Pwede Pala Pinoy Launch

A little more than a week ago, on Saturday 29 November 2008, Dilaab launched Pwede Pala Pinoy! in Cebu. It was an experience of the liberating and transforming spirit of Pinoy People Power.

I was not in the Philippines during the first Pinoy People Power in 1986. I received news of it through television and a first-hand account from my brother, who was a law student then and was in the frontlines of the said event. It was impossible to contain one’s emotions.

Many events have happened since those momentous days in February 1986. Is Pinoy People Power still alive? Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa, who was also in the frontlines of People Power 1 as rector of San Carlos seminary in Makati, said during the launch in Cebu that since EDSA 1 or People Power is a spirit, it will never die. Judging from the experience of the launch, I would concur with the good bishop.

I am no optimist. If mere optimism was the fuel for planning Pwede Pala Pinoy!, I would have given up right from the start. As people more experienced in organizing similar events had pointed out, we were starting out with too little, too late. A month before the launch funds were still negligible. While we were dreaming big in terms of participants and promotions, there were still too many loose ends. The launch could have easily unraveled even before it began. And we would have easily fallen flat on our faces.

Pwede Pala Pinoy! is the telling, sharing, and retelling of largely untold, inspiring stories of faith-impelled work promoting the common good. These stories are about unlikely collaborations with a twist, going beyond well-defined boundaries that often stifle the spirit of unity. One effect of corruption has been a nation characterized by mutual suspicions between individuals and sectors. Such fragmentation can be bridged if people and sectors learn to exchange places. After all, didn’t God start this whole dynamics of exchanging places by sending us his only Son?

While not an optimist neither am I a pessimist. I do not see a half full or a half empty glass. For me, a half full (or empty) glass is really a glass that is waiting to be filled to the brim. This hope of mine is a gift from God. By God’s grace my hope is incorrigible.

This gift of hope is undeserved. It springs eternal because its source is eternal. The process leading to the launch – as well as the launch itself – was really an exercise in and a blossoming of hope. It all started out with a desire to communicate a simple message: a good Christian is also a good citizen and a good leader. What better way to communicate this message than asking people who embody these realities to give their testimonies before people, especially the youth?

But it was not that simple after all. Our initial core of volunteers soon realized that for the message to be communicated well, we had to adjust to contemporary mindsets. We had to be participant and youth friendly. We had, to use today’s jargon, to do marketing even while making room for God to touch hearts and minds.

The motif of the launch is the analogy of the Philippines and a 90-million piece jigsaw puzzle. Each Filipino holds a piece of this puzzle, and we can only see the beautiful big picture if we go out in faith and see how the pieces fit. Sometimes, we see pieces falling into place as if by an unseen Hand, showing us that we are instruments of what God is doing in the life of our nation. It is a continuing journey and each piece is indispensable.

The puzzle motif actually described the growing core of volunteers of the launch who stepped out in faith. An invitations team went school and company hopping. A creative team emerged, complemented by other teams. Soon Thursday evenings stretched out beyond midnight to accommodate the artistic spirit. A serious documentation process was made on the different stories that qualified to be featured during the launch. This became the basis for scripts used for the audio-visual presentations. Meanwhile, rehearsals were conducted. An MTV project was coming to life.

A few days before the launch several banners appeared in public: “Can Anything Good Come out of the PNP?” – “Can One Man and One Family Make a Difference?” – “Can We Go Beyond Traditional Politics?” – “Is People Power Still Alive?” – and “Is There Still Hope for the Country?”

The puzzle was starting to be filled up. Volunteers discovered the spirit of the launch to the extent that they gave generously of themselves. As one volunteer puts it: “Things do not turn out like magic when one responds to the Lord. Yet, there are magical moments.” Another expressed excitement at what awaits her boy who will reach adolescent age in a few years. Another one, who had worked as a volunteer abroad, said that instead of rediscovering the Philippines, it is actually the islands reclaiming him. Others shared their conversion experiences that resulted from their getting more involved with the project.

