Filipinos Embrace Civic Unity Through Religious Diversity
BLESSED Movement Chairman Herbert Antonio Martinez during an orientation on Jan. 9, where he talked with parallel group leaders during the transition of Team BBM 2022 to BLESSED Movement. (Photo by Jerico Joshua M. Kahulugan)
MANILA, Philippines — An alliance of civil organizations — known as the “Team BBM 2022 Coalition” — has rebranded in recent weeks into what’s known as the BLESSED movement.
The evolution of the Bagong Lipunan Enhanced Synergy Stewardship Economic Development Movement, known by the acronym BLESSED under the leadership of Chairman Herbert Antonio Martinez, has transcended political affiliations in an effort to becoming a quasi-religious unifying force that brings together people from diverse backgrounds across the country.
At the core of the BLESSED movement lie two fundamental principles: Synergy and Stewardship. Martinez said he underscored the importance of synergy, which magnifies the collective efforts of individuals or elements within an organization.
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This principle fosters collaboration, generating results that surpass individual contributions. On the other hand, he said, stewardship revolves around responsible and ethical resource management, prioritizing long-term well-being and sustainability.
“Synergy encourages collaboration and the optimization of resources and transcends different faith, while stewardship ensures that these resources are used responsibly and sustainably,” Martinez said. “Organizations embracing both principles are more likely to achieve their objectives, create a positive work environment, and build trust with customers, employees and communities.”
The BLESSED movement said it actively fosters an environment where people from different religious backgrounds, including Christians and Muslims, can come together in pursuit of a shared vision. By emphasizing the acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs, the organization is contributing to the development of a society built on collaboration and mutual respect.
In the Philippines, rarely do organized groups like this invite individuals with different faiths to take part. Out of the 80 organizations anchored to BLESSED, half are Muslim groups. Indeed, what sets the BLESSED movement apart from other political coalitions is its commitment to inclusivity, transcending religious boundaries.
The organization said it welcomes members of all faiths, promoting unity and collaboration regardless of religious affiliations. There has been a conscious effort to underscore the message that, irrespective of one’s religious beliefs, all are accepted and that discrimination has no place within the organization.
With over 2 million members spread across more than 80 parallel groups, the BLESSED movement is positioning itself as primarily a civil society organization. As it aspires to become a socioeconomic cultural force, the organization places emphasis on patriotism, nationalism and spirituality among Filipinos.
The movement now directs its energy towards promoting good governance, ethical leadership, and social transformation to foster unity and bring about positive change in the country. Martinez said the group has emphasized that its mission is to promote virtues such as nationalism and spirituality among Filipinos.
Through advocacy, community engagement and strategic partnerships, the organization seeks to empower individuals from major religions across the country and communities to actively participate in nation-building and combat graft and corruption.
Central to the organization’s ethos is the encouragement for Filipinos to embrace their cultural heritage, uphold integrity and actively participate in nation-building. In fact, the BLESSED movement's tagline resonates with their anchoring faith: “Love of country and love of God, above all.”
Jerico Joshua M. Kahulugan is a journalist with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to the pursuit of truth. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, his dedication and talent quickly caught the attention of The Manila Times. He recently took part in the Asia Pacific Journalism Institute, sponsored by The Media Project, held in Manila.