ABSTRACT
This chapter argues the merits and shortcomings of both local-level and diocese-level development, and makes conclusions about the most effective scale of faith-based social action in the Philippines. The chapter begins with the local Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and moves up to the diocese, grounding both within the wider Philippine political economy and coming to terms with the many structural obstacles standing in the way of meaningful development. Following this, the chapter addresses the discourse of BEC development itself, questioning the extent to which the dream of local empowerment and economic self-sufficiency is reflected by reality. In each of these sections, the potentials of, and limits to, social action are elaborated, and some recommendations are made. The chapter concludes by adjusting the theoretical premise of postdevelopment in order to place BECs within the frame of critical development studies.
