UP Ibalon Bicol: Bicol bishops up against coal mining in Catanduanes

Bicol bishops up against coal mining in Catanduanes

8/20/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Bishops in Bicol have voiced their opposition against the Monte de Oro Resources and Energy Inc. which was awarded exploration of 7,000 hectares for coal mining in towns of San Andres, Caramoan and Panganiban in Catanduanes.

A friend of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, Enrique Razon is the owner of the private company which has an additional 8,000 hectares allocated by the Department of Energy for the same purpose. The mining operation is expected to yield P6.2 billion, bringing the government 3% return of P186 million and P9 million in taxes.

The bishops are planning to ask help from Pope Benedict XVI in their rejection of the mining project which endangers the environment, disrupts livelihood, and threatens destruction of Catanduanes Island. Their position is supported by the Provincial Board of Catanduanes which passed a resolution supporting the pro-environmet and anti-mining stance.

The bishops recall the mining experience of Rapu-Rapu, Albay in the Diocese of Legazpi, which caused pollution and threatened the health of the residents in the area. In December 2008, the bishops informed the pope of their concerns and they plan to follow the issue with him in the Vatican.

“We are going to meet this coming November to come up with another pastoral letter, statements and another letter to be sent to the Pope,” said Bishop Quiambao.

The 2008 letter was signed by Bishops Leonardo Legaspi of the metropolitan archbishop of Caceres, Arturo Bastes of the Diocese of Sorsogon, Manolo A. de los Santos of Virac, Gilbert Carcera of Daet, Joel Baylon Masbate, Jose Rojas Jr. of Libmanan, and Quiambao.”---Inquirer (08/20/09, Nasol, Rey, M; Gianan, F.)

The mining exploration is not bad per se. Mining provides livelihood and improves the economy in the community. Yet to operate, it has to have safeguards against pollution and environmental destruction. A rejection of the exploration is valid if these safeguards aren’t met and the benefits of the operation will not benefit the the community.(Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva) =0=

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Labels: bicol, Bishop, Bishop Arturo Bastes, Bishop Gilbert Garcera, Bishop Joel Baylon, Bishop Jose Rojas Jr, Bishop Leonardo Legaspi, Bishop Manolo de los Santos, Catanduanes, environment, mining

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Bicol bishops up against coal mining in Catanduanes

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