Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - The Church in the Philippines is at the forefront of the battle and offering all its resources in the food crisis, above all linked to the cost of rice that has fallen hard on the country. Catholics in the Philippines on all different levels of society are taking part in activities such as: food distribution networks; moral and spiritual support, to avoid theft and disorder; and public awareness so as to find solutions to the problem.
Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez of Caloocan has asked that emergency measures be taken in responding to the crisis, with serious policies and with long-lasting results. The crisis, he said, is not only an issue reserved to the poorest sectors of the population who are fighting for their survival, but rather it is a reality that “has vast implications for politics and for public security,” in that “food security” is a right that is at the basis of peaceful coexistence. Thus, he pointed out, there is a joint effort needed on behalf of the government and the NGOs, that they may together find the appropriate means in facing the crisis. “We should find a way to work as a network, coordinating our resources, as well as those of other agencies and national authorities on food distribution.”
The people, the Bishop said, could go from apathy to panic and panic leads people to desperate acts, revolts, and looting. In countries like Bangladesh and Haiti, he said, public protests have broken out, and the Philippines is at risk, too. Bishop Iñiguez asked the people of the Philippines to remain calm, saying: “Violence will not help us in any way. We must face the situation with intelligence,” remaining lucid and trying to cooperate with criteria of equality and distribution of goods.
The Church has placed its resources at the service of the people, opening the doors of its Caritas centers, associations, and parishes. It has also collaborated with the Department of Agriculture in distributing nearly 50,000 sacks of rice every week in the parishes of Manila. The Diocese of Manila is only the first of many. The project has quickly grown and will soon reach across the entire country. The Filipino government has asked for the Church’s intervention, above all to avoid speculation and corruption, since in the process of its distribution, much of the rice has been smuggled out to the black market before even reaching those most in need. In the parishes, the rice is sold at 18.25 pesos per kilo.
Among the long-term measures being taken by the government, is the improvement of farming techniques and the use of new kinds of rice that have a higher production rate. The Church also insists on the payment of the farmers. The Philippines could, in fact, be self-sufficient and cover the national demand for rice, but the Church reminds the government that it “should support the farmers, helping them to cover the cost of fertilizers, irrigation, and transportation of products.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/4/08; righe 37, parole 495)
