The first meeting of the JPW in Asia was held in 1997. In the past 11 years the JPW, which is comprised of key leaders of Justice and Peace (JP) Commissions, as well as representatives from religious of the Justice, Peace and Integity of Creation (JPIC) Commissions and other groups working for justice and peace, has been meeting, sharing solidarity and networking sucessfully in the following areas:
- Meetings on regular intervals and laid the foundation for a common understanding of JP Work in Asia;
- Exposures to the local issues and different local cultures in Asia, where the meetings were held;
- Linkages for and coordinated solidarity actions among the group: national JP Commissions of the episcopal Conferences; JPIC Commissions of different religious congregations and major religious superiors; and faith-based local and regional organizations working for justice and peace;
- Involvements concerning the clergy and laity and a few bishops in this process: Bishops of Japan, India and Pakistan have participated in some gatherings;
- Networking and solidarity actions with other Catholic network like the Pax Christi
Since 2002, JPW has brought out a quarterly bulletin of their work and concerns which is distributed by and posted at the website of ACPP. It is currently known as the “JPW Bulletin.”
In 2002, in response to the need to understand how to use the UN System effectively, a training on UN Mechanism was organized in Bangkok.
In 2005, a Justice and Peace Fact-finding Mission was held in Japan to understand and give solidarity to issue of the challenges of US military bases and militarism in Japan.
As 2007 was also the 40th Anniversary of Populorum Progressio, it was a significant milestone to mark the progress of the social teachings of the Church by gathering together those who actively work for justice and peace in the Asia-Pacific region to reflect and discuss the on-going implementation of the encyclical, in the spirit of solidarity.
The Objectives:
- to provide a venue for solidarity and strengthening the networking among JPW and Catholic Bishops in the Asia-Pacific region
- to analyse together and give solidarity to issues of concern in the host country
- to share concerns and strategies in strengthening participant’s work
- to identify possible collaboration among participants
- to strengthen regional solidarity support for justice and peace concerns
- to plan and follow-up initiatives resulting from the discussions
- to sustain motivation and commitment of JPW for long-term action
The Project
Networking, collaboration and solidarity support at the Asian regional level are important components in the work and promotion of justice and peace. At the last JPW networking meeting in Pakistan (2005), it was decided that there should be continous efforts in holding the networking-meetings especially because these can be venues for representatives of the JP Commissions to share their situations in their respective countries, efforts on the issues/concerns and in the process learn from each other. There was also a continued understanding to involve all Catholic Bishops, strengthen all National JP Commissions in Asia, and have a strong working relationship with other international Catholic organizations like Pax Christi.
In order to facilitate common discussions and networking, a specific theme, applicable to the diverse Asia Pacific region, was identified. This common denominator will be the starting point for preparation, sharing on the work and discussion on strategies and tactics for future challenges and support for each other.
The Participants
- Representatves from Catholic Bishops Conference- Justice and Peace Commissions
- Representatives from Religious - Justice and Peace Commissions
- Affiliated groups and organizations
- Representatives from Regional and International Organizations
Accommodations
All participants are booked at Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) Betania Retreat House. The address and contact details are as follows:
Betania Retreat House
#214 N. Domingo St., Quezon City, Philippines.
Tel: (02)-725-1744
Rooms are non-aircon, electric fans are provided per room. There will be two participants sharing per room. Please bring your own towel and toiletries for they are not provided by the retreat house.
Air Travel
All International Flights will be ushered to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)-Terminal 1 but should you be taking Philippine Airlines then you will be ushered to the Centennial Airport - Terminal 2. So please indicate in your registration form the name of the airline you will be taking so we will know where to fetch you.
Airport/Retreat House Transfers
NAIA and Centennial Airport is about 1 hour (including the traffic) by taxi or private vehicle to the venue. For the whole day there will be volunteers who will be carrying identification signs bearing the name of the organizer outside the airport building. They will be there the whole day to welcome and assist you. As soon as you see one of the volunteers, pls. identify your name so that they can check your name in the participants lists (for monitoring purposes only).
As we are trying to “car pool” as much as possible, we would appreciate your patience in waiting for an hour or longer before being driven to Betania Retreat House.
Individual delegates can also choose to take a taxi at their own cost. Transfer by taxi from the airport to Betania Retreat House costs approximately PhP 350-500 pesos (for non-airport taxi) or Php 700-800 pesos (for airport taxi). You can ask the volunteers to assist you if you choose to take taxi.
Money
Philippine currency consists of Php1, 000, Php 500, Php 200, Php 100, Php 50, Php 20 (notes) & Php1 and 25 cents (coins). Currency exchange is available at the airport but change only what is necessary in your arrival day. The secretariat will help you change your currency in higher value outside the airport. Credit Cards are widely accepted.
Food Requirements
Please inform us if you have any special food needs (vegetarian) or if you are allergic to particular food ingredient so that appropriate arrangements can be negotiated in the retreat house.
Climate
The month of June is start of rainy season (but perhaps because of global warming), summer season is seemingly extended from April-June. It is really unpredictable now because of the climate change. We recommend that you bring light clothing instead of thick clothing.
Time
Manila, Philippines is the Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +8 hours
Things to bring/prepare:
- You are invited to bring something that represents your country/organizations/instituti
ons – an image, symbol – about 20 sq. cm. in cloth or another fabric. These will be attached or stitched to a cloth as part of a hanging collage, to symbolize our togetherness/oneness in this meeting. - Small gift or souvenir items representing your country/organizations/instituti
ons to share with other delegates will be most welcome. - Participants are invited to prepare a musical number that you can share as part of our daily activity.
LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ALL IN JUNE!
JPICC-AMRSP
#8 Mayumi St., U.P. Village
Quezon City, 1101
Philippines
Tel # (632) 436-2561
Email Address; jpicc_amrsp@yahoo.com
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