08/08/2026
✨ CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT ON JUSTICE AND PEACE PROGRAM WITH PARISH AND BEC COMMUNITIES IN STA CRUZ ✨
Held recently at Sta. Cruz Chapel, Barangay Guinsorongan, Catbalogan City, the Commission on Justice and Peace of the Diocese of Calbayog continued its meaningful Capability Assessment on Justice and Peace Program with Parish and BEC Communities in Sta Cruz — a vital step toward strengthening justice, peace, and human rights awareness at the grassroots.
📌 Key Highlights from the Session:
💬 Ms. Brenilie Mergal, SAC JP Program Coordinator — Diocese of Calbayog Social Action Center, emphasized that this activity is more than just an orientation: it is advocacy and awareness-building for every BEC member on Justice and Peace.
“It is the mission of the Church to promote and uphold human rights within the BEC community.”
She noted with concern the declining number of active youth in church and community activities — making this formation all the more urgent to inspire the next generation of leaders.
📖 She led a thorough review of discussions on the basic concepts of human rights, grounding everyone in the fundamental principles that guide our advocacy.
🤝 A key direction was shared: the creation of a Core Group of Human Rights Defenders in BEC Sta. Cruz, representing different sectors of society — ensuring broad, inclusive voices stand together for justice.
📢 Mark your calendars! On August 13, 2026, personnel from the Commission on Justice and Peace of the Diocese of Calbayog and from the national level will visit Sta. Cruz Chapel to conduct an assessment — evaluating how the program has been received and embraced in the BEC Sta Cruz of Barangay Guinsorongan.
🙏 The Social Action Center (SAC) of the Diocese of Calbayog serves as the social development and justice arm of the Church — dedicated to protecting the rights of every BEC member. This vital work is carried out with the support of Caritas Philippines, Driekönigsaktion Hilfswerk der Katholischen Jungschar, and Horizont 3000, with funding assistance from the Austrian Development Cooperation and the European Union.
Together, we stand for justice, peace, and human dignity — one community at a time. 💛🕊️
