MANILA, May 17, 2009—Lingayen-Dagupan, Pangasinan Archbishop Oscar Cruz has recently advised his flock to disengage from any Gawad Kalinga (GK) project in the province after it was officially disconnected from leadership of the Couples for Christ International Council (CFC-IC).

In a circular dated May 11, 2009, Cruz informed his clergy and lay people of the recent decision of the CFC-IC to let go of GK so that the pro-poor housing advocacy group could operate as a non-religious organization.

“In this particular regard, it would be right and prudent for you and me to have nothing to do with the Gawad Kalinga—directly or indirectly—in the event that such goes to your respective parishes or chaplaincies,” Cruz said.

The prelate did not explain why he issued such advisory but said that “this in no way means that the said civic entity (GK) is altogether bad or something the like. Yet, pastoral prudence dictates the above advisory.”

Unlike Cruz, Lipa, Batangas Archbishop Ramon Arguelles earlier insisted that all GK projects in his archdiocese must still be administered by the CFC.

Saying “GKs outside the CFC direction is neither allowed nor recognized by the Lipa Archdiocese,” Arguelles maintained that “GKs in Batangas are prohibited to have anything to do with institutions whose policies contradict the Church’s teachings. (Kris Bayos)