Bishops, businessmen to discuss poverty in July 11 meeting

Catholic bishops will meet with businessmen in Manila on July 11 to discuss joint efforts in their fight against poverty. The fight against poverty will highlight the 35th General Assembly of the Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference (BBC) for Human Development at the Pope Pius XII Center. “Among the topics in the meeting is the corporate social responsibility initiatives being espoused and undertaken by the business community," according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). It said this year’s theme is: “Corporate social responsibility: A response to poverty and integral human development." Expected to attend the meeting are members of the CBCP and leaders of business organizations, foundations, academe, and basic sectors. BBC executive director Belle Beluan said the bishops are also going to raise their “expectations" in terms of business helping alleviate the poverty. “The challenge to both bishops and businessmen as engaged citizens on how they can respond to the realities posed in addressing poverty [will also be tackled]," Beluan said. Speakers at the meeting include Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Pilipinas Shell Corp. chairman Edgar Chua, Social Weather Stations president Mahar Mangahas, and lawyer Christian Monsod. Dr. Antonio Lavina, dean of the Ateneo School of Government, will serve as the facilitator and moderator. Beluan said the panel of reactors will include representatives from the fisher folks, farmers, urban poor, and informal sectors. The BBC was established in 1971, when bishops and businessmen met in Baguio City to seek ways “how churchmen and businessmen can jointly contribute to the advancement of our people toward a fuller human life." While the thrust of most of the BBC’s activities has been a dynamic program of advocacy, information, education and formation, it continues to embark on projects that seek to help the poor. — JE, GMA News