Santosh Digal

Asian Development Bank and UN call on governments to increase investment in social programs and announces 4 million new poor in 2010. Among the sectors most affected those of exports and tourism, made up largely of migrant workers. Women main victims of poverty. Bishops: more costs for families.

The bishops urge the population to support during Lent the Hagap-Asa (Hope), to help more than 120 thousand poor children and their families. In 2008, three out of ten children have gone hungry. In some areas of the country's poverty rate reaches 30%.

Filipino indigenous groups live on the margins of society and lack access to basic social services, they represent approximately 10% of the population. According to a recent UN document their life expectancy is 20 years less than that of the civilized world. The bishops are asking the government for more resources for indigenous peoples, especially in education and the preservation of their cultural identity.

To combat the spread of AIDS the Philippine government started the free distribution of condoms in the districts of Manila and other areas of the country. The Church condemns the initiative and indicates marital fidelity and education of young people as the only solution to the problem.

To support two schools for the disabled, a group of 100 young people from the parish of Balayan in Lipa (Manila) collect the waste from the streets and sells the recyclable material to junk dealers. The purpose of the group is to help young people make sense of their lives, starting from the service to the community.

For 40 years, predominantly Muslim Mindanao has been the scene of violent fighting between the Filipino army and Islamic rebels. Catholic teacher in Basilan talks about his experience with Muslims, says everyone wants peace.

Today is World Day of the Sick. Filipino nun describes her experience in the University of Santo Tomas Catholic Hospital, Manila, where more than half of the beds are reserved for the poor. The hospital also offers spiritual care for patients and their families.

The election race began yesterday and ends on May 8. On May 10, Filipinos will vote for president, vice-president, renewal of Congress and local governments. Elections 2010 will be the first to employ a computerized voting system. Despite this church and people fear violence and fraud. So far 63 people killed in election related incidents.

Titled ‘Trust on earth’, the fifth pilgrimage organised by the Taizé community took place in Makaty City (Manila). More than 3,000 people from around the world participated in the event, which began on 3 February. Some Muslims were also present.

The Parish Council for Responsabile Voting yesterday launched an information campaign in Manila. Volunteers will fan out in each parish to explain how to use electronic voting machines. Monitoring group chairwoman says the Church has a mission to help the nation hold free and fair elections.

Opposition by 20 congressmen derails the proposal. House speaker says the controversial measure cannot be approved in the dying days of the current session of Congress. The Church continues its battle in favour of life, will promote its own natural family planning programme in the next Congress.

Born in 2005, the Parish Mobile Food Pantry program now helps about 600 families of the poorest areas of the Diocese of Malolos, bringing food gathered in the various parishes to their homes. Volunteers see this as a way to realize the living conditions of the needy.