“That Christ may be Formed in us” (Galatians 4:19)

Pastoral Letter for Good Citizenship

As the Philippines celebrates the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986, the memory of a nation united in prayer, courage, and hope comes back to us. Along EDSA, ordinary Filipinos chose peace over violence and conscience over fear. That moment captured the imagination of the world and gave birth to a national dream—justice, freedom, truth, and respect for human dignity.

Forty years later, however, many Filipinos ask a painful question: What happened to that dream?

A Nation Marked by Deep Wounds

Today, the country continues to struggle with persistent social problems that weaken both public life and personal conscience. These can be summarized in what many now call the five “Ks”:

  • Korapsyon, which destroys trust and robs resources meant for the poor
  • Kahirapan, which keeps millions of families in hardship despite honest labor
  • Kriminalidad, which creates fear in communities and insecurity in daily life
  • Kasinungalingan, which distorts truth and undermines democracy
  • Kataksilan, which places personal or foreign interests above love of country

These realities have bred frustration and cynicism. Many people quietly say, “Wala namang nangyayari.” Nothing seems to change.

Yet faith challenges this resignation. History—and the Gospel—teach that lasting change begins not only with systems and leaders, but with formed consciences and converted hearts.

A Pastoral Response

In response to these challenges, we are introducing the Katipunan Formation Program for Good Citizenship and encourage every diocese to take the necessary steps to launch the program at the earliest possible time.

The word Katipunan comes from tipon, meaning “to gather.” It recalls the spirit of Filipino heroes such as Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and Jose Rizal—men who believed that love of country demanded personal sacrifice, moral integrity, and shared responsibility.

Today’s struggle is different from that of the 19th century. The enemies are no longer colonial rulers, but corruption, lies, injustice, and indifference. These cannot be defeated by force, but by citizens who are morally formed, socially aware, and guided by faith.

Katipunan is therefore not a political movement and not a campaign program. It is a formation process that seeks to shape Filipinos into good citizens rooted in Christian values.

To say “Katipunan ako” is to affirm:

  • a love for God and country,
  • a sense of responsibility for the common good,
  • and a commitment to live one’s faith in daily social and political life.

Faith, after all, is not meant to remain inside church walls. It must inform how people speak, work, vote, and relate to one another.

Formation for Conscience and Action

The Katipunan Formation Program is envisioned as a process of reflection, prayer, and study, helping participants confront the five “Ks” honestly and courageously.

It draws inspiration from important sources in Philippine history:

  • Apolinario Mabini’s True Decalogue, which highlights duty to God and neighbor;
  • Emilio Jacinto’s Kartilya ng Katipunan, which upholds dignity, equality, and moral character;
  • Manuel Quezon’s Code of Citizenship, which stresses integrity and civic responsibility.

These principles resonate deeply with the Ten Commandments and the Gospel, especially Christ’s commandment to love one another.

Participants are invited to ask themselves:

  • Where do honesty, justice, and compassion shape my life?
  • Where have I compromised?
  • What must change—for my own good and for the good of the nation?

Five Commitments Toward Good Citizenship

Katipunan proposes five concrete commitments that translate faith into action:

  • Prayer (Panalangin) – Transformation begins with prayer. Without grounding in God, social action loses direction and depth.
  • Taking a Stand (Pagtutol) – Prayer must lead to moral courage. Corruption, lies, and injustice should never be accepted as normal.
  • Holding Accountable (Panagutin) – Change requires perseverance. Citizens must patiently and consistently demand accountability through dialogue, participation, and lawful means.
  • Pruning (Pagtabas) – Through informed voting and respect for the rule of law, citizens remove what harms the common good and reject corrupt practices.
  • Hope (Pag-asa) – Hope is sustained by communities of faith and conscience. Parishes and civic groups that embrace formation become seeds of renewal.

Hope Rooted in History and Faith

It is not accidental that Andres Bonifacio’s secret name in the Katipunan was “May-asa.” Hope has always been central to the Filipino struggle for dignity and freedom.

As the nation remembers EDSA at 40, the challenge is not merely to commemorate the past, but to continue the work of conscience and conversion. Social transformation remains possible when citizens choose integrity over convenience and truth over silence.

Guided by faith, inspired by history, and strengthened by community, the Katipunan Formation Program seeks to help Filipinos rediscover their role in shaping a nation where justice is served, truth is honored, and peace is within reach.

For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines:

+ GILBERT A. GARCERA
Archbishop of Lipa
President, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
February 25, 2026