The Catholic bishops of Palawan have warned that the continued mining activities in the province could lead to even more severe consequences for the environment and the quality of life of local communities.
In light of these concerns, they are currently advocating for a moratorium on all mining operations in Palawan that would last for a period of 25 years.
Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa, Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Taytay, and his predecessor, retired Bishop Edgardo Juanich, have issued a pastoral letter urging an immediate halt to mining expansion in the country’s “Last Ecological Frontier.”
“We are calling for a 25-year moratorium or suspension on the approval of any mining applications and mining expansions,” the bishops said through CBCP News.
The bishops pointed out the need for further studies and careful planning before approving any new mining projects in Palawan. They also underlined the importance of safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas and called for the establishment of “no-go zones” for mining, particularly in critical ecosystems such as old-growth forests and watersheds.
They also expressed alarm over the increasing number of mining exploration permits in the province. Currently, there are over 67 applications covering more than 200,000 hectares of land across Puerto Princesa and 13 other towns. This surge in applications, they said, threatens to exacerbate the already significant environmental challenges in the area.
Palawan is already home to 11 active mining operations, occupying approximately 29,430 hectares of land. The bishops raised concerns about the environmental and ecological consequences of these activities, particularly as the environment department has reportedly issued tree-cutting permits in mining areas, including one that authorizes the removal of over 52,000 trees to facilitate nickel mining operations.
The prelates lamented the dire situation facing Palawan, emphasizing that the island is globally recognized for its lush forests, pristine beaches, thriving coral reefs, and expansive mangrove forests. They warned that the destruction of these natural treasures could lead to Palawan being forgotten by the world.
They called on Palawan’s residents to support their petition for a mining moratorium, asserting its importance in safeguarding the province’s remaining natural resources and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its ecosystems.
“This is the cry of Mother Nature; this is the cry of the farmers, fishermen, and indigenous peoples affected by the destruction brought by mining,” they said.
Describing the situation as a plea from both nature and the people, the church leaders underscored that this is “the cry of Mother Nature,” as well as the cry of farmers, fishermen, and indigenous communities who have borne the brunt of the environmental destruction caused by mining.
