The Diocesan Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace (DCSA-JP) of Borongan played host to the “Lakbay Buhay” campaigners who were accompanied by Rev. Fr. Robert Reyes, nationally known as the “Running Priest”, who advocates for social causes through running and preaching.  No less than the Bishop of Borongan, Most Reverend Crispin B. Varquez, DD, Rev Fr. Juderick Paul L. Calumpiano, the Social Action Director and his Associate Director, Mr. Mario Ian N. Mosquisa warmly welcomed the campaigners last May 12, 2017 in the Diocese of Borongan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar.  Both Fr. Calumpiano and Mr. Mosquisa are also active members of the Board of ESDEV (Eastern Samar Initiative for Empowerment & Development) and EVNet (Eastern Visayas Network of NGOs and POs).

“Lakbay Buhay” is a multi-sectoral campaign that involves members of the basic sectors – farmers, fisherfolks, women, youth, faith-based organizations, urban poor, workers, PWDs, senior citizens among others.  Its primary aim is to stop the passing of the Death Penalty Law being deliberated in Congress.  The journey started in Cagayan de Oro City last May 4, 2017 and will culminate in Manila on May 24, 2017.  As it passes through different localities from Mindanao to Visayas and Luzon, the leaders spoke against the restoration of the death penalty, the pursuance of restorative justice, and the causes of injustice that have not been attended to by the government such as poverty, unemployment, labor malpractices, degradation of the environment among others.

During the Borongan run of the campaign, the campaigners along with the participants from the host diocese converged and circled around the town, and stopped at the town plaza to speak about the campaign and its primary aim.  After the short presentation, the campaigners made its final stop at the DCSA-JP building where a forum was conducted.  The fifteen (15) core members of the campaign each spoke about his or her participation as well as the sectors that they represented.  All were one in saying about their personal commitment to the cause even if it meant death, for going against the tide. Very prominent during the forum were the topics on – materialism, legalism, post-modernism, fundamentalism and “Dutertism,” the meaning of which were expounded by Fr. Robert Reyes.

The long day was capped with a night session of prayers and reflection.  The Bishop himself joined the late night session to be with the campaigners.

Early the following day, the campaigners moved to their next stop in the town of Lavezares, Northern Samar.

Mario Ian N. Mosquisa is also the Chairperson of the Eastern Visayas Network of NGOs and POs (EVNet).