Around 3000 people representing nearly 60 different groups came for the launch at the Sacred Heart School Jesuits at Gen. Maxilom from 4 to 9 pm, starting with Mass, then listening to storytellers and interacting with them and with one another. Participants outside Cebu came, including some high government officials, and an 8-person group from the Diocese of Cabanatuan. As one of them later wrote: “We brought with us the tongues of fire to the people of Nueva Ecija. We will keep it burning as you did in Cebu.” Actually it was mutual sharing of fire as they shared with us, the night before the launch, of a school-based course for elected officials offered by a Catholic school.

The festive occasion also witnessed the sharing of talents as rock bands, drama guilds, a rondalla, a mini youth orchestra, and other artists made themselves available to entertain with a message. By highlighting inspiring stories in an informal and even festive setting, and giving people, particularly students, church groups, government, people’s organizations, and the private sector a chance to interact personally with the individuals concerned, spaces of hope for ordinary citizens were ignited.

Many young people sat down and participated for more than four hours. A group of PNP trainees stood for about the same length of time. They listened to stories and they cheered, inspired by the booming voice a Dilaab volunteer: “Pwede Pa? - Pwede Pala Pinoy!” As one participant later on said: “We felt united with one another and we shouted despite feeling hungry.” They gave their ears to Among Ed Panlilio of Pampanga as he shared his efforts at moral and transparent governance. They shared laughter with him as he recounted his awkward moments as a public official.

They listened intently as Archbishop Ramon Arguelles recounted his experiences during People Power 1 and how he viewed People Power not as an action against someone as it was an event bringing Filipinos together in faith, preventing our disintegration as a nation.

The participants showed keen interest at the humble testimonies of three police officers, Ret. PNP CSupt. Samson R. Tucay, PSSupt. Cesar H. Binag, and PSupt. Romy Palgue, who recounted various personal experiences and how their Christian faith enabled them to wear their badge as a badge of blessing for others.

They were struck by what they heard from Raddy Diola on what a single family can do to help a public elementary school and how this is having a ripple effect on the local community.

As each storyteller finished his story, a symbolic gesture was made in terms of signing a puzzle piece in front of the crowd and making the Pwede Pala Pinoy gesture: clenched right fist over the left chest signifying love for God and country.

While all these were happening, a queue was forming as people registered their puzzle piece (which came together with the invitation card). With each registration a name appeared on the big screen together with an emerging shape of a puzzle. The pieces called “you” were coming together.

After the storytelling, there was a “Meet and Greet” moment for people to get up and close to the storytellers. Quite unexpectedly, a swirl of humanity came to life as young people enthusiastically sought to have their pictures taken with the storytellers. Some even milled around Cesar Binag inquiring about the significance of some medals he had on his chest. The energetic smiles on the youth revealed the release of positive energies. They had found their heroes.

Fittingly, the whole event ended with the mass singing of Nasud Ko (“My Nation”) accompanied by an MTV of the song while the remaining participants raised and waved their hands in unrehearsed unison. As one blogger, who came to the event after reading about it the newspaper, later commented: “Pwede Pala Pinoy! brings that swelling in your heart. The fact that you are gathered together with people who say there is hope makes you hopeful too. You start grabbing on to optimism. And you don’t want to let go.”

That night patriotism impelled by Christian faith was hip.

Sincerely,

FR. CARMELO O. DIOLA

see pictures..

Read More

Dilaab, Archdiocese of Cebu, PNP MOA signing and Pwede Pala Pinoy Media Launch

It was a MOA signing that was not supposed to happen.

“Sir,” the voice on the other line said to me, “the Chief PNP asks that the MOA signing with Cardinal Vidal be postponed to another time.” I could not believe my ears. The planned signing was long in the making. I knew that a postponement might as well be a cancellation.

