Continuing its efforts to support the Safeguarding initiatives of local churches, the Asia-Oceania regional team of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors visited the Philippines at the end of January.  

The Commission member, Sr Arina, and the regional expert, Daniele Donnini, were accompanied by Msgr. Brendan Daly, expert in canon law, on the visit to give the local church the support requested in church law matters. 

The Challenges in the Local Church 

The team learned of some of the challenges the local church in the Philippines is facing regarding Safeguarding initiatives.  

According to a survey sent out to all the diocese in the country, 36 of the 60 who responded stated it had introduced and put into practice Safeguarding policies. The survey responses cited “cultural resistance” and “lack of resources” among the challenges in implementing policies.  

The survey also showed why dioceses are experiencing difficulties implementing a system of reporting cases in a effective and appropriate manner. These responses set a valuable roadbook for the next steps to take on safeguarding in the region. 

At the same time, participation in education initiatives within the community on Safeguarding continued to increase, thus raising awareness about the importance of Safeguarding in the Philippines.  

The regional team also met with local church leaders, including bishops and diocesan Safeguarding offercers to better understand not only the struggles, but also the local church’s progress.  

The Universal Guidelines Framework and the Memorare 

During the visit, Daniele held a session on the Commission’s mandate, the Universal Guidelines Framework (UGF) and the Memorare Initiative (MI).  

The UGF is a Safeguarding protocol which is the foundation for the MI. The initiative was developed by the Commission in response to Pope Francis’ request to assist local churches in implementing the requirements of church law for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. The Memorare Initiative has three pillars: 

• Firstly, the creation of structures and systems to receive reports of abuse and assist people impacted by abuse in an appropriate manner; 

• Secondly, assistance in the development and implementation of Safeguarding policies and formation; 

• Thirdly, the creation of local Safeguarding networks for resource sharing.  

Both the UGF and the MI were discussed as possibilities to better streamline the Safeguarding process and to ensure that people affected by abuse as well as those who report are treated with pastoral care.