A Catholic bishop in the southern Philippines rallied the people in Surigao del Sur province to unite in protecting the environment after the government lifted a ban on new mining deals early this month.
Bishop Raul Dael of Tandag urged the people to be steadfast, assuring them that the diocese will never back down on its mission to “care for the creation.”
“We will never give up in protecting, preserving and allowing the fruitfulness of our creation to be witnessed in abundance,” said the prelate on Thursday, Earth Day.
He said that if people act in unity and faith, there is nothing to fear even if it means risking lives.
“Because to die for others, to die for the blessings of God is worth our life, worth our time, and worth our efforts,” said Bishop Dael in a report on CBCP News.
The bishop led the diocese in celebrating this year’s Earth Day at San Isidore Parish in Madrid town.
The observance involved diocesan-wide tree planting activities, coastal clean-up, and symposia on environmental issues, with a focus on environmental justice.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently lifted a moratorium on new mineral projects imposed in 2012 in a controversial move aimed at boosting the economy during the pandemic.
Bishop Dael said the government decision may be a “disappointment” but it also offers “opportunities so that we will become more united.”
“We will become stronger as a people and we will never give up,” he said. “The future of humanity depends on how we take good care of the whole creation,” added the bishop.
He appealed to authorities to stop the red-tagging and harassment of environment defenders. He said government officials “should be thankful” because “we are doing the responsibility that belongs to them.”
