Civil Engineer's World

An update on the creation of the Alliance of ExSeminarians was sent to me by Bolano Peter Marlon last July 9. I thank him for sending me these updates which also give me the opportunity to help spread the endeavor to fellow Exseminarians.

I learned that the creation of the Philippine Alliance of XSeminarians (PAX) had been started a long time ago. From the update that I received - a brief history was included and the following in italics are also from the update. If you are an ExSeminarian and wants to know more about the Philippine Alliance of XSeminarians (PAX), please contact me and i will be very glad to forward to you the updates and current undertakings sent to me by Bolano Peter Marlon.

-It was learned that sometime in the early 70’s an attempt was made to form an association of ex-seminarians through the initiative of the late Orly Punzalan from the UST Central Seminary. Unfortunately, the initiative fizzled out despite the initial gathering of several ex-seminarians which had now Justice Feria as its guest speaker.

-Another attempt was made sometime in 1992 with an assembly of over 100 ex-seminarians from different seminaries which was held at the Guadalupe Minor Seminary at Makati City. For some unknown reasons, there was no other meeting called thereafter.

With the theme “ut unum simus” (that we may be one) Please Foundation Inc, (Palo Leyte Alumni of the Seminary) initiated the move to organize all ex-seminarians nationwide.

1. MORINGA PROJECT — The group adopted the proposal of Atty. Ribo to plant Moringa/Malungay in a two-hectare land pilot area and to build a factory for this purpose. A multi-purpose cooperative was created to handle this project. This project will then be replicated in other dioceses to benefit the local ex-sems. This project and other future project will make the Alliance financially self-sufficient, provide employment for the ex-sems and augment their incomes. This, and other future similar projects, is the answer to Objective No. 1 (Better economic opportunities (employment and business) and Issue No. 3 (Logistics).

2. WEBSITE — An official website to be called “paxinterra.org” is now being designed by Roderick ”Derek” C. Madrunio, a Benedictine ex-sem. This website will contain (a) links to all the alumni websites, the Vatican, the CBCP, and related sites; (b) the directory, relevant and non-confidential information of the members; (c) forum for discussion on relevant issues concerning the alliance; (d) a page for the projects and activities of the alliance; (e) an advertisement of the businesses of the members for a fee; (f) announcement of issues relevant to the alliance and its members; and (g) other features which the members may propose. This website will be our means of knowing and getting-in-touch with each other.

3. Creation of Political Affairs and Good Governance Committee — Though there was a general agreement on the need for moral change and promote good governance in government, it was emphasized that the alliance must respect the political persuasions of each ex-sem. This will is also answer Objective No. 4 (Better participation in governance). Reflecting on this matter later with a friend, I will share some of my ideas on what’s wrong with our political system.

Sometime in 2005, at the height of the “Hello Garci” controversy, Pres. Arroyo justified her “lapse in judgment” (whatever she meant by it) in the political culture prevailing in the country. While it is not a excuse for her “lapse in judgment”, she has a point. In her youth she studied in Assumption College. Like her most of the people in government attended good schools (private Catholic and protestant schools, public schools like UP), where virtues and idealism were inculcated. Like her, we had been idealists who refused to compromise good with evil, we had been dismayed with the way we have been governed, we had hoped to change the system for the better when our time comes; we hoped to change the world, our country and our community. Like her, we lose our idealism to the practicalities of survival and the realities of life.

If we wish to change the world, our country, and our community, we have to change within, we have to change ourselves, we have to go back to the idealism of our youth, we have to remember and practice what were taught to us when we were young. And we have to do them collectively. These are the things which the bishops have been telling us in their pastoral letter “Seeking the Truth, Restoring Integrity” dated February 26, 2008: “For the long term we reiterate our call for “circles of discernment” at the grassroots level, in our parishes, Basic Ecclesial Communities, recognized lay organizations and movements, religious institutions, schools, seminaries and universities. It is through internal conversion into the maturity of Christ through communal and prayerful discernment and action that the roots of corruption are discovered and destroyed. We believe that such communal action will perpetuate at the grassroots level the spirit of People Power so brilliantly demonstrated to the world at EDSA I. It is People Power with a difference. From the grassroots will come out a culture of truth and integrity we so deeply seek and build. We instruct our CBCP Commissions to take active role including networking for this purpose.”

The epitaph of an American Cardinal and borrowed by Sen. Raul Rocco is best to describe it. It says: “When I was a boy I dreamed to change the world, when I became a young man I hoped to change my country, when I became old I hoped to change my community; but now that I am dying I realize that I have to change myself first.”

The Alliance, being an amalgamation of SAA’s and exsems, is in a better position to do this because of the common traits and training of its members. If we could help place enough ex-sems in government by appointment and elections, especially in critical and high positions, we will be in better position to influence the way policies and laws are formulated, enacted and implemented. Without breaking the rule on the separation of state and church, we could instill in the government the social and moral principles taught by the bishops and the Church.

On July 6, a group of 5 exsems were selected as members of this committee. They were mandated to study on how the alliance could better achieve this goal.

4.Creation of Religious Affairs Committee — This committee shall be responsible for religious projects and programs, especially for the holding of retreats.