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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
February 8, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Persistent social problems like corruption, poverty, exclusion, malnutrition and lack of education need “fresh and creative” solutions, according to Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
“The problems are perennial. The problems are constant,” Brown said during the closing mass of the 42nd National Social Action General Assembly in Tagaytay City on Feb. 5.
Brown added that entrenched challenges require new ways of thinking, even as meaningful change often takes time.
He said Church workers should not be discouraged by the scale of social challenges, noting that lasting change usually happens incrementally rather than through immediate, sweeping reforms.
“We need to have fresh solutions. We need to think of new ways, creative solutions to these perennial problems,” Brown added.
He cited the Gospel passage in which Jesus sends out the apostles, telling them their mission centered on repentance, which he described as “metanoia,” a Greek term meaning a change of heart.
According to Brown, social action requires openness to new ideas, creative strategies and inventive responses to longstanding issues affecting Filipino communities.
He said while systemic reforms may take years, helping individuals in concrete and practical ways remains essential to the Church’s mission and social witness.
“What’s important is the individual, the person,” he said.
Brown said that society is ultimately shaped by the lives of individuals, adding that small acts of service can have lasting impact when carried out consistently and compassionately.
At the same time, Brown said that social action must be carried out collaboratively, warning against isolated efforts and urging Church workers to move forward together in a synodal manner.
“A solitary Christian is no Christian,” he said.
Brown added that authentic social action requires cooperation, dialogue and constant communication among clergy, lay workers and bishops.
He said synodality strengthens the Church’s response to social problems by fostering shared discernment, mutual support and unity of mission rather than fragmented initiatives.
