OCARM-JPIC STATEMENT

Come let us walk in the light of the Lord!” (Isaiah 2:5).

“Let us then throw off the works of darkness and

put the armor of light…Rom. 13:11)”

As we prepare and celebrate the season of Advent, we are invited to be awake and prepared. Advent means, “coming or arrival,” thus we must be ready to receive the message of God’s coming through the Messiah. We need advent to remind us that justice and peace will be achieved in the future amid the signs of the times.

The Order of Carmelites Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation shares the call of prophet Isaiah and Apostle Paul “that people will come together in the Lord’s name. Wars will cease and there will be peace.

We respond to this challenge as we face the darkness brought by the glaring issues of large-scale corruption, human rights crisis and economic plunder that still await truthful and just resolution.

We lament the death of poor 11-year-old Marianet Amper who ended her life by hanging because of extreme poverty. We are scandalized by the wave of corruption and bribery, including the anomalous NBN- ZTE deal and distribution of “early Christmas gifts” to win over the loyalty of congressmen and governors for the administration. The multi-million anomalies leave our people ever more dispossessed, including the 728 million fertilizer scam, the $2-million Impsa power plant pay-off, the P28-billion Northrail project, the P200-million Jose Pidal bank account, the P1.3-billion Mega Pacific Comelec computerization scam, and the P1.1-billion Macapagal Boulevard overpriced contract.

While prices of basic commodities steadily increase, no substantial wage and salary hikes have been implemented and excessive taxes continue to burden the poor. While disasters and ever deepening poverty continues to grip the nation, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and several administration lawmakers together with their families are spending public funds for their trip abroad.

We join the cries for justice for all the victims of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations, the Glorietta and Batasan bombings and massive militarization that brought massive displacement to civilian communities.

Guided by our Carmelite Constitutions 111: “We live in a world full of injustice and disquiet. It is our duty to contribute to the search for an understanding of the causes of these evils.”

The morally bankrupt regime that has governed with fraud and violence is clearly the cause of evils in our nation today. We thus join the Filipino people in the pursuit of truth and justice. To save our people from the dark powers of this corrupt-ridden administration, for the good of the nation, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo must step down now!

Fr. Jerry Sabado, O.Carm. –National Convenor Order of Carmelites-JPIC

#26 Acacia St., Barangay Mariana, Quezon City

Phone (02)724-2371/ Cell no. 09066500319

Where are the Prophets?

”Mga Sisters, mga Fathers, kumakatok po kami sa inyo…nasaan na ang mga pastol? Sinisibasib na po kami ng mga lobo! Pinapatay na po kami!!!”

Why is Orly Marcellana asking where are the prophets now?

it is timely to ask this question as we live in a time that is full of uncertainties. Announcing and proclaiming the kingdom of God is dangerous at a time when a bishop, pastors, lay workers and peace advocates are being killed because they denounced human rights violations.

The dearth of prophets was felt even during the period of exile of the Israelites up to the times of John the Baptist. During this period, the prophets were faced with all sorts of danger in acting as spokesperson and conscience of the people.

Today, the people are asking if where are the modern prophets in the struggles and aspirations of the poor and oppressed. Are the prophets still in their comfort zones?

Are the prophets gone?

They are still around. But, perhaps, their social activism has taken a different stroke as the present condition calls for it. The fire of truth, justice and peace sustains their prophetic witnessing. For Carmelites, the prophetic ministry is continuously lived out and expressed in their convictions and programs within the Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation ministry. In the face of fraud, corruption and human rights violations, our JPIC in collaboration with other JP’s, interfaith and ecumenical movements immediately made its response in defense of the people’s right to life.

Our JPIC convened reflection discussions on the impact of Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL) and the Anti Terror Law on the lives and rights of the people. Our JPIC was also part of the organizers of Forum and Conferences on Charter Change, Extra Judicial Killings and Urban Militarization.

illings to the attention of its broader community. It collaborated with the other Human Rights Organization in the documentation of the testimonies of the survivors and families of victims of extra judicial killings.

