Santhos Digal

On the tenth anniversary of the tragedy that killed at least 6,300 people, a service was held in their memory in the city of Tacloban, attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Local Catholic women and men were fundamental in rebuilding lives and villages.

In the Philippines, the first of November is called 'Undas', a holiday that gives people the opportunity to reunite their families, living and dead. A tradition shared with Mexico after being brought to both countries by Spanish colonisers

Fewer people died in election-related violence in yesterday's vote. Bishop José Colin Bogaforo commended the way the democratic process was conducted, urging newly elected officials to work for the people they represent. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr posted a video message congratulating the winners.

Br. Nebres, a former lecturer and rector of a university in Manila, continues-despite his age-to help the poor in the southern Philippines, a predominantly Muslim region.

Prisons in the Philippines are among the most overcrowded in the world: on the occasion of Prison Awareness Week, Jesuits involved in the pastoral care of prisoners are calling for restorative programmes and the streamlining of trials.

Illiteracy and drug addiction in the Philippines often go "hand in hand." That's why Divine Word Missionary Fr. Beltran for the past 5 years has started a program that is helping more than 1,000 former drug addicts to graduate from high school and become active members of the community again.

Fr Eugene Vincent de Jesus set up a modern laura in 2021 consecrated to Mary Mediatrix that mixes monastic life and lifestyles in harmony with the environment, working with local farmers.

According to Philippine government estimates, by 2023 the number of migrants working abroad will reach 2 million. The Church remembers their sacrifices and envisages the creation of a personal prelature for their pastoral care in the world. Along with them - on the same Day - attention is also paid to seafarers, whose work for long periods at sea is often forgotten by all.

Pope Francis approved the request by the Philippine Bishops’ Conference to establish this ordained ministry, which was restored by Vatican Council II and is open to married men. It remains, however, marginal in Asia. For theologian Fr Picardal, it is a welcome and much-anticipated change. Now it should be incorporated in all its richness in the Philippine context.

In Pagadian, South Zamboanga province, the foundation promoted by St. Columba missionaries celebrated its anniversary of supporting poor families with children with disabilities. Educational pathways, home care and help with job placement the activities brought forward. But above all, the elimination of prejudice.

Manila-based theologian and executive secretary of the Fabc's Office for Doctrinal Issues was chosen by Pope Francis among the ten Asian non-bishops who will take part in the October assembly. She tells AsiaNews of her impressions of the synodal journey, "It has energized me, because I see the conversion and reshaping of the Church toward a more missionary orientation."

In the large Muslim majority southern island, the Catholic University of Davao is networking with Koranic schools to teach the value of interreligious dialogue right from school. The goal is social peace in one of the highest tension areas of the country.