malaya and Manila Chronicle. UDHA became effective on 29 March 1992, and since then, the issue on housing for the poor was never the same again.

The said law, on one hand, fosters people’s participation in the so-called “urban development process.” For instance, it gives reason for the urban poor and homeless citizens to get involved in housing and resettlement issues. Why? Because the law simply guarantees security of land tenure for the socialized housing beneficiaries. Decent shelter is what UDHA hopes to provide among the underprivileged.

On the other hand, UDHA recognizes the important role of all local government units as implementors of socialized housing program. This is decentralization of power at its best. In other words, the LGUs will spell the success of the program depending on how they manage important details on social housing, livelihood programs, transport system, ecology, population, among others.

Besides, UDHA draws the private sector (i.e. developers) to participate in national shelter program by tapping its financial resources in exchange for several interesting incentives. Incentives range from simplification of requirements for developers to exemptions from several taxes. UDHA requires developers of proposed subdivision projects to set aside 20 percent of the total subdivision area for socialized housing.

The said law also acknowledges the participation of several government agencies, like National Housing Authority, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board; Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council; National Mapping Resource Information Authority; Land Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; National Statistics Office; Department of Finance; Department of Trade and Industry; Department of Transportation and Communications; Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor; Philippine National Police; and others.

UDHA was originally written in English when both House Bill No. 34310 and Senate Bill No. 234 were consolidated into a law. No official Filipino translation of the law was released by the administration. But in this reference compilation, a Filipino translation written by Bobby Yatco is included. It is hoped that by doing so, the readers would somehow grasp salient provisions of the law. If by chance the translation inadvertently creates misunderstanding or doubt on the meaning of the text, the readers are advised to consult the English version. The UDHA English version’s original meaning shall prevail.

To paraphrase Article 3, Chapter 1 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, ignorance of UDHA exempts no one from following it. Read, therefore, and be armed.

(From Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies, Inc.)

Millennium Development Goals and human rights standards

2006-08-29T15:24:00.000+08:00

United Nations: Human Rights Commission
Millennium Development Goals and human rights standards *

Millennium Development Goal
Key Related Human Rights Standards

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 25(1); ICESCR article 11

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education

Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 25(1); ICESCR articles 13 and 14; CRC article 28(1)(a); CEDAW article 10; CERD article 5(e)(v)

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 2; CEDAW; ICESCR article 3; CRC article 2

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 25; CRC articles 6, 24(2)(a); ICESCR article 12(2)(a)

Goal 5: Improve maternal health

Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 25; CEDAW articles 10(h), 11(f), 12, 14(b); ICESCR article 12; CRC article 24(2)(d); CERD article 5(e)(iv)

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 25; ICESCR article 12, CRC article 24; CEDAW article 12; CERD article 5(e)(iv)

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 25(1); ICESCR articles 11(1) and 12; CEDAW article 14(2)(h); CRC article 24; CERD article 5(e)(iii)

Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development

Charter articles 1(3), 55 and 56; Universal Declaration of Human Rights articles 22 and 28;

ICESCR articles 2(1), 11(1) , 15(4), 22 and 23; CRC articles 4, 24(4) and 28(3)
* ICESCR (International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights)ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights)CERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination)CEDAW (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child)

The Making of JPCC Center

2006-08-28T16:59:00.000+08:00

view of the on going church construction from the JPCC center

De las Casas Conference

2005-12-12T13:45:00.000+08:00

Issue of Megaflood Control in Kamanava Area: Letter of Concern

2005-12-11T13:37:00.000+08:00

Flooding is one of the major problems of the area of Kalookan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. To address this problem, the Philippine government initiated a project called megaflood control with funds mainly coming from Japan. However, geologists from the University of the Philippines have discovered flaws in its structural design. If constructed under the current plan with these flaws, it is feasible that the protection of the area from flooding may be severely undermined. JPCC shares the concerns of the scientists for the welfare of the people and thus will send a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. The following is the full text of the letter:

12 December 2005

Hon. Hermogenes Ebdane
Secretary Department of Public Works and Highways, Manila

Attention: Asst. Director Gil Reyes
Bureau of Design

Dear Secretary Ebdane: The undersigned would like to bring to your attention the hearings held at the House of Representatives regarding the clamor of the residents in cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela for the thorough review of the on-going flood control project in their area known as the Kamanava Area Flood Control and Drainage System Improvement Project. We are quiet concerned that no one from the central office, specifically from the office of the Bureau of Design, participated during the hearings.