Our JPIC workers climbed mountains and crossed rivers during the fact-finding missions and dialogues. Recently, we investigated the atrocities against and the displacement of the indigenous people in Agusan Del Sur.

We are active in joining the mass mobilizations or the parliament of the streets to express solidarity with the peasants, fisherfolks, workers, urban poor and other sectors who are calling and demanding for justice. The parliament of the streets is a venue for the seminarians, student friars and friars to be in solidarity with the struggling poor. Ocarm-JPIC statements have issued statements on the various national issues through the internet, interviews in the leading television networks, radio and print media. We linked up with other Church-based organization such as the Promotion of Church Peoples Response (PCPR); Caraga Church Peoples Against Peoples Repression (CCPAR); Inter-faith Network for Justice and Peace (IFNJPN) ,Task Force on Urban Conscientization (TFUC) and Pilgrims for Peace (PfP) to add our voice on the various issues and concerns.We thank our priests, student friars, associates and lay people in the local communities who keep the charism and tradition to be contemplative in the midst of the people. The challenges ahead is greater. Let us pray and work together as we seek justice and peace in our time.

Defend the land of the Indigenous People! Defend their life!

This is the enduring cries of the Lumad who suffer from the anti-poor policies of the Arroyo Administration. During the celebration of the Indigenous People week held at Baclaran Church last October 13-14,2007, Bro Gilbert Billena and Joey Linag participated in a forum and joined the call to respect and defend the ancestral domain of Indigenous People.

In a joint statement, the Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan sa Pilipinas ( KAMP) and the Inter-Faith, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Network( IFJPIC) declared that the national economic policy of GMA on super regions is a comprehensive program aimed at destroying the IP communities, the environment and the remaining natural resources of the country. To ensure the implementation of these projects, the Arroyo regime is using state terrorism fortified by Human Security Act and militarization in the countryside in order to force the entry of foreign corporations and infrastructure within the ancestral domain of the Indigenous people.

Thus, the military strategy dubbed Oplan Bantay Laya of this regime has led to extra-judicial killings of indigenous people who strongly resist mining operations in their areas. Embracing the plight of the poor and the marginalized, the church cry out with them: Resist the plunder of our natural resources by foreign corporations! Junk the Philippine Mining Act of 1995! Stop Militarization and Implement Genuine Agrarian Reform!

Carmelites mark day of the disappeared in Manila’s Plaza Miranda

The Carmelites led the International Day of the Disappeared last August 30 at Plaza Miranda in Manila’s Quiapo district.

The federation of associations of relatives of the detained and

This year’s gathering was especially dedicated by the Carmelites for missing agriculturist Jonas Burgos, son of Sr. Edith Burgos, OCDS as well as for former Carmelite brother Nilo Arado. Together with hundreds of relatives and supporters, the Carmelites and ecumenical groups led a liturgy for justice and peace then marched along España towards the Liwasang Bonifacio to demand the Arroyo government to immediately surface the missing activists.

Various groups including the Free Jonas Movement, Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties, Desaparecidos, Tanggol Magsasaka and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan gathered at the three-hour program in Liwasang Bonifacio.

In a statement, Fr Jerry Sabado, OCarm declared, “We of the Carmelites Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation believe that the assault on the lives of those who work for justice and peace is an assault against the Church and the whole Christian community. Must the shepherds and prophets of peace be abducted and killed because of their duties in service of the poor? These murderous acts and coward abduction are manifestations that our human rights situation is getting worse despite the national and international condemnation.”

According to the human rights group Karapatan, the number of those abducted and disappeared under the Arroyo administration reached a high of 184 as of August 30, 2007.

Churchpeople reflect on the real state of the nation

“The true State of the Nation is here,” this was how Bro. Salvic Pajarillo, a Carmelite novice described the atmosphere at Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City as priests, pastors, deaconesses, religious sisters, seminarians and lay people joined workers, farmers and urban poor groups in a peaceful protest during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address on July 26, 2007.

The Carmelite family, including student friars, priests and formators mingled with the sectors and listened to the people’s stories about how they cope during these hard times. As testimonies on the real situation of the rural and urban poor were expressed in the leaders’ speeches, Bro. Salvic noted, “PGMA’s speech claiming that the Philippines will soon be a First World country is obviously far from the realities of deepening poverty suffered by the people.”

