Lettera dei vescovi di Yangon e Pathein (Agosto 2008)

The meeting point of gratitude, achievements, challenges and the Journey ahead

The Catholic Church in Myanmar, led by MDRC took stock of its response to the Cyclone Nargis on 22nd of August. The two bishops of the affected dioceses, Yangon and Pathein, were present in the meeting attended by CI partners, Karuna (National Caritas) and the field workers of the emergency Response. An interim narrative report and a financial statement were presented. The first response was one of deep gratitude: Gratitude to God for many achievements despite all the suffocating constraints; gratitude to many of our field workers whose commitment and courage braving the waves in the delta to reach the most affected; gratitude to the national and local Caritas networks that responded with professional alacrity to a sudden and overwhelming natural disaster; gratitude to many international Caritas networks that stood by us, visited us and helped us through ERST; and gratitude to our church leaders and individual donors for their support and prayers. Perfect is the enemy of good. We were not attempting the perfect but we were trying to do good in a country used to incremental suffering. We were reaching out with our hands tied by so many restrictions. This is the first major disaster in our memory. Given all these all these handicaps, one reads the interim report with a sense of satisfaction. Much needs to be done, true. Risky rescue operations were undertaken by both the dioceses, saving the lives of hundreds. Life saving food and water and shelter materials were distributed to thousands. Medical assistance was rushed to remote areas. Psycho social support to orphans, and widows were extended. Child protection was implemented in many places. Livelihood recovery through distribution of seeds and animals is being affected. Some 17000 families with 86000 people were directly served by our efforts. Our uniqueness is our network, most of the affected areas were parish networks and we could reach out to the people faster with good targeting.

Yet the response was not flawless. Without any expatriate help at the field level, major programmes still need streamlining and fine tuning. As the emergency phase fades away, an integrated approach by the Church is warranted. With the huge disaster our capacity for scaling up is a challenge. Our status as ‘non-registered’ has its own handicap. The need for training and capacity building are hampered by the lack of qualified personnel in the country. Also difficulty was the access to our experienced partners. Our capacity for networking with other agencies and UN can improve in the next phase.

Pathein diocese was more affected and accordingly received greater share of attention and also resources. Financial allocations in the first quarter were proportionate to the needs and Pathein had a great need. This is understandable. One of the major challenges for the two dioceses is to maximize the available human resources and work in integrated way. Planning, reporting and timely submission of financial reports will be a greater duty on the part of the MDRC and the Diocesan networks. Our ability to demonstrate accountability, provide accurate information on activities, beneficiaries reached, expenditure of funds to-date, and on adherence to systems and reporting standards will accrue greater benefits for the poor of our nation. We are obliged to fulfill this commitment.

Myanmar has survived many tragedies. Cyclone Nargis was one of the most painful wounds inflicted on the integrity of our people. Thousands still remain without proper homes. Livelihoods are to be rebuilt. UN and other agencies calculate another three years of rehabilitation which will lead to greater sustainability.
The church pledges its commitment to the people of Myanmar. It had thrown all its resources into the emergency phase. As the people are slowly picking the pieces in their lives and starting once again in this country, we wish to accompany them in their march towards their dignity.

We are grateful to the Mother Church and the Caritas network. We are thankful to you for raising all the human and financial resources for the emergency phase. Many of the private donors too contributed towards wiping out the anguish of our people. To all of you we offer our prayerful gratitude.
Ours is a long march. The pledges and promises need to be translated into real commitment by many of our donors. We are fast learning to meet the standards set by our partners. It is our prayer and wish that our partnership brings greater succor to the people of Myanmar.
In Solidarity



Archbishop Charles Bo Bishop John Hsane Hgyi
Archbishop of Yangon Bishop of Pathein