A Tribute To Bishop Fortich at Diocese of Bacolod, Philippines, Bacolod City, Philippines 6100 PH - Basic Christian Communities

Basic Christian Communities DESPITE the danger of being called a communist, Fortich instituted the process of empowerment by adopting the Latin American experience of building Basic Christian Communities (BCCs) that advocated active non-violence, grew in militancy in opposing human rights violations, proposed land reform, and challenged the laws of the Marcos regime. Fortich also put church property under land reform, started a legal aid scheme to help the poor, and set up a radio and television station. In the early 1980s, as the plight of the poor worsened with the sugar industry reeling from its plunder during the Marcos years, Fortich continued to be the outspoken champion of their rights. The international media quoted him extensively and among his famous quotes was his description of Negros: "We are sitting on a social volcano which could erupt anytime." Fortich was ridiculed by the rich and powerful for bringing to the attention of the world the starving and malnourished children of Negros. But one of his biggest triumphs was to get Pope John Paul II to make a side trip to Negros Occidental during his visit to the Philippines in 1981. "I told Cardinal Sin the Pope does not just want to see the scenery at Mayon Volcano; he wants to see the problems of the people," Fortich had then said. Fortich, believing in the need for peaceful change, became national co-chairman of the National Ceasefire Committee to pursue provincial and regional peace talks with the communists. It was also in the late 1980s that a strong anti-insurgency campaign was launched in Negros and rightist groups charged Fortich and his priests with being pro-communist. A little after midnight on April 28, 1987, a grenade was thrown on the landing near the door of Fortich's room, leaving steel fragments everywhere. Fortich survived the incident and remained an outspoken advocate of human rights. For what was seen as his controversial and unwavering stand for the needy, Fortich was retired before being promoted to archbishop. But even after retirement, he had continued to speak in behalf of the poor. Two years ago, when asked when he would stop championing causes, Fortich had said: "When the country attains peace, because that will mean that the needs of the poor will have been answered." With reports from Blanche S. Rivera and Juliet L. Javellana

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