Santosh Digal

Created in 2001 to help children and women victims of abuse and violence, the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children works directly in parishes. Over the years, it has helped more than 5,000 children and trained more than 3,000 youths. For Sister Ruth Baguinon, by protecting rights, fullness of life is restored.

The bishop of Kalookan has doubts about the major semiconductor and artificial intelligence project announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Calling for an assessment of the impact on the environment, workers, and the county’s development, he urges decision-makers to subordinate economic interests to the common good.

Hundreds of pastoral workers, brought together by the archdiocese, gathered for the twelfth edition of the national conference on new ways to revitalise the missionary commitment. Fr Laguerda: “The success of proclaiming the Gospel is not measured in numbers, but in the transformation of our relationships”

“Behind the statistics are real persons,” reads a pastoral letter by the Bishops’ Conference. Millions of people in the Philippines carry “unseen burdens”, such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, especially young people. The Church’s response begins with "listening" and "compassionate accompaniment”.

The Bishops’ Assembly has approved the establishment of a centre for the formation of “missionary disciples for a truly synodal Church”. It will support the implementation of the established ministry of catechists in individual dioceses.

Thousands took part in the demonstration on EDSA, organised by the Council of Interfaith Leaders with the support of the Bishops’ Conference. The Bishop of Kidapawan, Monsignor Bagaforo, said: “Abuses of power, impunity and political dynasties must be tackled decisively in the interests of the common good.”

At the heart of the dispute is a plan by a local company covering almost 4,500 hectares of the ancestral lands of the Bugkalot/Ilongot indigenous people. The Bishop of Bayombong, Monsignor Elmer Mangalinao, celebrated Mass at a barricade erected by local committees opposing the project. The bishop said: “Caring for the land means caring for the poor”.

The Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa, Bishop Socrates Mesiona, has criticised the Manila government for issuing new deforestation permits to mining companies in what is one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse habitats. “This way of acting gives the impression that there are two kinds of laws in our country: one for the rich and powerful, and one for the poor.”

The death toll now stands at 32, with 12 missing, following this morning's 7.8-magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre at sea. The tsunami warning has been lifted. Damage has been reported at the Divine Mercy Shrine, Lake Sebu, and several parish churches. The Conference of Major Superiors of the Philippines calls for prayers and solidarity with displaced families.

A place of pilgrimage for people from all over Asia, the shrine stands on the spot where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a farmer from Pangasinan in 1610. Archbishop Villegas: “This celebration reminds us of Mary’s presence alongside the Filipino people: she guides us in times of darkness, strengthens us in our weaknesses and leads us ever closer to her Son.”

The new president of the Bishops' Conference, Msgr. Garcera, opens dialogue with government agencies and with President Marcos himself, against whom two impeachment requests have been filed. The Church is willing to collaborate in monitoring public works, the failure to complete which triggered the crisis. The president of Caritas: ‘Corruption in the country is systemic, and everyone's contribution is needed to respond.’

The Ministry of Energy would like to restart atomic energy production in the Philippines in the province of Pangasinan with the construction of a 1,200-megawatt plant. In a pastoral letter, the bishops of the region where the plant would be built express their opposition: ‘After Fukushima, let us choose prudence, investing in renewable energies that guarantee safety, resilience and true long-term development for our people’.