Resolution Expressing the Full Support of the Philippine Senate of the Observance and Celebration of the World Day of the Poor 2020

November 9, 2020

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 70

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE PHILIPPINE SENATE OF THE OBSERVANCE AND CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD DAY OF THE POOR 2020

WHEREAS, the World Day of the Poor 2020 takes place on November 15. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to "gaze on what is essential, overcome the barriers of indifference, and stretch forth our hand to the poor." It is an invitation to prayer and solidarity with the poor who are suffering, and it is an expression of commitment to care for them and their many needs, unconditionally;

WHEREAS, the World Day of the Poor is an idea presented by His Holiness, Pope Francis at the conclusion of the Jubilee for Socially Excluded People, noting that "communities, families, and individuals have rediscovered the joy of sharing and the beauty of solidarity," yet it is not enough as the "world continues to create new forms of spiritual and material poverty that assault human dignity";

WHEREAS, the World Day of the Poor, which is observed every 33rd Sunday of the Ordinary Time of the Christian liturgical year is considered a day to help Christian communities to "reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel and that as long as Lazarus lies at the door of our homes (Ref: Luke 16:19-21), there can be no justice or social peace";

WHEREAS, in the first observance of the World Day of the Poor in 2017, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to do good deeds that lead to the "true encounter with the poor and a sharing that becomes a way of life." In 2018, Pope Francis asked everyone to "make serious the examination of conscience, to see if we are truly capable of hearing the cry of the poor," answer their cry with "loving attentiveness and come to their aid," and to become instruments to "free the poor" and enable them to be fully part of society. And in last year's celebration, Pope Francis reflected on the injustices suffered by the poor; appealed to everyone to offer hope and consolation, and encourage more people to observe the World Day of the Poor to make sure that no one will feel deprived of closeness and solidarity;

WHEREAS, for this year, the World Day of the Poor's theme — "Stretch Forth Your Hand to the Poor" — is a "summon to responsibility and commitment" to think "how we can eliminate or at least alleviate their (the poor's) marginalization and suffering," to compel us to "revive our sense of responsibility for our neighbors and for every person," and to be "individually responsible for serving others, especially the weakest" as a "sign of authenticity of the faith we profess" in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the grave economic, financial and political crises that impact the poor;

WHEREAS, this year's World Day of the Poor is important because it reminds those of us in government and the public, as well, regardless of faith, that we need to sustain our compassion to help the poor and the enthusiasm to stretch forth our hand to them, now more than ever, as hundreds of thousands of people have been infected by COVID-19, millions who have lost their incomes and jobs, and many more who consider themselves poorer and hungrier than before, sliding back into poverty;

WHEREAS, on the 4th World Day of the Poor on November 15, and even beyond, we are called, regardless of faith, to remember the poor and to celebrate the day with a commitment to care for and to be one with them as an expression of love, hope and solidarity;

WHEREAS, the Senate of the Philippines, as a leading social and political institution in the country recognizes its shared responsibility for the promotion of social justice for the poor, expresses its commitment to continuously work with them by enabling policies that would put an end to poverty in all its forms: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, as it is hereby resolved, That the Senate of the Philippines expresses its full support of the observance and celebration of the World Day of the Poor 2020.

Adopted,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO IIIPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on November 9, 2020.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICASecretary of the Senate