Juan Loquindo, Jr. Bukidnon tribal leader

The work objectives are summarized as follows:

• To ensure substantial and informed responses to environmental and resource management concerns by providing comprehensive information and analysis
• To enable diocese partners enhance their skills and methods in implementing the diocese environmental agenda and in engaging with stakeholders
• To seek complementation with Jesuit initiatives in the different partner dioceses.

Governance in Philippine society today, while operating under democratic principles, is also increasingly defined within a secular perspective of the immediate. This does not mean the diminution of the religious or spiritual needs but that religion has a lesser influence in the public realm. This translates into decisions that Philippine society takes as being not primarily based on church doctrines or moral justifications, but rather on practical and human conditions. The church is not of lesser significance; rather it challenges the church to deal with the secular. The church has to build greater capacity and credibility as it participates in civil society's engagement to address environmental and social concerns affecting communities in general, especially in Mindanao.

This three-year project illustrates the potentials of the local church contribution and the challenges that it has to struggle with in responding to the needs of the communities. Due to the more stable socio-political context in their areas, the dioceses in Malaybalay and Cagayan de Oro positively engaged on critical issues. The quality of engagement is appreciated and acknowledged by other sectors, including those whose stand is opposite to that of the church, primarily because discussions are based on technical and community realities.

The Archdiocese of Cotabato presents a complex situation as the socio-political context in its area is dominated by political allegiances and debts of gratitude. The many interests that need to be accommodated, especially in areas of resource management and resource allocation, are realities. Given the less democratic atmosphere in this area, greater impact seemingly can be achieved by working with power elites. However, this only works to a certain level, or else one can be drawn into the conflict of warring clans. Thus, the general attitude of the local church leadership is one of a cautious pastoral accompaniment. Religious congregations are drawn more into the social engagements needed of their people.

The Diocese of Butuan presents another development in the church social engagement. Due to the martial law experience during the Marcos regime, a number of the church personalities and church-based or affiliated organizations are associated with the communist movement. However, the current working relations of the diocese is with the military and some political elites and this is providing unease for some groups especially those working with communities, who still hold memories of the past. This unease is observed in the limited relationships of organizations within the Graded Literacy Program and the Indigenous Peoples Apostolate.

Because ESSC is a Jesuit organization, there is an effort to create a broader engagement with other Jesuit institutions in Mindanao for a more strategic contribution in the work with the dioceses and local needs. Jesuit collaboration emerged at three levels: through the Jesuit universities, mission parishes, and formation centers. In an effort to enhance the engagement of Jesuit universities in Mindanao, ESSC is assisting the development of capacities in geographic information system and analysis, as well as providing inputs to the social analysis on peace and environment. Opportunities emerged in the provision of site-specific technical support to Jesuit Mission parishes in areas of water resource management and culture-based education. ESSC has become a core organization in the Jesuit formation of scholastics as the project provided venues to contribute to their documentation and analytical skills.

Strategically, the project expanded the work programs in the areas of youth, peace building, and community leadership. Given the positive responses from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, the Diocese of Malaybalay, and local government, more collaborative work in enhancing local programs is forthcoming through an active engagement with the youth groups.

To view or download the ESSC project report, Click here.