While GMA delivered her speech, the urban poor jeered at her when she reported that the lives of the poor became better these past days. Mang Macario stated that his family remains poor and jobless.

Among the religious who joined the SONA rally were first-timers like Sr. Hilda Binyahan of the Missionary Sisters of our Lady of the Angelus. Sr. Hilda admitted that at first she was distracted by the chanting and jeering of the rallyists but later realized that the people were indeed crying out for legitimate grievances against perennial government neglect and corruption. Reflecting that the church has a role to play in realizing a society where the fullness of life reigns, Sr. Hilda noted, “I believe that there is still hope for this nation if the people will tirelessly work for truth, peace and justice.”

Brother RJ Abada of Order of Friar Minors also shared the sentiment of Sr Hilda. There is a challenge for conscientization of the Church people. With the human rights situation worsening under this regime, there is a need to toughen their stance on issues of political killings and repression. This can be achieved by re-activating the Justice and Peace Ministry among the Religious and strengthen the church-based human rights ministries.

“I am greatly humbled and challenged when we are with the masses in their struggles and aspirations,” Bro. Bong Caberte, a first year Theo from MSC said of the SONA rally.

STATEMENT ON HUMAN SECURITY ACT

He who wants to win the world for Christ must have the courage to come in conflict with it.” -Titus Brandsma

In these challenging times, “Let justice roll down like the waters of righteousness like an overflowing stream.”(Amos 5:24)

The whole family of the Order of Carmelites shares a common vision with the Christian churches in the Philippines and around the world in building a society where God’s justice, peace and love reign. The preservation of human dignity is our primary concern. We denounce any form of measures that would imperil the gift of freedom, the defense for human rights, and nurture life to its fullness. We deplore the promotion of security that would only mean the curtailment of the basic freedoms bestowed upon people.

The increasing number of extra-judicial killings, tortures and enforced disappearances and all forms of human right violations has been of a great concern to us. These violations are insult and affront to human community. It has to be condemned at all times and must be addressed by faith communities. Tyranny has no reason to rule as it contradicts all means to nurture life.

We are even more alarmed that the Anti-Terrorism Law disguised as Human Security Act (HSA) has started its implementation. For us, the law would be another instrument to curtail our quest for genuine freedom, peace and justice. Though the government claims that the law is designed to protect the people, but the provisions tell otherwise. We cast our doubt whether the HSA will truly protect the rights of the people to speak out for truth.

As we are witnesses to the people’s cries, we raise with certainty that:

HSA will never protect the urban poor who are fighting for survival and resisting demolition.

HSA will never protect the farmers who are advocating and crying out for genuine agrarian reform.

HSA will never protect the workers’ right to demand for just wage.

HSA will never protect the indigenous people as they defend their ancestral lands.

We call on our fellow believers to remain steadfast to our faith and carry forward the mission of proclaiming truth, justice and peace in our land. Let us not give up, and let us not allow our faith to be an instrument of state’s terror.

The call of Moses to lead his people and Elijah against the God of Baal is also our call of the present time. We live in a world full of injustice and disquiet. It is our duty to contribute to the search for an understanding of the causes of evils (Carmelite Constitutions 111)” It is also our task as religious people to be in solidarity with our people for their search for genuine freedom, peace and equality, the true essence of democracy. It is here where the true sense of faith is grounded.

Defend Human Rights!

Junk the Human Security Act!

Prophetic Call By: Gilbert S. Billena

There were times I was told by my brothers in the student Friary that I had to observe extra care and I will not go alone in the far places, and some of them would even tease me that I will not live longer due to my involvement in the justice related advocacies with people’s organizations. Admittedly, as a young seminarian who aspires to live a longer life, I felt fear upon hearing the testimonies of the victims and seeing in the news many incidents that occurring almost every day.

