We in Konsyensya Dabaw are disturbed by the series of messages from the President that promote militarism and put civilians at risk.
The first year of the Duterte administration has been a virtual tug-of-war between those pursuing genuine and thorough-going reforms and those defending the status quo. However, it seems that in Duterte's first year, the Right--the militarists, the imperialists' lackeys and the neoliberals-- had pulled the rope farther to their side. Essentially, while the Duterte administration has initiated some pro-people programs and policies, yet, over-all it is the same mainly pro-imperialists, neoliberal, anti-poor and repressive policies pushed by the pro-US, militarists and neoliberals in the Duterte cabinet that are dominant.
Beyond the issue of lipstick donations, a critical inquiry on “for whom and for what” our efforts are would always be a sensible question for donors and volunteers. Are we extending support to alleviate the suffering of our fellow human beings, or do our efforts only reinforce the existing social order that oppresses the majority, including and especially women?
There is a grave humanitarian crisis in Mindanao. The mission notes a total of 325,294 IDPs in Mindanao, a big portion of which are in home-based and evacuation-center based in Lanao del Sur, and a smaller portion in Maguindanao and Davao del Sur.
The active involvement of citizens in creating a nurturing society steeped in justice depends on the truth. That is the service to which media is called. That is why we have schools and colleges and universities. That is why teaching is a noble profession. That is why books and magazines, journals and articles are published.