With the persistent crisis that beset our nation today, the call to solidarity becomes more resonant. In a politician’s race for power, in the country’s struggle for economic survival, the poor are the unwitting victims.

Solidarity becomes an imperative response to the cry of the poor. This can only be possible if there is empathy or pagmalasakit sa kapwa. Both terms etymologically mean “to suffer with the other”.

I welcome the efforts of the Ina nin Bikol Foundation to lend its hand to the poorest of the poor. The vision of the PCP II is to transform the Church through its preference for the poor. A heroic act, therefore, is something that is done in defense of the poor.

We can only transform our society if we develop a culture of solidarity where everyone, including the poor themselves, has genuine care for the poor. Such is the power of solidarity.

Most Rev. Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP, DD.
Archbishop of Caceres