In my age now I have the option or temptation of just enjoying the comforts and privileges in religious life. But Alleluia! I felt that my motivation is growing even more, especially with the richness of the prophetic tradition of my Order. I came to realize that the challenge to be an integrated person is to undergo the process of searching the presence of God in the midst of the people. However, this effort will not be accomplished overnight. It has to go through a lifelong process. Thus, I never forget the words I uttered during my first profession, “Narinig at nadama ko ang daing at panaghoy ng aking naghihikahos na mga kapatid bunga ng pagsasamantala at di makatarungang sistema ng ating lipunan…” The said profession formula always reminds me of the call of the Gentle whisper: The people’s agony, cries, fears and anguish. Then, here I am, realizing my vulnerability. That I am also stalked with fear and I cried out. Maybe, the greatest temptation for this fear is to hide in my comfort zones.

The chronic economic and political crisis: graft and corruption, homelessness, massive unemployment, and the growing hunger of the Filipino people have engulfed the country now. As young students, do we have to close our eyes and ears and tell ourselves… wala akong pakialam?( Why do I care?)

In the process of the Carmelite formation program, we immersed ourselves in the lives of Indigenous Filipino People, Farmers and Workers and other sectors. This is not just an academic enterprise but a venue to learn and be evangelized by the poor. As Gustavo puts it “ we drink from the wellspring of the poor”

The reality that I experienced during and after my immersion is a seed of hope that I have to nurture. This is the commitment to the struggle of the poor. Can I do that? Maybe yes or maybe not. But as long as I keep the promises I made in my first profession, which is to listen to the cry and anguish of the poor, I will continue raise my little voice .....MAKIBAKA ‘WAG MATAKOT!

Weaving the thread of peace in a shattered Land

“I will search for the lost and bring back the strays, I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy, I will shepherd the flock with justice.” (Ezekiel 34:16)

Is there a ray of hope that peace and unity will ever reign in our troubled land?

The signs that we see are clearly heading farther from peace and unity.

As battalions of combat troops are deployed in the countryside and even in the urban areas, will the farmers’ cry for land or the workers’ clamor for just wages be justly addressed? In the current situation where the state is engaged in military solution, just peace becomes more elusive. Instead of pursuing confidence-building measures for the peace process to flourish, this country is turned into a big military garrison with the Filipino people as its enemy. And while the state unleashes thousands of truncheon-wielding policemen to quell protests, the human bodies may be battered, but cries of those who long for food, jobs, housing and other basic rights will not be mute.

We affirm that life as a gift from God is sacred. But the country’s leaders appear to be worshippers of a god of death. The country is turned into a big burial ground through the government’s all-out war declaration. Thousands of civilian lives ended up as ‘collateral damage’ in the face of large-scale military offensives. All sorts of human rights violations are inflicted on innocent civilians who are either tortured or killed on mere suspicion that they sympathize with the so-called insurgents labeled by the government as ‘enemies of the state’ or ‘terrorists.’

Military solution is being waged without addressing the root causes of the social conflicts. What have been done about the problem of poverty, landlessness and social injustice?

Elusive peace in the Land of promise

Under the pretext of crushing the Abu Sayyaf, the Arroyo government again aimed its bombs and guns at Moro territories. It is indeed a big question why the Abu Sayyaf problem always turns up even after the army has claimed that it has been wiped out. The July 2007 skirmishes yielded 27 dead bodies on the side of the government troops. Massive bombardment on government enemies displaced thousands of families in Basilan and Sulu.

Are these the fulfillment of PGMA’s promise to bring peace? Or self-serving schemes for the political survival of an illegitimate president who desperately clings to power?

Reign of Terror

Rocked by protests on massive corruption, election fraud and human rights violations, PGMA practically thrown out the meaning of human rights with the passage of the Anti- Terrorism Law. Even when this law was not yet enacted, death squads have been operating in this country targeting leaders and members of cause-oriented groups. Church people, journalists, lawyers, defenders of human rights, peace advocates, peasant organizers, labor leaders, young people and political activists were killed with impunity.

These atrocities only mirror the sufferings of Filipinos under the US-led ‘war on terror’. The unsolved political murders are tied with the ongoing war on terror. By following the pattern of this dirty war, the Arroyo administration unjustly labels government critics as enemies of the state or terrorists. But who are the real terrorists in our country?

