A Catholic bishop in the northern Philippines said church people are also to blame for the destruction of the environment.
“Though there is a confluence of many different factors that led to this devastating event, we have to admit that we too … whether by commission or omission, have contributed to the problem,” said Archbishop Ricardo Baccay of Tuguegarao.
The prelate called on the faithful in his archdiocese this week for “steadfast commitment” to the care and protection of the environment, especially of the Cagayan River.
He said there is an urgent need for all to come up with viable solutions to protect and care for “our common home,” including the region’s river system.
The prelate said the Cagayan River played a significant role in the history of evangelization in the region and is “the lifeblood of our local cultures.”
In a statement released on January 26, Archbishop Baccay said the flooding in the region caused by a typhoon last year was one of the worst experience of people in his archdiocese in recent years.
He said that aside from harmful chemical-based agriculture practices, illegal logging, and mining operations, “the global climate emergency we are in today” is also to blame.
Archbishop Baccay urged everyone to engage and support the implementation of a regional convergence initiative dubbed “Missio 500.”
“This aspires for the protection of the environment that is measurable, sustainable, and integral towards improving the quality of life for all Cagayanos and the welfare of our Valley home,” he said.
The prelate described it as an ecological advocacy that includes efforts to plant trees and support the security of the Cagayan River Basin.
“Your positive response to my humble appeal means a lot in our efforts to prevent devastating floods and similar calamities from occurring again in the future,” said the prelate.
