Category: Announcements

A year ago, in 2020 amidst the pandemic, the draconian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was enacted into law, despite broad opposition from various sectors, groups and personalities. At least 37 petitions were filed at the Supreme Court seeking that the ATA be declared unconstitutional. The petitions remain pending at the High Court, after a series of oral arguments during the first half of 2021.

During the past months, counter-terror legislations and policies have been increasingly used against religious and civil society organisations, as well as individuals, in a perceived attempt to silence dissent, to impede their work for social justice and human rights, and to further constrict civic and democratic space.

A year after the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act in the Philippines, Karapatan together with the Ecumenical Voice for Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines will hold a  webinar on the Philippine Terror Law and Implications on Rights and Civic Space  on July 6, 2021 (Tuesday), 3:00-4:30 PM via zoom.

The webinar seeks to inform the public on the dire implications of the counter-terror laws on rights and fundamental freedoms. We invite you to join us in the said webinar. You may register through http://bit.ly/70621ATLvvCivicSpace

As part of our COVID-19 information campaign, we are pleased to share with you our second information, education, and communication (IEC) material on the COVID-19 pandemic entitled, “TUNGO SA PAGHILOM: “Bakuna, Bakuna, Magliligtas Ka Ba? Mga Katotohanan at Impormasyon Hinggil sa mga Bakuna para sa COVID-19”. This is available in Tagalog and Cebuano languages.

The National Council of Churches in the Philippines aims to make reliable information on the COVID-19 vaccines more accessible to the communities. Churches, organizations, and families can use this comprehensive briefer on COVID-19 vaccines to hold discussions within their households and communities. NCCP hopes to encourage communities to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and to become allies in ensuring accountability and transparency in the national response to the pandemic.

Download the attached files or Access the digital copies here: https://bit.ly/3uSy3gO

For inquiries and updates, please coordinate with us at nccp.actalliance@gmail.com

Padayon!

Program Unit on Faith, Witness and Service
National Council of Churches in the Philippines

The Partnership Mission for People’s Initiatives (PMPI) is concerned about the recent decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) to construct in Nayong Pilipino a mega vaccination hub funded by billionaire Enrique Razon Jr.’s International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI). The proposed facility if erected in one of the remaining green spaces in Parañaque is set to destroy the existing grassland ecosystem, mangrove and the beach forests that function as habitat, nutrient sink and filter to land-based pollutants aside from acting as buffer and natural defense against storm surges as many have seen after Typhoon Yolanda.

We find the decision unreasonable given that many open spaces like arenas, empty hotels and even malls are opening up to a vaccination center, so why construct a new one that would again destroy the few remaining ecosystems in cities like Paranaque? Replicating the idea behind existing city vaccination hubs like Makati Coliseum, Ospital ng Maynila, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and such would be much more time efficient, cost effective, and accessible, and thus more apt in the nation’s interest to be COVID19-free.

A plan that would involve loss of green spaces and disruption of ecosystems is a plan that is doomed to fail. This apparent disregard for ecosystems and nature only confirms that even after a year in the pandemic, this administration has yet to understand COVID-19 and its zoonotic nature. Its misplaced priorities reflected how it failed to comprehend the interconnected strings of societal issues — overwhelmed health care system, low vaccination rate, failed education system, lost livelihoods, and deepened economic and social inequality — that have made the country a most favorable hotspot for the spread of the disease.

The location of Nayong Pilipino is an apt ecological buffer zone to protect the Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), a Ramsar site declared for conservation under the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A projected environmental degradation in the area will strip off its natural barriers against hazards, making the already vulnerable reclaimed land of Parañaque even more prone to disasters..

Additionally, it is counterproductive to construct the proposed mega vaccination hub in an area that is inaccessible to individuals without a private car. Further, the likelihood of virus spread is high due to the proximity of the hub to a quarantine facility also located in Nayong Pilipino. Too far from being able to manage the pandemic, plummeting economy, and increasing higher rate of poverty, this administration does not have the luxury to undertake reckless decisions anymore.

Isang panawagan at imbitasyon para sa mga Pilipino na kagaya ninyo na may malasakit para sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan at ng ating mga anak.