Since 2004, I have been a witness to something very beautiful and unexpected that was emerging from a government agency that, sadly, many people associate with corruption. The so-called kotong cop is synonymous with the image of using one’s public position for private gain. But such image is not just the bane of the lowly cop on the beat; even retired generals have made a scene in international airports. Yet, against all odds, a quiet transformation was and is happening.

Four years ago, I was in a quandary with my involvement with advocacy groups promoting faith-impelled social transformation. I did not know whom to trust in the PNP and this was stifling our efforts at networking and collaboration. A break came that year when I was introduced to then Col. Samson Tucay.

The latter was involved with the anti-illegal drugs campaign and we were able to organize a National Consultation on Narcopolitics or the use of profits from illegal drugs to influence and corrupt the pillars of justice. (The staggering profits from illegal drugs can influence elections, but this is another story). Sam’s relatively small stature belies a depth of spirit and commitment that travels the rough but life-giving road of conversion and transformation that can only come from experiencing God’s personal love.

Within the span of a few months, Col. Tucay was promoted general and, by then, had introduced me to members of the CORPS Movement, i.e. Christian Officers Reform the Police Service Movement, composed of both Protestants and Catholics. The glue holding them together is personal knowledge of God’s transforming love. Holding no IDs and rejecting violence and extra constitutional means as a way of changing society, their members begin with self and faith.

I learn much from the CORPS and have become a better priest because of my friendship with them. Let me share two of their initiatives. The first is their mechanism for accountability partners. These are cell groups providing psycho-spiritual and other mutual support in the journey towards integrity. They consider praying a very manly thing to do and encourage or correct one another. “Sir, I am talking with a beautiful woman. Help please,” a married officer once texted his accountability partner. “Do not ask for her cell phone number,” came the reply.

The second was the Values and Leadership School (VLS), a 30-day live-in training for PNP personnel beginning in September 10, 2004 and ending in 2007. More than 3000 policemen and women went through the training that was characterized by Spartan conditions, leadership by example, involvement by many volunteer groups, very little financial support from government, and a fresh approach of spirituality. No cursing or physical contact was allowed. Whatever the trainees ate, the trainers shared; if trainees woke up at 4 am, the trainers were up earlier. Common prayers were said first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening. Prayers were said before meals.

CORPS members and other PNP volunteers provided the actual training staff while other volunteers mainly from faith-based organizations coming in to provide lectures and testimonies. Changed lives, not to mention reduced waistlines from the daily physical regimen, made the VLS worthwhile and truly inspiring. “I will not shoot him anymore. I will just pray for him,” wrote one graduate. In the words of one officer: “VLS opened the gates for understanding and compassion to cascade to all our brethren in the police who have long been wanting to go back to the Lord.” Yes, indeed, if all that the police receive are curses, how can they be a blessing to others?

Meanwhile, Gen Tucay took over the helm of the Police National Training Institute (PNTI) making him responsible for at least 4 to 6 thousand trainees at any given time. There he also introduced faith-impelled transformation initiatives including morning and evening devotions. “Daily group prayer was good for us. My companions and I really look forward to praying in the morning now, although I did not expect to be exposed to it in a training facility,” confessed one newly inducted policewoman.

The significance of what these men and women in uniform are doing go beyond the confines of the police force. The latter is certainly the most visible government agency in our daily lives charged to maintain peace and order, public safety and internal security. If the PNP can be transformed from within, other agencies and sectors can be transformed. Perhaps this work of transformation coincides with what some bishops have recently said: “The time to start radical reforms is now. The time for moral regeneration is now. The time to conquer complacency, cynicism and apathy and to prove that we have matured from our political disappointments is now. The time to prepare for a new government is now.”

