Supporters of the open-pit mining ban in South Cotabato during a solidarity walk in Koronadal City, October 2021. (Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Marbel)
Statement of Support in Upholding the Ban on Open-pit Mining in South Cotabato
“The Lord created medicines out of the earth, and a sensible man will not despise them” (Sirach 38:4).
The Lay Forum Philippines hereby expresses its intense support and solidarity with the laypeople of Diocese of Marbel and the residents of South Cotabato Province in their opposition to amend Sec 22(b) of the Environment Code by Sangguniang Panlalawigan to the effect of allowing all forms of mining, including open-pit mining, in the province.
Lay Forum Philippines (LFP) is distinguished lay community representing various parishes and ecclesial bodies of different archdioceses and dioceses from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Philippines.
LFP expects our legislators to be just and reasonable at all cost in enacting the laws and ordinances of the province for the care of their constituents.
LFP asserts of thorough studies of the plans considering its adverse effects on the environment: on the degradation of the ecosystem, on the increase of possible erosion and siltation, on the threats on biodiversity and water resources, among other natural adversatives.
LFP insists of more vivid plan of actions on implementing reasonable rules and regulation, law enforcement, supervision and monitoring to ensure proper care of mother nature to evade another calamity to happen that will cause damages to lives and properties.
“The analysis of environmental problems cannot be separated from the analysis of human, family, work-related and urban contexts, nor from how individuals relate to themselves, which leads in turn to how they relate to others and to the environment.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si #141)
Unless otherwise above-statement is seriously well-thought-out and considered, the Lay Forum Philippines vehemently join the laypeople of Diocese of Marbel and the residents of South Cotabato Province, and vigorously demand for truthful protection of our environment and natural resources in the province.
14 March 2022
FRANCISCO R. MANSUETO, JR.
Convenor for Luzon
JAQUELINE B. LOSALA
Convenor for Luzon
VONZHEMAR M. HIADA, MAT
Convenor for Mindanao
ASUNCION R. CANONIGO
Convenor for Visayas
ROGER A. MACATOL, MAT
Convenor for Mindanao
VICTORIA R. BANTILLO, PhD
Convenor for Mindanao
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