Panahon na para baguhin ang pamamalakad ng ating bayan! Panahon na para magkaisa! Our future and the future of the next generations depend on it.

It’s time to say NO to misgovernance, to abuse and misuse of political power, to “leaders” who betray the nation and the trust bestowed on them by the electorate. It’s time to speak out and demand accountability from our government officials! It’s time to assert our collective power to elect the right people to public office!

1SAMBAYAN is a broad coalition of citizens and organizations, a coming together of Filipinos whose only wish is to protect our democratic rights and freedoms and to ensure that we get a government that truly serves and serves us well.

This will not be possible if we remain divided and devoid of a unifying agenda. This is why we have 1SAMBAYAN, a vehicle where we can join hands in fighting for good and accountable governance. The first task is to assemble, through a consultative and participative selection process anchored on a clear set of criteria, a common slate for President, Vice President and 12 Senators for the fast-approaching 2022 national elections.

If you want better governance and truly-deserving elective national officials, now is the time to get involved.

Join 1SAMBAYAN and fight for a better future for ourselves and the next generations of Filipinos! Sign up by downloading 1SamaAko app at Apple Store or Play Store and register on the app. The link is https://1sambayanapp.page.link/S6BpA1ybJGhdyyTe8 . To know how to use the app, you may also visit: https://1sambayan.org/1sambayan-app/

Please note the app will undergo refinements and will eventually be capable of being our messaging platform. If you have any problems registering, please inform us so we can help you.

Mabuhay po kayo!

Very truly yours,

Susan Villanueva
Chair, 1SAMBAYAN Membership Committee

Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC
Convenor

The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life announces the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly under the theme “I am with you always”.

By Vatican News staff writer | April 20, 2021

The First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday 25 July, announced the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life in a press release on Tuesday.

The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this inaugural commemoration is “I am with you always” (Mt 28:20). It expresses the closeness of the Lord and the Church to every older person, especially in these challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The theme, “I am with you always” is also “a promise of closeness and hope that young and old can mutually share”, notes the press release. Not only are grandchildren and youths invited to be present in the lives of older people, but older people and grandparents also have a mission of evangelization, proclamation and prayer, and of encouraging young people in their faith.

To further encourage the celebration of the World Day in local churches and associations, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life will offer pastoral tools from mid-June, which will be available on the website www.amorislaetitia.va

Dear Friends,

Solidarity Greetings!

On May 1, the Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) and other church people will join millions of working class in commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement. As church people, we bear witness to the political, economic, and social significance of workers and we affirm our solidarity with them in their struggle for dignified labor.

As our contribution for the May 1 commemoration of the International Workers’ Day, CWS together with Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) are inviting you and your community to attend an ON-LINE FORUM on April 28, 2021 (Wednesday) from 9am-11:30am with the Theme:

“GIFTED in order to GIVE”
St. Joseph as our Inspiration in Mission in Times of Threat and Peril

Part of the program is the discussion of the Catholic Social Teachings on Labor and testimonies from peasants and workers who are experiencing severe economic hardships amidst the pandemic and policies of the government.

Enclosed herewith is the program. Please register online through this link https://forms.gle/EYAkfeZBcqYKsh6RA

For more information, please contact the CWS Secretariat thru email: churchfortheworkers@gmail.com or mobile number 0942.1986.383 (Tony), or 0925. 4889.770 (Noel).

Thank you so much for your continued support.

Sincerely,

In commemoration of May 1, 2021
International Workers’ Day
An Invitation to an ONLINE FORUM

Theme: “GIFTED in order to Give”  
St. Joseph as our Inspiration in Mission in Times of Threat and Peril
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 9:00 AM- 11:30 AM

PROGRAM

9:00 am Opening Prayer                                             Fr. Noel Gatchalian, SVD

9:05am   Welcome Remarks/ Introduction  

9:15am   Introduction of the Speakers                               Moderator

9:20am Speaker 1: The Significant Contribution of the Iglesia Filipina                                                                 Independiente (IFI) to the Labor Movement
 Prof. Francis A. Gealogo, PhD.
 Department of History
 Ateneo de Manila University

