MANILA--In a show of solidarity with the Church’s ongoing resistance against the passage of RH bill, the Knights of Columbus (KC) held a rally for life dubbed ‘Walk for Life’ last Saturday, March 21.
The event drew a large crowd of participants as members of various KC units in different dioceses came in full force.
KC State Secretary of Luzon Jurisdiction Arsenio Isidro Yap said they want to emphasize through the march the importance of protecting all phases of life and to make their voices heard regarding their stand on the bill.
“We value life in all stages,” Yap said, “We are trying to prevent the passing of the RH bill,” he added.
Yap said they want people to become aware of their fight for life through the rally.
“Kasi kung programa lang sa isang lugar limited yung tao. Ang gusto natin yung nakikita ng mga motorist ng mga bystanders, pedestrian na may nagaganap na isang laban. Yun nga laban sa reproductive health bill,” he said when asked for their reason in staging the event.
The three-part event started with a Eucharistic celebration at San Agustin Church at 7 a.m., followed by the march which was the core of the event, and a series of talk from Pro-Life advocates. Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco, Chaplain of the KC Luzon Jurisdiction and Bishop of Cubao Diocese presided over the Mass. Ongtioco also lead the participants in the walk heading for the Bonifacio Shrine passing through P. Burgos, M. Orosa, TM Kalaw and Taft Ave.
Marchers congregated at the Bonifacio Shrine to listen to resource speakers talk about the different ill effects of the RH Bill and related issues about family and life.
Dr. Ligaya Acosta, Director of the Human Life International-Asia (HLIA), informed the people on the effects of various birth control pills.
Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and CBCP media director Monsignor Pedro Quitorio, chaplain and assistant chaplain of KC Luzon jurisdiction, respectively, were among the resource speakers.
KC Luzon State Deputy Alonso L. Tan, said in an interview that they had expected 10,000 participants from Columbian Squires, the Junior Order of the Knights of Columbus, officers, staff, and personnel of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) Boy Scouts from Manila and various dioceses such as the Dioceses of Antipolo, Cubao, Caloocan, Parañaque, San Fernando in Pampanga, Imus in Cavite, and Malolos in Bulacan.
The event was also held simultaneously in Cebu, Iloilo, Tacloban, Davao and other key cities of the country. (Kate Laceda)