DavOr Gov clarifies stand against mining at clergy’s Presbyterium meeting

DavOr Gov clarifies stand against mining at clergy’s Presbyterium meeting

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon reiterated her stand against mining in the last Presbyterium meeting of the month of July. Speaking in front of the Diocese of Mati Clergy, the governor said that she is one with the clergy in the stand against mining. She explained that though most of the applicants were able to show their permits to operate from the national government, she remained adamant, and even strengthened more her stand against mining now that the provincial government is focusing on an aggressive eco-tourism promotion.

“No way for me to allow environmental protection to be hampered,” Malanyaon staunchly asserted. The provincial government is steadfastly working on the Eco-Tourism projects in four municipalities: Aliwagwag Eco-park in Cateel, Hamiguitan Eco-park in San Isidro, improvement of Pusan Point in Caraga, and Cape of San Agustin in Gov. Generoso/Sigaboy. In the meantime, the presbyterium clergy thanked the governor for her clarification and support on the mining issue. The presbyterium is a regular monthly meeting of the clergy from the 19 parishes of the diocese. After the retirement of Bishop Emeritus Patricio H. Alo, Apostolic Administrator Fr. Edito S. Bano has been presiding over the said monthly clergy meetings.

Celebrating the Feast of St. Benedict (July 11, 2015)

The Missionary Benedictine Sisters together with the different people’s organizations of women: Nagkahiusang Kababainhan alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan (NKKK), farmers: Farmers Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Development (FASAD), fisherfolks, college and high school Benedictine scholars, friends (including Religious Sisters: Sr. Marietta H. Alo, OND, Sr. Belen, LGC and Sr. Edith, LGC), benefactors and guests celebrated the Feast of St. Benedict. The whole day affair started with a procession of the image of St. Benedict from the Sisters’ Convent to the ENFIDE Center. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Bishop Emeritus, Most Reverend Patricio H. Alo, D.D. with concelebrants Fr. Joselito “Jojo” Basilad, Fr. Ariel Arias, SDB and Fr. Rey Jude Albarando, SDB. The Homilist, Father Jojo, Parish Priest of Birhen de Guia Parish, Dawan, stressed the significance of striking the balance of “ORA et LABORA” as what St. Benedict did in his way of life. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Sisters for the development of the people in the Parish. A festive lunch followed where the different people’s organizations shared whatever they could for the feast: fish, root crops, special rice cakes, and “duma” (root crops) delicacies. The group present was privileged to have Sr. Stella Matutina, OSB as a resource speaker on the topic of “Laudato Si (‘Be Praised’)”, the latest Encyclical of Pope Francis. She showed beautiful pictures of creation. She also talked about the way St. Francis of Assisi regarded creation as “Brother Sun and Sister Moon” stressing the point of respecting all creation. The threats brought about by the continuous plunder of the environment that also puts our LUMAD (Indigenous People’s) brothers and sisters in danger because of mining, logging and all forms of pollution is a reality felt by communities even in Mati, Davao Oriental.

The afternoon concluded with a short program with area presentations and games. Indeed, the day was filled with blessings. Even the blessing of challenges we have to face to continue proclaiming the GOD WHO CONTINUES TO JOURNEY WITH US. May we continue to be a blessing to all. It is noteworthy that one of the yearly highlights of our OSB Communities together with the people’s organizations we journey with is the celebration of the Feast of St. Benedict. Celebrating the feast reminds each one of us of receiving a “blessing“ as the name of St. Benedict suggests. (Sr. Evangeline Madayag, OSB)