The new head of the social action arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines opened his term with a call for moral leadership, democratic healing, and deeper solidarity with the poor.

Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza of San Carlos said he assumes the role as chairman of the CBCP–Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace (ECSA-JP) and president of Caritas Philippines “with deep humility and a grateful heart.” 

In a statement issued on Dec. 1, the prelate stressed both continuity and urgency, noting that he inherited “a sacred lineage of prophetic shepherds” who shaped the Church’s advocacy for justice and peace.

Referencing the peaceful Bonifacio Day mobilizations held across the Philippines, the bishop said citizens “stood together for truth, accountability, and moral leadership.” 

A double rainbow appeared overhead during the rallies, which he described as “a biblical sign of covenant and fidelity.” 

“This was more than a natural phenomenon; it was God’s gentle assurance that even in storms of injustice, corruption, and uncertainty, hope remains possible, and new beginnings are real,” he added. 

He drew a parallel between the public demand for accountability and the discernment process that marked the recent Asian Synodal gatherings in Bangkok and Penang. 

There, he recalled, Church leaders were called “to be Renewed Pilgrims of Hope who choose the way of the Magi rather than the way of Herod” and to “take the courageous, creative, and compassionate path in our mission as Church in Asia.”

“Asia is not merely the future of the Church. Asia is the now — the place where dialogue with cultures, religions, the poor, and creation is not optional, but essential,” he said. 

Returning from Penang, he noted a renewed conviction that synodal mission means “walking at the pace of people’s wounds, listening before speaking, and becoming bridges of encounter across divides.”

Bishop Alminaza outlined five priorities for his term, beginning with a renewed synodal commitment to the poor. 

“The poor are not objects of charity but subjects of transformation — the very presence of Christ,” he said. “Our social action must begin with listening, accompaniment, and empowerment.”

His second priority centers on strengthening democratic values and upholding human dignity. He pledged that ECSA-JP and Caritas Philippines “will stand firmly for human rights, transparency, and the dignity of every Filipino,” adding that the Church must “enlarge the space of our tent.”

On environmental concerns, the bishop stressed the need for decisive action grounded in Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum as climate impacts deepen. “Care for creation is care for the poor,” he said.

He also committed to continuing the legacy of earlier social action leaders, highlighting Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen’s “radical solidarity,” Bishop Antonio Fortich’s “moral courage,” Archbishop Orlando Quevedo’s peacebuilding, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma’s ecological ethics, Archbishop Rolando Tirona’s institution-building, Bishop Broderick Pabillo’s “prophetic clarity,” and Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo’s revitalized Alay Kapwa, which he said “will remain the compass for our mission.”

His fifth priority focuses on leading “a Synodal Church in Mission,” inspired by Mary’s openness at the Annunciation and the disciples’ encounter on the road to Emmaus. “Our call is to listen, rise, go forth, and proclaim: We have seen the Lord!” he said.

“As the double rainbow reminds us of God’s covenant, I entrust this mission to Christ who lives among us,” he said. “May the Lord grant us courage to speak truth, compassion to heal wounds, and hope to build a future where justice and mercy prevail.”

“As Christ lives,” he added, “may we walk as Christ the Risen Lord continues to walk alongside us. God bless our people. God bless our beloved Philippines.”