Time was ticking. Someone else from the office of Gen. Verzosa called me. “Fr Melo, it is a go.” My spirit perked up. “But someone from your office said it would be postponed,” I countered. “He is going there right now,” was the calm reply. We were setting the signing 30 minutes earlier. Meanwhile, the official MOA was in the hands of someone who had been given wrong information regarding the venue. Etc…

To shorten a long story, a MOA was signed last 30 October 2008 between the PNP, the Archdiocese of Cebu, and Dilaab Foundation Inc. It features a 7-day version of the VLS to be piloted in Cebu and a follow-up program bringing together Pulis/Pari, Precinto/Parokya through the instrumentality of lectio divina. Dilaab will work with partner local churches to sustain the fruits of integral transformation.

Yes, God indeed smiles.


see more pictures...

Read More

Pwede Pala Pinoy Speech Contest

We also partnered with the Toastmaster’s Club of Cebu who organized a speech contest for students last 25 October on the topic Pwede Pala Pinoy, i.e. a good Christian is also a good citizen. The event was held at the University of San Carlos at its law auditorium. The event further reinforced my conviction that the youth continue to be idealistic; they only need to be inspired and given and chance to channel their energies. The winners were exceptionally good. One very promising contestant did not make it because she exceeded the time limit. A good lesson: we cannot just do our own thing, no matter how good we are in what we do. By: Fr Melo Diola

see more pictures...

Read More

ASEAN lampost presscon

Last 10 October, we had a press conference expressing our deep concern over the inability of the Ombudsman to resolve the overpriced ASEAN lamppost. Is this another crime with nobody responsible? We hope not. By: Fr Melo



see more pictures...

Read More

Pahinungod kang kuya sam

13 September 2008 Regional Training School 7

4:00-10:00pm

by Anbern Rodis

Amazing night of affirmation: for the man behind wonderful and meaningful change in the PNP, for our God whose great benevolence made it all possible. Perk: I didn't realize AF Gerard (aka. Brother Bear back in college) is part of the choir who we usually ask to sing for masses in the RTS. It was an amazing reunion. And JC, who we worked with in Mediatrack for video/music was also there. And of course, we all enjoyed the music from the Bisrockers: Assembly Language and of course, the Agadiers. Our peacekeepers and our rocker boys had a fun-filled night together. ;-) pictures courtesy of Nikka.



see more pictures...

Read More

A POSITION PAPER:
TOWARDS A GREATER FAITH-IMPELLED ENGAGEMENT FOR THE 2010 ELECTIONS
(By Fr. Carmelo O. Diola/frmelodiola@dilaab.net/09228393225)

Individuals and groups involved in the anti-graft and corruption crusade often find themselves in a seemingly never-ending cycle of picking up after the mess of those who use their public office for private gain in unholy tandem with people from other sectors. Truly, we are all in this together as part of the problem and part of the solution. The political landscape is littered with such mess. The picture, however, is not limited to corruption but good governance and nation building work in general. Many feel tired and weary.

Experience tells us that elections represent the original sin in the corruption of our political system, even as the same democratic exercise also manifests larger socio-economic and cultural problems. During elections, winning at all costs becomes the rule and the end justifies the means. Those who run for office need so much money to campaign and to secure votes. The money comes from their own pockets, or is the windfall of graft practices, or secured from the pockets of other interest groups. Whatever the source, payback time is always detrimental to the common good. Not surprisingly, voters are often made to choose the lesser evil.

Elections also bring another aspect of corruption. While the systems dimension of corruption has been rightly identified, corruption, in the end, is still the free decision of individuals who are endowed with consciences. Government corruption results from the decisions of elected, appointed, or career officials.

However, of the three classes of government officials, elected officials represent the starting point for much good or much evil. They appoint or promote other officials. They approve budgets and projects. They have large discretionary funds. Dynasties result from the need to protect family or group interests. The list can go on.

There is need to do something decisive about elections. The 2010 elections provide an opportunity for such engagement. But where do we start? How do we do it?

