Caritas head urges focus on human dignity, not projects

Posted by ReyFort Media

Catholic social action should focus on restoring human dignity rather than chasing projects or targets, the head of Caritas Philippines said Tuesday.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos warned that social ministry loses its purpose when it becomes driven by reports, funding cycles, and measurable outputs instead of people.

“Our work cannot be reduced by projects, reports, or targets. These are necessary, but they are not the heart,” Alminaza said. “The heart is whether dignity is restored.”

He spoke during Mass to formally open the 42nd National Social Action General Assembly (NASAGA) at the Mother of Grace Convention Center in Tagaytay City.

The gathering, which runs through Feb. 6, brought together some bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and laypeople involved in social action ministry in different dioceses across the country.

Alminaza said the Church must see the poor not as beneficiaries, but as partners who help shape their own future.

Listening deeply to communities is essential, he said, because injustice is often expressed through silence, damaged land and broken livelihoods.

“The most important voices are often the least heard — the poor, the displaced, the workers, indigenous communities, and today, even the wounded earth itself,” he said.

The bishop said dignity-centered work demands patience, especially when progress is slow and resistance from powerful interests remains strong.

“Pananagutan (responsibility) means we stay, even when results are not immediate,” Alminaza said, using the Filipino word for responsibility.

He said faith-based action is not denial of hardship, but courage to continue working even when hope appears unreasonable.

“Reacting is easy. Responding is harder,” he said. “But only response rooted in faith leads to lasting change.” he said.

Alminaza linked dignity-based ministry to environmental and economic issues, saying wounded communities and damaged ecosystems reflect the same injustice.

As Caritas Philippines marks 60 years of organized social action, he urged church workers to deepen listening and long-term accompaniment.

He said success should be measured not by completed projects, but by whether people stand with dignity and hope. (R. Lagarde/ CBCP News)