The Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa has called on government agencies to review permits allowing the cutting of trees for mining projects in Palawan, warning that environmental decisions made today will affect future generations.
In a pastoral letter titled “Isang Panawagan Upang Pangalagaan Ang Iiisa Nating Tahanan,” Bishop Socrates Mesiona urged authorities to reassess Special Tree Cutting and Earth-Balling Permits (STCEP) issued for mining-related activities and to strengthen transparency and environmental safeguards.
Citing public documents and compiled records, Mesiona said reports indicate that at least 218,854 trees are covered by STCEPs issued for mining projects in areas including Aborlan, Brooke’s Point, Bataraza, and parts connected to Mt. Bulanjao.
The bishop expressed concern over what he described as a perceived disparity in the enforcement of environmental laws, saying some people view regulatory agencies as strict with ordinary citizens but lenient toward large mining companies and influential individuals.
“Anuman ang eksaktong bilang ng mga punong puputulin sa huling pagsusuri, nananatili ang tanong na moral: Ang paggamit ba natin ng likas na yaman ay may paggalang sa Maylikha at sa kapwa—kasama ang mga susunod pa sa atin?” Mesiona said.
He said Palawan’s forests, mountains, valleys, and coastlines are not only natural assets but also manifestations of God’s goodness, and therefore should be protected rather than exploited.
Quoting Scripture, Mesiona reminded the faithful: “Huwag ninyong sirain ang mga punongkahoy sa pamamagitan ng pagputol sa kanila ng palakol” (Deut. 20:19).
The bishop also referenced the late Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, saying environmental protection is an essential component of human and social development and cannot be separated from it.
According to Mesiona, trees and ecosystems provide critical services such as carbon absorption, water purification, disease regulation, soil formation, and waste processing. He said environmental degradation ultimately harms communities, particularly poor and marginalized sectors.
As part of his appeal, Mesiona called on concerned agencies to review tree-cutting permits and engage in meaningful dialogue with affected communities, fully disclose all STCEP permits and related records in environmentally sensitive provinces such as Palawan, determine whether issued permits comply with the province’s mining moratorium ordinance, and pursue legal reforms to strengthen the protection of forests and trees.
“Ang Palawan ay hindi lamang sagisag ng kagandahan; ito ay tanda ng kabutihan ng Diyos at isang pananagutang ipinagkatiwala sa ating mga kamay,” he said.
Mesiona urged residents and decision-makers alike to respond with respect, justice, and hope so that future generations can inherit a living environment rather than a degraded one.