Although the congressional inquiry is due to be resolved soon, allow us to communicate to you our reservations on the project. Based on the study conducted by the University of the Philippines –National Institute of Geological Sciences {UP-NIGS} on flooding in the North Manila Bay Area, we regret that the following factors were not considered when the flood control project was being designed:

· While land subsidence was recognized in the plan, it only assumes a few millimeters of subsidence per year from 1990 to the next few ten of years. Changes in flood elevations due to high tide, with no rainfall, indicate subsidence rates exceeding 10cm/year in several locations in the project area since 1991;

· In planning the structures that will be built, it was assumed that there is an equal rate of subsidence across the project area when such is not the case;

· Elevation of tides during storms and generation of storm waves were not considered in the design. Tides can be elevated by more than 80% during storms. In addition, storm waves that can be generated in Manila Bay can exceed 3 meters. The waves and elevated tides can easily overtop the polder dikes whose designed elevation is only at 2.43 meters above mean sea level.

Furthermore, prolonged elevated tides during storms may prevent the pumping of floodwaters;
At this juncture, please be reminded that in the New Orleans experience in the United States, it was the storm surges which caused the devastation. It is worthy to point out that not even the massive concrete dike was able to protect the people. Worst, it made them complacent which aggravated damage and death that be fell the people of New Orleans

The project lacks precise topographic information necessary in deciding the elevation of flood control structures to be emplaced. The project’s topographic map datum is based on the 1970 to 1988 tide data, which was not corrected for subsidence. From 1970 to 1988, subsidence of at least 25 cm is indicated by the South Harbor tide gage data. Placement of pumps and the height of the river dikes require precise elevations referenced to mean sea level and predicted tide levels during storms;

· The strength of the proposed structures, specifically the polder and regulation dikes, which will be constructed using only compacted earth, is highly doubtful;

· The regulation ponds will not be of much help in abetting floods. Water that can be safely contained by the ponds is only 102,050 cu. Meters. This can be pumped out by a 6.24 m3/s pump, in only 4 ½ hours, however, being in a highly populated area, this volume, if released suddenly, can lead to deaths and damage of properties. Ms. Carla Bartolo asserted that the ponds are not deep enough to cause harm. This is a very misleading statement. The volume of the water is the issue here since we are talking of a very big area where the water will be stored. It must also be stressed that there are four ponds which will be constructed and they are located side by side to each other right in the middle of business and residential areas. These are serious points to consider and, up to this day, the office of Ms. Bartolo as well as the consultants on the project have failed to sufficiently address these issues. They have repeatedly alleged that the studies were conducted prior to project design. The location, size and shape of the regulation ponds are constantly being revised. The plan being implemented situates the regulation ponds in the middle of a populated area, and will displace established industries. The Japanese consultants as well as the DPWH claim that the regulation ponds will be located in an open space, largely composed of fishponds. An ocular inspection of the area where the regulation ponds will be constructed {there are 4 of them} will show that they are business establishments and residential areas – a far cry from what they call “open space”. As explained by DPWH, inclusion of regulation ponds is for purely economic reasons. However, the regulation ponds will lead to displacement of industries and put communities in harm’s way as relocation is only for those residents living where the ponds will be constructed.

We would like to make it clear that we are not against the project. What we want to reconsider are the regulation ponds and the polder dikes for the reasons stated above. In the original design, there were ONLY pumps and no regulation ponds. The inclusion of the ponds came in later when your office realized that the funds were not enough for the project. If you will recognize the UP study and scrap the polder dike, there will be more than enough funds to purchase the pumps since savings will be generated from the construction of the polder dike as well as the relocation of the families in the areas where the dikes and the ponds will be constructed.