In his paper titled “ Philippines after 9-11:Focus on Mindanao as the “Second Front” of the US’ War on Terror” Rep. Teddy Casiño of Bayan Muna defined “terrorism” as modern imperialist aggression masquerading as a crusade against evil. It is the ultimate pretext for the world’s number one superpower to wage what could be the biggest and most expensive war in history to further expand its markets, pump-prime its failing capitalist economy and impose its rule over the world.

Since the Philippines is considered as a strategic outpost from which to project its military might in China and Muslim dominated regions, the US has tightened its grip in the Philippines. The US and other foreign powers are eyeing the wealth of Mindanao (oil, gold and other minerals), rich water and marine resources, the thickest forest cover and highly fertile lands. To justify all-out war and military intervention, the US and Philippine governments insist that Muslim groups have links with the Al Qaeda and the Jeemayah Islamiya. But actual operations reveal that the RP-US military exercises are not aimed at crippling the Abu Sayyaf but directed at the Moro groups fighting for self-determination.

Peace comes with justice

While the regime is launching war in all fronts, nothing has been done to declare war against those who plundered the nation’s wealth. When will justice be served on those who betrayed the Filipino people? Whatever happened to the Senate resolution that seeks to investigate the allegation that high- ranking officials had a “direct hand in feeding the soldiers to the enemies in Basilan?” Where is justice when the likes of General Jovito Palparan who was noted in the Melo and Alston reports as one of the mastermind in the spate of extra-judicial killings remain unaccountable? After the conviction of ousted president Joseph Estrada, will the Arroyo family and other plunderers account for the 728 million fertilizer scam, the $2-million Impsa power plant pay-off, the P28-billion Northrail project, the P200-million Jose Pidal bank account, the P1.3-billion Mega Pacific Comelec computerization scam, the P1.1-billion Macapagal Boulevard overpriced contract and now, the $200-million kickbacks in the ZTE broadband contract?

The challenge at hand

As Carmelites, we are deeply troubled by these acts of injustice on the human person. Instead of sitting in apathy or fear, we are called to examine these evils from the optic of the victims. What must be done?

As our Constitution notes, “We live in a world full of disquiet.” Indeed, the Philippines is facing dark days ahead. We therefore enjoin our Carmelite family and all religious to affirm the sacredness of life denounce injustice and call for end to the systematic desecration of lives, rights and dignity of our people. Believing that peace cannot flourish in a climate of state-sponsored persecution and all-around corruption, let us remain steadfast in solidarity with the people’s quest for peace that is grounded on justice.

Now that all-out militarization and political persecution are waged in the blanket of the Anti-Terrorism Law, let us continue to add our voices in defense of human rights, to pray and act together with the grieving mothers and fathers who lost their children for the continuing pursuit of just peace.

From the Voice of the Gentle Breeze: The Church Speak

The greedy and corrupt officials of this administration continue to drain the nation’s wealth from the blood and sweat of poor Filipinos.

They gloated at the cash flow from the 12 percent expanded value added tax and further emptied the pockets of Juan de la Cruz. The P42 billion budget deficit did not stop them from amassing wealth and power at the expense of the poor. This time, corruption has taken a new face. Fattening of the pockets is done not by dipping their fingers into the government coffers but through government deals with multinational companies that are gloating over our vast track of lands, marine resources, mining and of course, the lure of cheap labor in the country.

The dwindling nation’s wealth is driving the vultures to fight over a piece of the kickback pie. You know what happens when vultures fight. It is messy and bloody.

The Arroyo camp entered into anomalous contracts including the ZTE deal, the cyber education deal, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), among others, without due consideration of the people’s interests. In these treasonous acts, the government virtually sold out national sovereignty to foreign business. It entered into the 329-million dollar deal with China to connect our agencies into the technology superhighway when all these agencies are cash-strapped. How ambitious of the government to venture into such project when in fact, many regional or provincial offices of our government line agencies do not have telephone connections? Granted that the government can inter-connect all these line agencies, will it translate to better services that would uplift the millions of poor Filipinos, increase job rates and shelter the growing number of urban poor who are driven out from their communities?

