Diocese of Mati Reiterates Strong Opposition to Mining

In compliance with the task given to humanity as stewards of God’s wonderful creations, and in consonance to the stand of the universal Catholic church, Bp. Abel Apigo of the Diocese of Mati reiterates strong opposition to the mining activities in the province of Davao Oriental, comprising the entirety of the Diocese of Mati.

“The church has always been against mining, that is why we are making measures to protect the environment. This is very relevant since we had just closed the season of creation. The sub-ecclesial region of DADITAMA had crafted in our recent meeting, a position paper seeking to make Davao Oriental a mining-free zone,” he said.

In a recent virtual meeting dubbed as “Pakighinabi”, initiated by the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), Atty. Mark Peñalver gave an overview on the mining situation in the province, referring to the mining activities in Brgy. Macambol in the City of Mati, and in the municipality of Banaybanay, while Dr. Lea Jimenez and Dr. Emily Antonio from the Davao Oriental State University, presented the current situation of the Pujada Bay landscape and seascape, and the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary respectively, based on studies conducted.

Mr. Primo Solis, a longtime advocate for environmental protection and preservation opened his heart out on the mining activity in their area.

“We survived without mining, and we will continue to survive. Let us not be deceived by the lure of what mining can accordingly give us. Let us think of its disastrous impact,” he explained.

Bishop Abel Apigo described Davao Oriental as a “beautiful common home” for its people, that the lay faithful should and must take good care of by protecting those very precious species, by also not destroying their habitat.

“I am optimistic that Davao Oriental will still be, considering that the provincial government is keenly looking into the big potential of the industry, being on top of the development agenda,” he furthered.

The bishop was happy with the meeting and discussion and the participants taking part was a manifestation of their ardent desire to take care and protect the common beautiful home.

“If mining will pursue, then what can we leave behind to the next generation? What kind of world will they live in their lifetime? Let us be their voice so that we can leave them with green mountains that they can climb, as well as clean and fresh water. We owe them that,” he furthered.

He hopes that the people will be one in this very noble endeavor, and remain consistent.

“The church felt blessed with the synodality spirit, the spirit of being for others, for God’s creations,” he concluded.

Facilitated by Atty. Romeo Cabarde, Jr., the activity was participated also by Mr. Onesimo Sungahid, Mr. Rudolph Espe from the Social Action Ministry of Banaybanay, Dolores Baldesco-ENRO-Davao Oriental, Dr. Edito Sumile, Prov’l Agriculture Office Chief, and residents of Banaybanay. (Neela G. Duallo | Photos by Christine Mae Camus)