The starting point seems to be on identifying and articulating the kind of change we seek for our nation as well as the kinds of people (i.e. citizens and leaders) we need to effect such change. This may lead to what a well-known person describes as helping clean up a stinking toilet and not just complain about it nor just to look at it from a distance.

The May 2007 elections showed that it is possible (“pwede pala”) for good people to run and to win. One particularly bright spot is the Pampanga experience where a non-political veteran who had no political machinery and no money ran and won the gubernatorial post. This deserves a closer look. Several factors stand out: a popular consensus, driven by Kapampangan pride, against choosing the lesser evil; a nomination process; an honest and courageous man rising to the challenge; Christian faith-impelled effort with strong inter-denominational collaboration; the spirit of volunteerism; strong media support; presence of a conscience bloc among the voters; vigilance at the polls; etc. Of these, the faith dimension and its effective channeling stand as the key element that ignited the rest.

Although the most prominent, the Pampanga experience, however, is not the only source of lesson. Other efforts include both faith-impelled and other approaches connected with civil society. The former includes the usual, and vital, efforts at voters’ education and poll watching, as well as newer initiatives at identifying and even endorsing worthy candidates. And then there is the effort at even fielding candidates. These efforts have met with varying degrees of success. In addition, there is a discernible shift in voters’ behavioral pattern suggesting a move towards more discerning voters. Is a significant conscience bloc emerging?

These lessons of the past can be broadened to include lessons regarding the connection between elections, governance, and development since People Power 1 with the view that the possibilities and energies unleashed by EDSA 1 continues to this very day. Nation building is a continuing process. If this is so, certain questions need to be addressed: In what ways is faith “systematically excluded” in our political culture resulting in the practice of Philippine politics that “is most hurtful to us as a people” (1997 CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on Philippines Politics)? How come that our Christian values are excluded despite Christians being the vast majority of our nation (Catechism for the Filipino Catholics 1197)? Why do many of yesterday’s heroes become today’s tyrants? What support system(s) is (are) needed to sustain public servants in their journey towards integrity? What worked and what did not work in the area of good governance, and why? What role does the Christian faith and the Christian groups need to play in our emerging nation, particularly during elections and between elections? What hindering factors stand in the way of such engagement?

As the 2010 elections approach, concerned citizens and the Christian groups face very crucial choices. Do we just watch things happen and wonder what happened? Do we continue with what we have been doing in the past or do we explore new grounds of engagement? How do we help shape the agenda for 2010 so that Christian values may become the defining element during the elections? What fresh approaches can we agree upon? Who will undertake and lead these new approaches?

There is a growing impulse from concerned citizens to replicate the Pampanga experience – and other similar cases - with its choice of the good, rather than of the lesser evil. There is also much room for action along the lines of heroic Christian citizenship that goes beyond, but complementary to, generalized voters’ education and monitoring of votes.

When all is said and done, all these engagements have to do with hope. After all, “all serious and upright human conduct is hope in action” (Spe Salvi 35).

Read More

Reproductive health bill forum

I have been studying the consolidated reproductive health bill. I must confess that it is only now that I am getting some detailed understanding of the issues involved. It is really a matter of life and death, with the proposed bill introducing a culture of death by making absolute the right of a woman over her body at the expense of other and even more fundamental rights. It also takes away the right and duty of parents to be their children’s first teacher on human sexuality and morality.

While responsible parenthood must be promoted so the impact of poverty on the poor would be alleviated, the means for achieving this ought to be through natural family planning or NFP. The latter is in keeping with the dignity of the human person and promotes dialogue and respect between partners; it is an ecologically-sound approach (since nothing alien is introduced); is user friendly and are effective. With less than 1 percent of couples using NFP and about 50% of couples not using any method at all, a very wide door is open to the NFP. A more effective information campaign is needed.

The position paper on faith and engagement in 2010 that was circulated by Dilaab has elicited many responses, often long comments and suggestions. It seems to have touched a pulse. -Fr Melo.

see more pictures...

Read More