It is the height of lunacy that we commit the Filipino people in a 25-year loan while the next generation to come is bound to pay our ballooning foreign debt.

It has been noted that the government does not have to seek the Chinese’s expertise in order to achieve a goal like the broadband network project. The cost of this anomalous deal rose to 329 million dollars due to the huge kickbacks of the First Gentleman and officials close to the Arroyos. The crooks in Malacañang are getting bolder. Come to think of it. How much did it cost them to sell our patrimony and national sovereignty as a nation? The kickbacks that we are hearing are not only in millions of pesos but in dollars.

What will happen to us if these anomalous deals are left unchecked? Foreign business would continue to extract huge profits at the expense of the urban and rural poor. For sure, when this country is in tatters, the crooks can readily escape with their dirty money.

Now that these anomalous deals have been exposed, knives are flying around. The knives are now aimed at the door of Malacañang.The broad masses are awakened. Obviously, this regime clings at every straw that it can hold. It might succeed at creating diversionary tactics, but the ZTE scandal and the bribery issues have dealt a big blow on it political foundation. It certainly created bigger cracks in the fulcrum of its power.

As church people we are scandalized at the treasonous acts and huge kickbacks being exposed in the Senate hearings amid the extreme poverty that is stalking the nation nowadays. We condemn the liars, the thieves, and the wicked. We will not be silent while the corrupt officials are bloating in their crookedness. We must loudly resist and raise our prophetic voices against the blatant sell out of our nation’s patrimony and all these acts of shameless corruption.

OCARM-JPIC Say NO to Oil Extraction at Tanon Strait

Superior General Margarette Montegrejo, O.Carm OL and Melvin R. Kleine Koerkamp, Carmelite Associate- together with the justice and peace board of Siliman University and some Environmental NGO’s led the signing of a petition paper opposing the offshore exploration of the Tanon Strait. The Visayan Sea, especially the Tanon Strait was reported to have an abundance of untapped oil or gas resources.

In a forum at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, the petitioners voiced out opposition on the oil extraction project, which they feared would cause irreparable damage to the marine life and displace many smal

The position paper underscored that under Presidential decree 1234, the Tanon Strait is considered protected, being a migratory path and breeding ground of marine species from other countries.

The petitioners questioned why despite this prohibition, the DENR went ahead to issue an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) and Certificate of Non-Coverage, paving the way for Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd (JAPEX) and a Canadian company Forum Exploration Inc. (FEI) to begin the oil extraction in the strait.

Citing the case of the stalled spa project atop the crater of Taal Volcano, wherein the ECC was reviewed and scrapped for failure to comply with the proper procedures, the paper urged the government to do the same with the case of the Tanon Strait. The idea came following the admission of the Department of Energy that oil exploration was started without the knowledge of the Local Government Unit.

“It is only when there is public outrage and high media visibility that these agencies are forced to review the clearances that they issued” the paper continued.

Development for whom?

The signatories also added that only the Multi-National companies are benefiting much in the opening up of the country’s waters oil exploration. Citing figures from explorations between Bohol and Cebu, the paper said that in every $ 1,000 gross proceeds of the project, only $ 3.46 is going to the coffers of the local government, a small amount compared to the economic privileges that are being enjoyed by the transnational companies in the form of 100% repatriation of capital and profits, 6 years tax exemption on profits, 10 years tax exemption for export, tax exemptions for imports and other rights.

The petitioners challenged the government to look for more sustainable alternative that will not only reduce the nation’s dependency on oil but can spur development in bio-fuel and ethanol production, solar and wind power and other renewable energy sources.

For 50 years, the Carmelite Order has been actively involved in the struggle of the peasant and fisher folks in Negros. Its parishes were involved in basic Christian communities and sectoral organizing especially among sugar workers whose members became victims of the Escalante Massacre

fishers from their source of livelihood.

