beautiful samar

Diocese of Catarman
DCC— Bishop’s Residence
Catarman, Northern Samar 6100
Philippines


STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY
AGAINST MINING AND LOGGING

Sisters and brothers in Christ:

1. Samar Island is a very rich repository of biodiversity and considered one of the 200 eco-significant wonders of the world. There are 40 rare species of plants which can only be found in Samar. It is the home of the Philippine Eagle and 18 endangered species of mammals which are found only in the Philippines.

2. In the past 50 years over 60% of the Island’s original forests have been lost to logging, mining, and slash and burn farming causing untold destruction to flora and fauna, accelerating soil erosion and sedimentation and causing flash floods and landslides.

3. In 1989, the whole Catubig Valley which is the rice granary of the province of Northern Samar was inundated for a week causing the loss of 100 human lives and 100 million worth of crops. Taft River in Eastern Samar is until now dead and devoid of any marine life 10 years after the cessation of operations by the mine in Bagacay, Samar.

4. In 1990, Pres. Corazon Aquino stopped all logging operations. In 1996, Pres. Fidel Ramos, proclaimed 347, 000 hectares of primary/closed canopy and second growth forests a protected zone. Pres. Gloria Arroyo declared 333, 300 hectares in Samar Island as a Protected Area to be known as the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Pursuant to RA No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

5. Despite the creation of SINP, two large-scale mining companies have previously been granted permission to explore and operate inside the SINP to mine bauxite in an area that reportedly includes headwaters and old growth forest, not to mention the islands of Batag in Laoang, Northern Samar, and Manicani in Eastern Samar. In fact, GMA even ordered DENR Secretary Eliza Gozun a review of laws that have impeded the application of the 1995 Philippine Mining Act.

6. Even while Quezon and Aurora provinces still reel from the recent horrors of the environmental tragedy that struck them, we see the influx of mining companies drawn by a government desperately strapped for cash. We are alarmed over reports that the administration is processing several applications for mining operations in Samar Island. Some logging companies are also seeking the lifting of the logging ban so they could operate again in the hinterland of Samar. The looming entry of mining and logging businesses into our province and the environmental disaster that these activities will bring on the lives of our people and our ecological patrimony, based on our national and local experiences, is of serious concern to all of us.

7. Despite the much-touted promise of development and progress, mining and logging are nothing but curses to the rural poor. Whatever economic gains there may be cannot compensate for the depletion of irreplaceable natural resources. Who ultimately benefits from the reckless exploitation, uncontrolled destruction and wanton dissipation of our mineral and forest reserves (or what remains of it)? Certainly not our people, not the poor.

8. DENR reported that “Samar Island is estimated to have the biggest deposit of high-grade bauxite in the country estimated to be valued at US$21 billion.” But she adds: “Per simulation conducted by the Department, however, the net present value of the direct benefits from the forests, biodiversity and their economic uses (e.g. food, medicines, water, ecotourism, ecological benefits, etc.) is estimated to be higher at US$24 billion. This does not include the direct benefits.”

9. We, therefore, feel a grave responsibility to protect and conserve this natural patrimony. The steps that Samarnons take could well decide the shape of the future and our concern for what is happening to our environment will have a land in what we would like our future to be. This, we believe, is an essential part of our faith.

10. We therefore support the 25-year logging moratorium and seek the cancellation of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSAs) and Timber Licensing Agreements (TLAs). And we stand in solidarity with all those who believe in the presentation of our natural resources and the promotion of the authentic development of people.

11. Let us protect the dignity of the people of God! Let us promote the integrity of creation!


For the Faithful, Religious and Clergy of the Diocese of Catarman,




+ ANGEL T. HOBAYAN, D.D.
Bishop of Catarman
7 February 2005