CBCP launches Katipunan civic formation program at EDSA 40

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at confronting what it describes as growing “frustration and cynicism” four decades after the EDSA People Power Revolution toppled a dictatorship.

CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, in a pastoral letter released Wednesday, introduced the “Katipunan Formation Program for Good Citizenship.”

The archbishop clarified that the program is not a political movement.

“It is a formation process that seeks to shape Filipinos into good citizens rooted in Christian values,” Garcera said.

Drawing inspiration from Filipino heroes Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Jose Rizal, the bishops called for renewed commitment to personal sacrifice, moral integrity and shared responsibility in nation-building.

While the country no longer faces colonial rule, the CBCP noted that deep social wounds and persistent problems have fueled public disillusionment.

“Along EDSA, ordinary Filipinos chose peace over violence and conscience over fear. That moment captured the imagination of the world and gave birth to a national dream — justice, freedom, truth and respect for human dignity,” Garcera said.

“Forty years later, however, many Filipinos ask a painful question: What happened to that dream?”

The bishops said the country’s problems may be summarized in what they call the “five Ks”: korapsyon (corruption), kahirapan (poverty), kriminalidad (criminality), kasinungalingan (lies) and kataksilan (treachery).

“Many people quietly say, ‘wala namang nangyayari.’ Nothing seems to change,” Garcera said.

“Yet faith challenges this resignation. History — and the Gospel — teach that lasting change begins not only with systems and leaders, but with formed consciences and converted hearts.”

The CBCP sees the Katipunan Formation Program as a process of reflection, prayer and study while confronting the “five Ks.”

Participants in the program will be invited to reflect on questions including: Where do honesty, justice and compassion shape my life?

The CBCP has tasked dioceses across the country to launch the program at the earliest possible time.

“As the nation remembers EDSA at 40, the challenge is not merely to commemorate the past, but to continue the work of conscience and conversion,” Garcera said.

The Katipunan Formation Program, guided by faith, inspired by history and strengthened by community, seeks to help Filipinos rediscover their role in shaping a nation where justice is served, truth is honored and peace is within reach.