NEWS ARCHIVE

as of DECEMBER 2007

CSBCom: THE 4TH WORKSHOP

Gallery (Photo Documentation) here

The Co-creating Sustainable Bioregional Community or CSBCom’s fourth workshop was held on July 7, 2007, at the Vincentian Seminary in Barangay San Roque, Angono, Rizal. With an overarching theme “Pagtataguyod ng isang Makahulugang Buhay at Kabuhayan na Nakaugat sa ating Kabathalaan at Yaman ng ating Kultura at Kalikasan”, the workshop started early in the morning with an opening ritual facilitated by the CFCA. Fr. Ferdie Alarcon, the Rector of the seminary, gave a warm welcome to the participants.

Said event was facilitated by Arlene Bonavente and Dexter Basunillo. The opening remarks were given by the President of ASI, Dr. Mina Ramirez. She described the gathering as an event where the fragmented were made whole – “Dito nagkakatipon tipon ang mga nagkakahiwalay-hiwalay; pagkakahiwalay ng ibat ibang sector – academiya at ordinaryong tao, matanda at bata, tao at inanglupa.”

The participants to the event came from various towns of Angono, Binangonan and Cardona. Students and professors from the Asian Social Institute, the University of Rizal System and the Vincentian novices also attended the event. Dr. Ramirez also announced the plan of activities for the CSBCom

August 6, 2006 – inviting leaders from various sectors to introduce them the concept of CSBCom.

Vir Cristobal made a brief narration of the vision and objectives of the gathering after which stakeholders reported the progress of their organizing efforts.

Dr. Gina Yap presented her insights on the CSBCom as a “Well-being Approach to Development” - The process of creating and sustaining basic life conditions which people can experience well-being (ginhawa). She said that “the general conditions of life and well-being are dependent to a large extent on the condition of our natural environment and the planet as a whole. A new paradigm needs to be fostered for the planet’s survival – an Integral Paradigm. It follows the “All quadrants all levels (AQAL) by Ken Wilber’s Integral perspective.” This entails change at all levels… Pagbabago sa lahat ng antas – loob at labas”. Dr. Gina Yap also acknowledges the diversity of nature, as well as worldview – hindi tayo parepareho. She described it as “World is rich because of variety of experiences and worldviews/ cultures.” These are passed on from one generation to another through Memetic codes – logical and developmental conditions produce cultural codes (or value Memes) which shape the collective consciousness of people. They are passed on to many generations or spread to other places through migration.

A planning workshop was held in the afternoon. Tentative plan of action was presented in the plenary by each stakeholder from Binangonan, Angono, Cardona, CFCA and the Asian Social Institute. Dr. Villy Vital, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, gave the closing remark. At 6 pm, the closing prayer was delivered by Pol Mendoza.

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Workshops

“Healing the ‘divides’ through
compassionate listening”

Hoping to heal the ‘divides’ in our society, the Asian Social Institute is conducting a quarterly Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Workshops which intend to call on servant leaders of our society from various institutional spheres to direct the citizens of our country to a reflection on how we can bridge the divides that have led to monetary poverty, violence, and degradation of the environment.

The sectors that will be represented, actively participating in each of the four workshops during the SY 2007-08, are as follows:

The format of each workshop will be as follows:

• Opening Creative Ritual
• Brief Inputs
• Main Values of Christian Social Teachings
• Reality Assessment on the many “divides” in the country
• Advocacy for Holistic Development Paradigm (ECSOM or CSBCom) that will connect all initiatives
• Workshop
• Lunch
• Presentation of Workshop Outputs
• Synthesis
• Closing Ritual

One of the key speakers is Dr. Sixto Roxas, Chair of the Maximo T. Kalaw Institute for Sustainable Development and Member of the ASI Board of Trustees.

It is hoped that through compassionate listening to the dreams, aspirations and social initiatives of Filipino leaders of all sectors and all levels, our country may be a light for growth that spells family and community welfare and enhancement of community wealth (income, assets, human, cultural life-values, and spirituality.