Catholic schools to rally for CARP extension

MANILA, Philippines - The biggest organization of Catholic schools in the country on Monday said it would hold a massive street protest Wednesday to goad Congress to extend Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and at the same time denounce the government’s plan to amend the Constitution. In an interview with Radio Veritas, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) director Msgr. Gerardo Santos said the main purpose of the protest is to help the farmers call for the extension of CARP before Congress goes on a Christmas break on December 20. "Kaya tayo ay sumusuporta sa ating mga kapatid sa kanayunan sa kanilang pangangailangan na magkaroon ng tunay at (The reason why we support the farmers is because they a need to have the real and) long lasting CARP with extension and reform,” he said. Santos added the protest is also in line with the inter-faith rally against Charter change in Makati City on Dec. 12. “Pareho kasi gumawa nga ng national statement ang CEAP na tutol sa Cha-cha before 2010 at pro-CARP with extension and reform (the CEAP made a national statement that we are against Charter change and we are pro CARP),” he said. Santos said they plan to unite and join all the farmers who marched to Manila in their bid to extend the program. He further said all the protesters are expected to meet at St. Peter's Church in Quezon City before proceeding to Batasan Complex. The CEAP has 1,252 member-schools. Those who will join the protest are Dela Salle University, Adamson University, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, College of the Holy Spirit, Don Bosco Technical School, Philippine Christian College, San Beda College, Concordia School, Miriam College, University of Sto.Tomas, Divine World Seminary and St. Paul Manila. Also set to join the protest action are La Consolacion College-Manila; St.Joseph’s College-Quezon city;Sta.Isabel College,Stella Maris; Sta.Catalina College, Daughters of Charity, St. Pedro Poveda,St.Scholastica College, Sienna College, Order St. Benedictine College, Task Force Mapalad and farmers from Yulo, Hacienda Bacan, and Calatagan. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV