IN a display of unity and determination, advocates who once relied on the strength of prayer are now preparing for the next phase of their battle.
Their coalition spans indigenous communities, women’s groups, fisherfolk, members of the 105 branches of the First Community Cooperative (Ficco), and environmental organizations, marking a formidable force in their mission.
The rallying cry for continued action echoed through the streets during a poignant prayer rally on April 9, opposing the proposed development of Xavier University’s (XU) main campus and Manresa Farm.
Spearheaded by Dr. Anselmo Mercado, president of the Concerned Parents, Teachers, Alumni, and Community (Coptac), the event served as a galvanizing moment for their cause.
“We are advocating very strongly for the preservation of the cultural educational heritage of Xavier University, as well as the forest in Manresa Farm which is a sanctuary of different species of birds and is one of the few remaining ‘lungs’ in the city,” said Lilli Marlene S. dela Serna, corporate secretary of Coptac in an exclusive interview with Gold Star Daily.
“We denounce the callous act of wiping out a precious legacy and an ecological gem in the name of corporate greed,” she added.
Looking ahead, plans are underway for a symposium targeting all XU alumni scheduled for May.
“It is important that this issue be brought far and wide so the alumni will know how the legacy of Fr. William Masterson, SJ will be gone,” Mercado said.
The roots of Ficco, conceived by Fr. Masterson as the Ateneo Credit Union, and the realization of Manresa Farm, stand as a testament to the visionary endeavors of Fr. Masterson, further underscoring the significance of the ongoing preservation efforts.
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