We urgently appeal to your good office. Please direct your staff to review the design of the entire project and take into consideration the findings of the UP-NIGS and the welfare of the CAMANAVA residents. This is a loan and it will be paid by Filipinos, where the majority are already suffering from abject poverty. We treasure each and every cent that will be made available to us. Last August 2004 when barely 20% of the project had been completed a part of the polder dike had already collapsed. There are so many lessons to learn from the Louisiana experience. As if that was not enough, we were again warned when right here, at Calapan, Mindoro, the earth dike also collapsed. How we wish your Bureau of Design people were there in Congress to witness the UP presentation. Very vivid in our minds was how dikes prevent the flow of water back to sea after heavy rains. It is not too late to review the project again. It is not too late to listen to the findings of the UP scientists. It is not too late to consider the welfare of the people living in the area.In view of this, the undersigned respectfully request that the polder dike and the regulation ponds be scrapped from the flood control plan for the benefit of the people of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.

Thank you very much and we look forward to your favorable reply to our appeal. Respectfully yours

FR. ALLAN LOPEZ, OP

Chairman- Urban Poor Ministry Diocese of Kalookan

Carina Agarao

Center for Community Advancement

Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez Jr. D.D.
Bishop – Diocese of Kalookan

Report of De Las Casas conference 2005

2005-12-05T20:37:00.000+08:00

The following article will be published in the December issue of the PhilDom (Philippine Dominican Province) newsletter.

OP Justice, Peace and Care of Creation Commission

Two Hundred participants attended the De Las Casas Conference on Justice, Peace and Care of Creation 2005 in Aquinas School, San Juan M.M. last November 19, 2005. The aim of the conference is to inform participants of contemporary J&P issues in the Philippines and inspire them to take action at the local level. The participants are all members of the Dominican Family which is comprised of Priests, Brothers, Nuns, Sisters and Lay Dominicans.

Mr. Edmund Ruga from the CBCP Commission on Migrant and Itinerant People presented migration as an emerging social issues that needs to be addressed by the church. He challenges the participants to be involved in Church Response and Intervention regarding the issues of migrants. Mrs. Cecilia Oebanda, the resource speaker from the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., passionately shared her experiences on issues concerning the trafficking of women and children. Discussion focuses on 1.) The Empowerment for Domestic Helper, 2. ) Protection and Justice for Victims of Trafficking, and 3.) Sustainable Development for Migrant Working Children and their Families. Deacon Mario Van Loon inspired the congregation with his simple and even graphic yet profound approach to Justice and Peace Spirituality. What he says resound deeply with our experiences in promoting justice and peace that makes us humbly say yes for the promotion of JPCC. This is evident from the reactions and resolve of the participants. What’s next? The OP family JPCC promoters resolve to find ways to re-echo and put into action the realizations from the De Las Casas Conference 2005 in the parish, school and convent level. Thank you very much for your unwavering support. More power to OPJPCC Commission.

In Christ through Mary,

JPCC

Action: Letter of concern sent to Pakistani President

2005-12-05T20:15:00.000+08:00

Following the recent violent attacks on Christian churches in Lahore diocese, Pakistan, JPCC sent a letter to the General Pervez Musharaf, the President Pakistan Secretariat. This was done by the request of the general promoters of JPCC in the Order or Preachers, based in Rome: Fr Prakash Lohale OP and Sr. Marie Therese Perdriault OP who were the signatries. The letter expresses the concern felt by the Order of Preachers over the desecration and destruction of churches and Christian property after blasphemy allegations at Sangla Hills.

