My friend Min Min Ponteras, a university faculty and community development worker, believes there is still much to be done in the promotion of social justice in the country.
With her long years of CD work, Min Min echoed the observation on the social situation for “the need to continue working for the promotion of social justice.”
There are still a lot of poor people without voice as to their situation and education, especially on the tertiary level, remains a privilege. There are many without jobs and the needs of the basic sectors are not attended to, she said.
She recalled that empowerment of people is the target of development work. “Maybe there is a problem with awareness and if ever they are aware, many are not doing much about it,” Min Min added.
Asked on the challenges faced in the promotion of social justice, Min Min asserted: “When people are so poor, their only concern is how to bring food on their table. When they are comfortable, they will try to remain as such. So who thinks now of addressing social justice issues?”
The task is a collaboration of the government, NGOs and other institutions, like the academe and the church, she further said.
Much work is needed since the people must a say in policy-making and setting the priorities of government, she underscored on the challenges, but this is not happening.
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Social justice becomes the centerpiece concern next week when the global community, led by the United Nations, will mark on Feb. 20 the World Day of Social Justice.
The celebration reminds us that social justice is necessary in the instrument of peace, security and development in a society.
Social justice – as the concept of equal access opportunity and privileges within a society – has been a nagging concern particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries like ours.
It encompasses the “fair treatment of people, including the respect for the rights of minorities and the equitable distribution of resources among members of the community.”
The concern on equal opportunities and fair treatment becomes even more exigent amid the pandemic, prompting promotes of the global event to focus on the theme “Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment”.
The theme is apparently a-shoot-the-moon proposition, especially within the context of the pandemic crisis, which triggered economies to reel, many barely recovery at present.
Lockdowns, quarantine and other restrictions have led to all-time-high unemployment and underemployment rates.
Compounding the situation is the revitalization of the digital economy, which has resulted in a remarkable shift in the labor force market.
Considering the inability of many Filipino workers to access digital platforms, the gaps in the road to social justice may remain just as wide in the near future.
The gaps which are evidently glaring include racial and gender discrimination, unequal access to education and even the obvious imbalance in the commitment of nations to fight or address the ill effects of climate change.
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Capping her thoughts on social justice Min Min is of the conviction that, as members of the academe “we should strengthen awareness-raising and immerse our students in the life of the poor and the marginalized.”
Government, she added, should prioritize basic social services and the empowerment of the grassroot sectors. The church must also continue its program to work with institutions in the promotion of social justice.
Community organizing is an important strategy in addressing this problem, Min Min reiterated.
The promotion of social justice, indeed, remains and urgent task.
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Learn to do right, seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. (Isaiah 1:17) – NWI
