Plight of the Poor and Vulnerable must be the Priority: Cardinal Orlando Quevedo OMI

By Tembo Michael OMI

Summer 2014 Intern – Oblate JPIC office - Washington DC

Cotabato Archbishop Cardinal Orlando Quevedo OMI recently spoke with the Oblate JPIC staff about hopes and challenges of missionary work in the Philippines. Cardinal Quevedo OMI is known for his involvement in the Peace Agreement, which was recently signed between the Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

In the midst of all these factions, Cardinal Quevedo OMI’s main concern is the plight of the poor and the oppressed indigenous people to have a dignified and respectable lifestyle. He has been calling on Government leaders and all people of good will to care for the vulnerable members of the society and change priorities. As a pastoral leader, Cardinal Quevedo OMI sees the eradication of poverty, combating injustice and seeking peace as some of the main concerns for the Church in Philippines and world. 

On the issue of mining in Mindanao, Cardinal Quevedo in conversation with the Oblate staff said, “I want confirmation that mining companies do not destroy nature; are not hazardous to humankind and creation and that there is transparent relationship among people, especially those who make mining policies and those are affected by the policies.”

From the Cardinal’s perspective, the global village is in need right relationship and this is only possible when we are obedient to God’s call, obedient by deliberately calling on those in leadership to set up societal structures to eradicate poverty, and societal imbalance in the world. Leaders in Government and all people of goodwill are to strive for right relationship, that is, relationship that produces life, justice and peace.

In concluding his remarks, Cardinal Quevedo OMI appealed to stakeholders in Governments to get priorities that are aimed at restoring human dignity, focus on reducing poverty, combating corruption; bring infrastructure development to vulnerable communities.  As a pastoral leader, the Cardinal Quevedo common requests from people are the need for hospitals, clean water, food, housing and good paying jobs. This call by Cardinal Quevedo OMI is a call to everyone.