9:50 am Speaker 2: “GIFTED in order to give”. St. Joseph as our inspiration in mission in times of threat and peril”
Rev. Fr. Benjamin Alforque, MSC

10:20am        Testimonies                From Workers and Peasant Sector

10:50 am       Open Forum                Moderator

11:15 am       Call to Action             

11:25am       Closing reflection

Moderator:  Prof. Jerry D. Imbong  of Visayas State University

Please register online through this link https://forms.gle/EYAkfeZBcqYKsh6RA

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) together with the Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition, the Church Labor Conference and Kliusang Artikulo Trese, with support from the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA) will be organizing a two-day National Conference on COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on the 24th and 28th of April 2021 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom. This activity is part of the Project, “Rebuilding Civic Space Intervention II: Capacity Building and Advocacy To Defend Women and Women Workers’ Rights Amidst COVID-19 Crisis”.

The Conference aims to:

• Provide discussion of COVID-19 restrictions and the infringement of the ICCPR.
• Identify sectoral impacts of COVID-19 restrictions to women workers in relation to ICCPR.
• Gather initial inputs for developing policy recommendations for a rights-based and gender-responsive COVID-19 response.

In line with this, we would like to invite the Social Action and Labor Ministries of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas to participate in the National Conference and to contribute in the discussions.

The FFW was born out of the social teachings of the Church. Thus, as workers’ groups in touch with the Church, this shall also serve as part of our contribution to the festivities around the Consecration of St. Joseph. The Opening Plenary will be on April 24, 2021 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Closing Plenary on April 28, 2021, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There will be nine (9) break-out groups starting on April 24 (1:30 PM to 4:00 PM) and on April 25 and 27, 2021. Kindly refer to program attached below for more details. Participants are encouraged to join the break out groups.

1. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Transportation Sector and Food Delivery Services – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
2. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Service Sector of Hotel and Restaurant, Banking and Finance, Telecom, Food and Retail, Pharmaceutical Distribution – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
3. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Education Sector – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
4. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Public Sector – April 25, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
5. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Migrant Workers – April 25, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (PST)
6. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Informal Work and Domestic Work – April 26, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
7. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Agriculture – April 27, 1PM-4PM
8. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Manufacturing and Economic Zones – April 27, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
9. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Health Care – April 27, 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

There is no registration fee for the Conference. We will be providing internet and meal allowance for the participants. Participants should pre-register through this Zoom Registration Link: National Conference on COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and ICCPR.  We shall send the Registration links to the breakout groups once the participants have identified which one they would join.

For any questions, clarifications, and confirmation, your good office may contact the following: Julius (FFW/ Church Labor Conference) (09178553279|dabigdyul@gmail.com); or Anne (FFW) (09454634361 | annecolina2020@gmail.com.

In solidarity,

(SGD.)  Atty. Jose Sonny G. Matula
National President, Federation of Free Workers
Chairperson, Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition

(SGD.)  Julius Cainglet
Chairperson for Labor Church Labor Conference

Matapos ang isang taon sa ilalim ng pandemya, tila lalong napalayo ang maraming Pilipino mula sa buhay na nararapat at kasiya-siya (Juan 10:10).

Ngayong kuwaresma, inaanyayahan namin ang lahat upang sama-samang magnilay sa kasalukuyang kalagayan nating mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng isang online webinar na pinamagatang “Kalbaryo at Pagbangon sa Panahon ng Pandemya”.

Ito ay gaganapin ngayong Martes Santo, Marso 30, sa ganap na 9:30 to 11:30 N.U.

Para makibahagi, magregister lamang sa link na ito: https://forms.gle/RciTUHwmh4Z5YyYo6

Hinihikayat ang mga dadalo na magsuot ng itim na damit, maghanda ng facemask at bell o anumang matunog na bagay bilang parte ng programa.

Ito ay pinangungunahan ng National Council of Churches in the Philippines kasama ng Churchpeople Workers Solidarity (CWS), Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), United Methodist Church PCC-Board of Church and Society (UMC PCC-BCS), Promotion of Church-People’s Response (PCPR), at United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).

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