Columban Sisters,
Midsalip 7021,
Zamboanga del Sur,
PHILIPPINES

18 March 2006.

Dear Friends

Warmest greetings from Midsalip. As I prepare this letter volunteers from the parish are busy preparing “pinuso” (rice wrapped in leaves) to feed the many poor who will be coming from the barrios for the fiesta of San Jose (Saint Joseph). Easter is near at hand too and the Cross is very visable and palpable here. This year as people come to terms with the stark reality that six mining companies have made applications covering nearly 18,000 hectares of land in Midsalip we take heart from the life of San Jose, poor and humble and upright, who in his silent acceptance and wonder at the mystery of the Incarnation gained courage and wisdom to care for the vulnerable sacred life placed in his charge. The people here take heart too from the realization that they are not alone in their struggle to care for their lands entrusted to them by God. As they face threats, harassment lies and hardship they are encouraged by your support, concern and prayer.

Before a project is allowed in and indigenous area the people are required to give their free prior and informed consent so for the past months until now the staff are carrying out an education program, helping the people become aware and giving them courage to speak in public consultation even when it is obvious that the Government Department and the Mining Company are helping each other.