The petition paper entitled “At What Cost” criticized the Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR for favoring foreign investors instead of protecting the nation’s interest

Remembering Nine Years of Mission in Isabela by michael goyagoy

In 1981, the 13th Annual Convention of the Carmelites Order was held in Cebu City that paved the way for the creation of a new mission area in the Diocese of Ilagan. This was in line with the long-standing invitation of Bishop Miguel Purugganan who requested for three priests to start a mission in his diocese. At the same time, there was a similar invitation of Bishop Ataviado of Maasin Diocese. (Annual Convention Manual)

very much in line with the Order’s vision. Fr. Paul Medina was the first to arrive in Isabela and was assigned by the Bishop as Diocesan Coordinator of the Alay Kapwa Program. In March 1981, Fr. Cornelis Hendriks and Fr. Herman Wekking arrived in the province. On March 8, 1981, they were installed as priests-in-charge in San Mariano, Isabela.

to start a mission. The only utensil they had was a water jar with a hole in it. They borrowed the rest of basic utensils. They did a lot of refurbishing of the rectory, including repair of a leaking roof and change of the termites-infested walls. Fr Cor and Fr Paul did not lost time in meeting many people as they could. They conducted house visits and started meetings with the parish lay leaders.

“They charmed the people” Norma Dungca, a former Basic Christian Community (BCC) worker related to the Gentle Breeze.

“Before they arrived, we were not regular mass goers. When they came, we were impressed with the creative liturgy during the Sunday masses. Homilies were usually delivered by Fr. Cor with the use of visuals and illustrations. After the mass, Fr. Cor would engage us in conversations, most of the time asking about our families and our living conditions” Dungca said

The Carmelites practiced a cost-conscious lifestyle. “Every centavo was spent on basic necessities and we maintained one menu in every meal,” Nenita Mancao, the cook in the parish narrated

When the Diocesan thrusts were in the making, the Carmelites contributed a lot to the formulation of the WESTY Commission (Worship, Education, Service, Temporalities and Youth) and promoted its programs in the parish level. Lay leaders were organized to help implement the activities to the far-flung areas.

The two priests started building the catechism and BCC programs. A group of committed people was selected and provided with basic orientation and leadership skills. Then they were set out in the barangays to re-echo the orientation during prayer service.

The expansion

The Basic Christian Community (BCC) and Community Based Health program (CBHP) expanded in Benito Soliven, the next town after San Mariano when Fr. Herman Wekking took over the parish whose priest, Fr. Pedro Salgado was transferred to Magsaysay. When Fr. Herman left Isabela, Fr. Anton Korterik took over and involved himself in the Diocesan Pastoral Team.

Their efforts yielded with many sharing groups in the different villages. From there, barangay folks became aware of the problems of others. By listening and offering solutions, they unburdened each others’ worries and learned to speak out on many issues.

Mission and service for the poor peasants

The 80’s was a turbulent time in San Mariano, Isabela. It was most difficult for the peasant sector. According to Norma Dungca, the rural folks were agitated by the feeling of neglect by the government. Instead of delivering basic services, the military deployed troops in far-flung communities. “Farmers complained of being beaten or tortured on suspicion that they are NPA guerillas or rebel sympathizers. They were accused of being NPA members if they ask for an increase in the selling price of their farm produce.”

At times, when the farmers complained that the price of bananas was being bought at 25 centavos each, Fr. Cor called for a dialogue between the farmers and the local businessmen in San Mariano.

Mission and service among the sick

In one of the visits of the Carmelites in barangay San Pedro, Dipusu and San Pablo, they were struck by the worsening health situation there. According to Norma, the villagers were helpless during spread of diseases. Their only choice is to endure the pain that came upon them. “If they suffer stomach pain, diarrhea, fever or cough, they will just stay in a corner and wait until the grimacing pain will come to pass,” Norma said.

“Against this backdrop of worsening condition in the remotest communities in San Mariano, the Carmelites brought God in the midst of their sufferings” Luke Bautista, a former health worker said.

Fr. Cor saw the need of finding ways of providing first aid in areas not accessible to hospitals and health centers. He initiated the Community Based Health program and recruited a handful of health workers to run the program. He sponsored skills training aimed at harnessing the potentials of community members in addressing the health needs of the people. Luke, who now heads the Peasant desk of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Ilagan, told gentle Breeze that the passion of the Carmelites in serving the poor had rubbed off on them. We saw from them that faith is not just about going to Sunday masses, but giving oneself in the service of the poor.

