Lay leaders from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Davao joined the Political Education Trainers' training organized by the Archdiocesan Social Action Center of Davao, Feb. 20, 2016. (Photo: John Frances Fuentes)
DAVAO City, Feb. 22, 2016—The Archdiocese of Davao has started the first leg of political education trainers’ training in preparation for the upcoming May 2016 elections with a first session held on Feb. 20, Saturday.
The Archdiocesan Social Action Center (ASAC) Davao spearheaded the training of 44 lay leaders who will also train members in their respective Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) to guide them in choosing the next political leaders of the country.
The training was held at the St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Sasa, Davao City, with participants coming from the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Davao.
Church in politics
ASAC Director Fr. Leonardo Dublan, Jr. said this political education trainers’ training focuses on the understanding of the role of the Church and the principles of its involvement in the political arena, especially in the electoral process.
Dublan said lay leaders should participate in the political exercises of the country as this is not only their right as Filipinos, but it is their Christian responsibility and vocation.
“It is never optional and we cannot say that politics is not part of our life as Catholics,” Dublan said during an interview with CBCP News.
The ASAC Director outlined his input based on the principles from the social teachings of the Church. The priest emphasized the dignity of the human Person; subsidiarity; the common good; and solidarity as guiding principles in selecting leaders who deserve to be elected to government posts.
Susan Toreno, the vicariate coordinator of the Parish Social Action Ministry of St. James Vicariate, said the Church can do something to change the political situation of the country, adding that this will help voters become more aware of the situation of the country.
Educated voters
She said: “The electorate is now educated. They know that the country is in need of leaders who will change the current situation that poverty is still there. They just don’t allow politicians to buy their votes.”
“In their hearts, voters are aware who among those running are only good in lip service and who among them can deliver the goods,” Toreno added.
Meanwhile, the training on political education will run up to three batches and will be held in other parishes of the Archdiocese of Davao. (John Frances C. Fuentes / CBCP News)
