Executive Assistant, Vicariate Social Action Center of Calapan, Inc.
Philippines
Maria is the Executive Assistant of the Social Action Center Director. She attends to the office communications and she coordinates with the various organisations that VISACC interacts with. At the moment she implements the political education program for VISACC and she conceptualizes the general directions of the program in consultation with the director. As her office is the social action arm of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan (Roman Catholic Church) in Oriental Mindoro, she attends meetings of the multisectoral groups that have been formed to address particular issues such as anti-mining campaigns, human rights violation, and other concerns pertaining to justice and peace. Specifically, Maria is an advocate of Mangyan rights. She is also involved in the radio and video productions aimed at minimizing the prejudice of lowlanders on the Magyans and their culture. Maria feels that in order for her to provide assistance to the other Church workers who are based in the communities it is very important that she enhance her knowledge in human rights laws and principles. She feels that by attending the DTP she will gain knowledge needed about the procedures and mechanisms to protect the rights of indigenous groups and marginalized sectors so that her office can effectively address issues on social concerns. This will also help her in implementing the political education and advocacy program. Maria has an AB in English literature and has recently participated in an Advocacy Management Training.
