Indonesia

Cardinal Tagle, officials discuss civic engagement as way forward

Natashya Gutierrez

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Cardinal Tagle, officials discuss civic engagement as way forward
They address ways to encourage civic engagement in business, government, media and faith-based groups

MANILA, Philippines – Cabinet secretaries, a top Philippine church official, sectoral leaders and businessmen from across Southeast Asia discussed civic engagement on Friday, May 23, and agreed on the need to promote it as a way to move forward.

At a World Economic Forum East Asia discussion moderated by Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, sectoral leaders addressed ways to encourage civic engagement in business, government, media and faith-based groups. They agreed that a changing world facing disruptions has to be open to changes in institutions as well.

Among the participants were Budget Secretary Butch Abad, Presidential Peace Adviser Ging Deles, tax chief Kim Henares, and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

Tagle and Deles were among 5 discussion leaders, who headed their own group discussions with participants. Other participants include Dino Djalal, former Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Switzerland’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ivo Sieber, and Federico Lopez, CEO of First Gen Corporation.

Tagle, after speaking with his group, said they agreed that society should “celebrate experiences of empowerment of grass root communities” and the improvements brought about by social media, technology and social engagement.

He emphasized that there’s a lot of work to be done.

“There is desire [that] we should enhance civic responsibility. [But] for civic engagement to be sustained, people should be trained in their responsibility to society,” Tagle said.

This understanding, Tagle added, is one that can be advanced through education. “Education towards involvement in society is lacking [as well as] education as formation of good changes.”

Deles agreed, pointing out that while social media has empowered certain sectors and allowed more people to engage in key issues, poor and rural communities continue to be left behind, highlighting the need for education.

“It is important to focus on education. Education pushes civic engagement, while civil engagement pushes education,” she said. “In some areas, literacy is still a problem while others have access to social media.”

What church can do

Tagle also cited various actions the church can do to encourage civic engagement, given the power that faith-based groups hold over individuals and communities.

“Faith communities can contribute to civic engagement by making sure to involve those that are isolated,” he said. Are there wheelchair ramps in public places? Are there interpreters for the deaf and the mute? Inclusion, he said, is of utmost importance if the marginalized are expected to get involved.

“The people with disabilities don’t feel they are given the space… These may look like little things, but they manifest inclusivity,” he said.

Deles, too, warned against religious groups that are very influential especially at the grassroots level but which run the risk of becoming more inward.

Focusing on the similarities of various religions and working towards open and inclusive dialogue, she said, are crucial to engaging civil groups.

Role of government

But the role of government could not be ignored either, agreed participants, with Abad’s discussion group emphasizing the all-important role of government “to facilitate civic engagement.”

“A good government is one that acknowledges that it is responsible to its own citizenry… [it] solicits feedback and input from civil society,” said Jared Genser from the United States, and the Managing Director of Perseus Strategies.

“Government needs to listen more than they talk, and understand the diverse interests [of their people],” he said.

Genser also said it is harder to access certain groups, but governments must “go out of [their] way to harness that.”

Transparency and accountability, the group also agreed, are essential tools to push civic engagement not just in government, but in businesses as well.

In all these fields, Abad said, “civic engagement is about disruptive, constructive relationships.” – Rappler.com

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Natashya Gutierrez

Natashya is President of Rappler. Among the pioneers of Rappler, she is an award-winning multimedia journalist and was also former editor-in-chief of Vice News Asia-Pacific. Gutierrez was named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2023.