The following is the full text of the letter:

November 22 UA05/01

Desecration and destruction of Churches and Christian Property after Blasphemy allegation at Sangla Hills in Pakistan

On November 12th, 2005 at about 10:30 in the morning a mob attacked and destroyed three churches (Catholic, Salvation Army, and United Presbyterian), a Sisters' convent, St. Anthony's school building, a girls' hostel and a pastor's house in Sangla Hills, 50 kilometers north of Faisalabad in the Lahore diocese.

The mob estimated at two thousand persons stayed on the venues for over an hour. According to eye witnesses the attackers were brought to the site in buses. About 450 Christian families living in Sangla Hills had left their homes the night before they were threatened by local people and have not yet returned.

The priest's house was fully burnt inside and all the church records were burned or torn up. The convent was attacked and the sisters and hostel girls were locked in one room. Everything in the convent was burnt as was the furniture on the school and hostel. The damage is extensive.

There are many violent incidents taking place one after the other in Pakistan. Some of them such as Shanti Nagar, Muree, Taxela Church Rehim Yar Khan, ldera Justice and Peace Karachi, the Massacre in the Dominican Church in Bahawalpur leave horribly vivid memories. And now the tragic event and burning of the churches, convents, hostels and schools in Sangla Hill!

We as members of Dominican Order, along with all the Dominicans in Pakistan strongly condemn this act of violence in the name of religion. The situation calls for serious action on the part of everybody concerned with well being of the country. We would like to recommend that you write polite letters to express your concern about a proper investigation into this incident and the lack of protection against violence for Christians and minorities in general.

Send letters/emails to:
a. General Pervez Musharraf, President Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 922 4768/ 920 1893 or 1835 Email: CE@pak.gov.pk
b. Solidarity letter to Rev. Fr. Zafar lqbal OP, Vice Provincial zafarop2002@yahoo.com

We strongly recommend that the law of blasphemy be repealed.

We demand a proper investigation of this incident and bring the culprits to justice.

Praying that the Lord may bring about justice.

Sharing with your non Christian friends.

Fr. Prakash Lohale OP Sr. Marie Therese Perdriault OP

Justice and Peace General co-Promoters

As mentioned above General Pervez Musharraf may be contacted at CE@pak.gov.pk and letters of support and encouragement may be sent to Rev. Fr. Zafar lqbal OP at zafarop2002@yahoo.com.

In Christ through Mary,

JPCC

San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish church ministry

2005-11-05T21:32:00.000+08:00

This blog is brought to you by the community of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish in Navotas, Metro Manila. San Lorenzo is the Justice and Peace center of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, co-ordinated by Fr Allan V Lopez: priest-in-charge of the Urban Poor Ministry of the Diocese of Kalookan. The Urban Poor Ministry works to promote and defend the rights of the economically marginalised in the Philippines. Economic and social pressures have caused hundreds of thousands of the working poor to migrate from the provinces to Metro Manila in search of work. Once in the city they cannot afford the high cost of housing there and so are forced to build their own informal settlements. Since unemployment is widespread most of these migrants fail to find work and resort to many desperate measures to feed their large families. Some search garbage tips for recyclable materials which they can sell, others prowl the Navotas fishport for fish that has been fallen to the ground and is considered spoilt while some in their desperation resort to violent crime just to stay alive.

Fr Allan is assisted in his efforts by two full-time lay leaders, namely Linda Arranchado and Mariano de Veyra and other volunteers. Their work is very diverse ranging from simply counseling and consoling right up to helping the poor find a voice through legal representation.

Click the Flickr link to the right to see pictures of the JPCC parish construction and other church activities. These pictures will be added to on a regular basis.

Thank you,

JPCC in Kalookan

Justice, Peace and Care of Creation in Kalookan

2005-07-26T21:56:00.000+08:00

This will be the blog of the Justice, Peace and Care of Creation group in Kalookan diocese, Metro Manila, Philippines. The aim of the blog is to promote the work of JPCC and highlight some insights about the development of this apostolate. The contributors will be consist of various members of the apostolate and the co-ordinating parish priest who is the Justice and Peace promoter for the Dominican order in the Philippines. Check this blog regularly for updates on the work of JPCC.