“We thought that Fr. Cor, being a foreigner, could not blend well with the barrio folks. But he proved us wrong. He went out of his way to learn the language of the people. He did this by holding regular prayer visits in the barrios. He would usually accompany his staff in hiking up mountains. At times, a runner would hand carry a letter, requesting for the help of CBHP. Given the weather and the treacherous terrain up the mountains, we thought the Dutch priest could not withstand the arduous journey to the remotest barangays. But Fr. Cor braved the scorching sun, rode on a logging truck, walked up mountains and trailed through the swamps for hours. At that time, the prevalent diseases were malaria and tuberculosis. When we felt really tired, our fatigue was lost at the sight of the tireless dedication of Fr. Cor who himself led the collection of sputum samples,” Luke narrated.

Transformation of the Parish Workers

Mary Anne Go said that their social involvement strengthened the people in the community. “We found the courage to speak out on various issues concerning the community. It felt great when we serve others,” she added. Managing the problem of the community was a lost time for our family. But later on, they were able to understand and adjust to the demands of our work. Usually, we would go home late at night because we made many referrals in other towns or provinces, especially if the disease needs advanced treatment. We explained to our children and husbands that we are doing this to help the poor,” she said.

Militarization

While CBHP work is very challenging, it also poses a risk. One time, Marylou Laconsay, a BCC worker in Benito Soliven said that they panicked upon seeing a group of soldiers encircling the church while they were having a seminar. It turned out that the military has been monitoring their activities as health workers. “But Fr. Cor eased our fear by saying that we should not be afraid because what we are doing is in service of God and the poor,” Marylou said.

“Since then, we learned to ignore the harassing presence of the military. We got used to conducting medical missions with soldiers sprawling in the vicinity. While I do acupuncture session, soldiers are inside the hut. We would usually tease them to try acupuncture” she said. Common ailments like cough, fever, muscle pains, head and stomach aches and diarrhea have been cured through these acupuncture treatments.

the ills of a human being are interrelated with the ills of the society, thus, there is a need to struggle for social change,” Norma added.

In 1988, after a weeklong gunfight in the mountains of San Mariano, NPA members raided the old municipal building of San Mariano where the main police headquarters was located. “This attack was used by the military to spread talk that the raiders ate and stayed inside the church during the night, thus the military maliciously accused that the Carmelites and their staff were not helping the poor but only agitating them to get angry at the government” Marietta Santos, one of the parish workers, narrated.

International Solidarity

At that time, Fr. Paul Medina was assigned by the bishop to take charge of the Communio Program. The program forged friendship and solidarity between the Diocese of Groningen and the Diocese of Ilagan. It became a venue for exchanging faith experiences among Third World and First World people of faith. Solidarity between the Diocese of Ilagan and Groningen was developed through correspondence, exchanges of teaching materials, liturgical materials, reflections, political support, common liturgy and basic local data and products.

Termination

In January 1991, the Carmelites terminated the mission in Isabela and concentrated in Manila and to the South.

Before, their church stands as a storage of life, struggles and aspirations of the poor. How the church touched and changed the lives of poor farmers, linger in the hearts and minds of the populace. To this date, the old church of St Thomas Aquinas was transformed into corn dryer and storage area

Back in the 80s, the church was a refuge of the peasant sector. Its door was not only opened for farmers meetings, but was actually turned into a “house of the poor”. When nighttime looms and farmers could not return to far-flung areas, they would usually stay overnight at the church. At the crack of dawn, farmers who arrived from the mountains would usually drop by and drink coffee.

The nine years of the Carmelites in Isabela has shown us what “church of the poor’ is all about. Fr Jerry Sabado who was born and raised in Isabela is one of the products of San Mariano Parish Mission of Carmel. As we celebrate our Jubilee year, we are called to live out the Carmelite's tradition of unbending will to carry forward the agenda of defending life and dignity especially of the poor.