MANILA, June 9, 2011— Catholic bishops will gather in Manila next month to discuss the fight against poverty with the country’s businessmen.
The discussion highlights the 35th General Assembly of the Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference (BBC) for Human Development at the Pope Pius XII Center in Manila on July 11.
The meeting will be attended by members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, and leaders of business organizations, foundations, academe and basic sectors.
This year’s theme of the annual BBC meeting is: “Corporate social responsibility: A response to poverty and integral human development.â€
Among the topics in the meeting is the corporate social responsibility initiatives being espoused and undertaken by the business community.
Belle Beluan, BBC executive director, said the bishops are also going to raise their “expectations†in terms of business helping alleviate the poverty.
“The challenge to both bishops and businessmen as engaged citizens on how they can respond to the realities posed in addressing poverty (will also be tackled),†Beluan said.
Speakers of the meeting include Cotabato Auxuliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Pilipinas Shell Corporation chairman Edgar Chua, Dr. Mahar Mangahas, and Christian Monsod.
Dr. Antonio Lavina, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, will serve as the Facilitator and Moderator.
The panel of reactors, Beluan said, will be comprised of representatives from the fisher folks, farmers, urban poor and informal sectors.
The BBC was established in 1971, when bishops and businessmen met in Baguio City to seek ways “how churchmen and businessmen can jointly contribute to the advancement of our people toward a fuller human lifeâ€.
While the thrust of most of the BBC’s activities has been a dynamic program of advocacy, information, education and formation, it continues to embark on projects that seek to help the poor.
BBC is currently headed by national co-chairmen Jaro Archbishop Lagdameo and Mr. Meneleo Carlos, Jr, President of Resins, Inc. (CBCPNews)
