Bishop Bartolome Santos of Iba has decreed the establishment of social action centers in all parishes of the diocese.
He said the parish-based centers are important as these will serve as bridges of their diocesan social action center in carrying out its programs and services.
Specifically, Bishop Santos said the centers will focus on four main thrusts Alay Kapwa, political maturity, humanitarian and ecology, “to ensure that the poor and environment will be of utmost priority.”
With this development, Bishop Santos hopes that the diocese “will continue to build and sustain the church of the poor” in the diocese.
The bishop encouraged the faithful “to selflessly give their time, treasure and talent towards the poor, the very reason of our service”.
The establishment of the parish social action centers will start next year and will be facilitated by the Social Action Center of Zambales (SACZ).
In April last year, the Archdiocese of Cebu also mandated the creation of “Parish Caritas” in all its 167 parishes.
Archbishop Jose Palma said the decision aims to localize the creation and implementation of programs based on the actual needs of the parishioners.
