MANILA, Philippines – Sa paggunita ng ika-40 anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power Revolution, hinikayat ng Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ang mga mananampalataya na magkaisa at manindigan laban sa korapsyon at kawalang-katarungan na nananatiling suliranin sa bansa.
Sa pastoral letter na inilabas nitong Pebrero 25, binalikan ng CBCP na noong 1986, pinili ng mga Pilipino ang “peace over violence and conscience over fear.”
“That moment captured the imagination of the world and gave birth to a national dream—justice, freedom, truth, and respect for human dignity,” pahayag ng grupo.
Gayunman, sinabi ng CBCP na sa kasalukuyan ay marami ang nagtatanong: “What happened to that dream?”
Ayon sa kanila, ang mga suliraning panlipunan ngayon ay maaaring ibuod sa “five Ks”: Korapsyon, Kahirapan, Kriminalidad, Kasinungalingan, at Kataksilan.
“These realities have bred frustration and cynicism. Many people quietly say, ‘Wala namang nangyayari.’ Nothing seems to change,” dagdag pa nila.
Bilang tugon, inilunsad ng CBCP ang “Katipunan Formation Program for Good Citizenship.”
Ipinaliwanag ng grupo na ang salitang Katipunan ay mula sa “tipon” o pagtitipon, at inaalala ang diwa ng mga bayani tulad nina Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, at Jose Rizal—mga taong naniwalang ang pagmamahal sa bayan ay nangangailangan ng sakripisyo, integridad, at pananagutan.
“Today’s struggle is different from that of the 19th century. The enemies are no longer colonial rulers, but corruption, lies, injustice, and indifference. These cannot be defeated by force, but by citizens who are morally formed, socially aware, and guided by faith,” ayon sa CBCP.
Layunin ng programa na magsilbing proseso ng pagninilay, panalangin, at pag-aaral upang harapin nang tapat ang limang “K.”
Hinimok ng CBCP ang lahat ng diyosesis na agad ipatupad ang programa at nanawagan sa publiko na isabuhay ang diwa nito.
“As the nation remembers Edsa at 40, the challenge is not merely to commemorate the past, but to continue the work of conscience and conversion. Social transformation remains possible when citizens choose integrity over convenience and truth over silence,” pahayag ng CBCP.
“Guided by faith, inspired by history, and strengthened by community, the Katipunan Formation Program seeks to help Filipinos rediscover their role in shaping a nation where justice is served, truth is honored, and peace is within reach,” dagdag pa nila. RNT/MND
