RESOLUTIONS
October 22-23, 2021
We, the 210 participants representing the 35 Lay Organizations and Movements (LOMAS) and the 20 Diocesan Councils of the Laity (DCLs) are gathered during the 22nd National Biennial Convention of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas held on October 22 & 23, 2021 with the theme: ‘Celebrate as One in 2021 – the Gift of Christianity, the Gift of Mission and the Gift of Unity’ which is aligned to the celebration of the 500th Year of Christianity in the Philippines.
Aware of the restrictions imposed on the mobility of persons and of mass gatherings, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Convention is held online using Zoom as the virtual platform.
1: SOCIO-ECONOMIC
As Catholics, followers of Jesus whose life and example have shown preferential love for the poor and the suffering, we are called to be our sisters’ and brothers’ keeper by living the spirit of solidarity and simple lifestyle. Aware of the devastating socio-economic strains brought about by pandemic/prolonged quarantine restrictions that weigh most heavily on the poor and those in the peripheries of society, we resolve to:
- Be stewards of our economy by patronizing Filipino-made products and supporting local on-line businesses
- Include an Integral Formation Program in our activities (human, social, civic, spiritual).
- Address hunger and malnutrition among children (e.g. by promoting feeding programs and education on nutrition for parents)
- Take the initiative to go out of our way and reach out to others to offer a listening presence, companionship and support
2: EDUCATION
The inevitable shift to online-learning due to the pandemic has heightened the existing challenge of the digital divide between the rich and poor population, the urban-rural communities. This was further aggravated by the inadequacy of most parents to provide support and accompaniment to their children as school learning is carried out at home. To strengthen the partnership between the parents/home and the school, we resolve to:
- Create a Program of formation and empowerment for parents (family communication and dynamics, discipline, conflict management, mental and emotional health issues.)
- Promote networking to strengthen communication and coordination between home and school
- Lobby for laws that will expand the digital infrastructure to rural and marginalized areas, and provide access to essential gadgets and affordable internet connection.
3: POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT
The Second Vatican Council asserts that the renewal of the temporal order is the special obligation of the laity. The lamentable political situation of our country, made more pronounced by the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has made it a moral imperative for us as lay faithful to take seriously our mandate to be frontliners in the Church’s mission in society. Heeding the call of our own Bishops urging us to engage in principled partisan politics as part of our mission to renew the temporal order, particularly in view of the forthcoming national elections, we resolve to:
- Organize prayer groups and discernment circles in our communities using the Word of God and texts from the Social Teachings of the Church to guide our reflections
- Educate our members, sphere of influence, and the youth on responsible citizenship and patriotism
- Engage in Information campaigns and dissemination using social media platforms to counter fake news and alternative facts
- Actively participate in collective action initiated by Church, Civil Society and other groups
