For some reason an article I wrote many years ago (2006/7) has become very popular online. It has really taken off on Academia.edu. The name is "Challenges in Doing Church-Initiated Community Development in the Philippines." Admittedly, my writings are FAR FROM VIRAL. Still, relatively speaking it is quite surprising how many people are reading it. …
Tag: COMDEV
Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part 2)
<Continued> B. Challenges Associated with the Philippines 1. Cultural Factors -"Utang na loob". This term literally means "inside debt". This is an implied obligation one experiences after receiving a gift or help. Since community development is about interdependency, "utang na loob" tends to prevent this interdependency. Instead, it tends to promote dependency ("rice Christian" effect) …
Continue reading Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part 2)
Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part I)
This is a brief summary of issues brought up from interviews with community development specialists and church leaders in the Philippines in 2007. I have seen nothing to suggest that things have changed. Community Development, I believe, is a critical component for the church and church members in being salt and light to the world. …
Continue reading Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part I)