Economy of care

In early April, fishermen were finally able to cross the sea to Aparri to bring food to stranded residents of Camiguin de Babuyanes Island, a rural island at the tip of northern Luzon. The island has since relied on the mainland for its basic commodities like fuel, agricultural equipment, and groceries. The island has been thought to be remote, with its economy highly dependent on mainstream commerce. That belief was upended by the lockdown.

The Luzon-wide quarantine restricted commerce. Travel from the island to the mainland was prohibited at the risk of motorboats being impounded. However, the islanders eventually saw the advantages of living in the island. This time, they were the ones supplying relief goods to stranded students in the mainland.

The island lacks much of what mainland dwellers consider indispensable. It has no hospital, no barrio doctor. There are no banks, post offices, drugstores, convenience stores, and other establishments present in urban districts. Yet, it has always been agriculturally rich.

In a country facing serious questions of sustainability, Camiguin is doing well. Most households here enjoy an abundant supply of spring water. Livelihood is blessed by the land and sea. Just a few weeks ago, residents were still concerned how to convert their produce to cash. By a twist of fate, we now see the value of what we readily have: rice, vegetables, and fish on our tables.

When the government issued the guideline “boost your immune system,” we knew precisely what was needed: nutritious food. This jolted everyone. Despite our natural resources, the country still has the problem of feeding its citizens. It is but natural to question our structural preparedness regarding food production and distribution. Essentially, it is also a question of economic model.

Our economic system is largely derived from and dictated by Western capitalism, which is highly liberal and marked by a market free from institutional regulations. It prioritizes economic progress and is just as materialistic as Communism. The only difference is that the liberal economy displaces human beings as its apex to be replaced by products and profit.

Human beings have become machines in the assembly line governed by “buying powers.” As a result, our system feeds on desires while addressing little of needs.

Pope Francis describes this kind of economy as “lacking a truly human purpose.” It is an economy that has shifted from genuine care to the generation of profit. Years ago, St. John Paul II tried to restore a human-centered economy by emphasizing the role of agriculture and the rural townsfolk as the basis for a healthy economy and social development. The human person must cease to be a mere instrument of production. He is the reason for it.

Certainly, we cannot talk about economy outside of nature. The Christian faith can aid us in our reevaluation of the economic system: Humanity is created by God in His image and likeness out of love; He created the earth and the entire universe out of love. Hence, we must show care for both human beings and nature. Guided by these realities, we should no longer see nature as a mere source of ingredients and raw materials for the things we build. Our utilitarian relationship with nature must stop.

This pandemic directs us not only to authentic personal conversions but also to fundamental institutional changes. Institutions that address human and environmental issues must be strengthened.

The global aspiration for sustainability cannot be supported by a sheer materialist outlook. The true core of sustainability is love and care. What may guide our individual and collective action may begin with the question, “How can I care for my neighbor?”

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Fr. Christopher P. Garinganao, OP, is a Dominican priest serving as parochial vicar in Camiguin de Babuyanes Island.