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(1st UPDATE) Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon says excessive quarrying worsened the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Pepito in Albay
MANILA, Philippines – Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon and priests of his diocese urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other government leaders to investigate the environmental impact of quarrying in Albay, as the province reels from recent tropical cyclones.
In a press conference on Monday, November 25, the clergy of the Diocese of Legazpi blamed excessive quarrying for the flooding that Albay suffered during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) in late October and Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi) in mid-November.
Albay was one of the provinces hardest hit by these cyclones, with Kristine affecting 224,000 of its residents and Pepito affecting 658,400, based on government data.
Effects of these recent cyclones, the bishop and priests explained, “were exacerbated by seemingly substandard infrastructure, misuse of public funds, and dire consequences of uncontrolled quarry operations on the slopes of Mayon Volcano and other areas, as well as problematic road constructions throughout Albay province.”
The religious leaders then appealed to Marcos, Albay Acting Governor Glenda Ong Bongao, and other national and local officials “to take urgent and necessary action.” (Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story said they directed their appeal to Edcel Greco Lagman, but he is still suspended as Albay governor. This has been corrected.)
In their statement dated Sunday, November 24, the Legazpi bishop and his priests called for the following measures:
- to “conduct an impartial and comprehensive study on the environmental and social impacts of quarrying and road constructions in the province,” which should then be made transparent and publicly accessible
- to “establish a competent Provincial Mining Regulatory Board,” which will regulate quarry operators and follow best practices in other provinces
- to “investigate and hold accountable” the developers of “seemingly substandard” public infrastructure
- to “ensure that the people derive real benefits from the income of quarry operations through improved services”
“We also appeal to other faith groups and movements, civil society organizations, volunteer groups, schools, business organizations, and all people of goodwill to join this appeal and, if possible, make public statements of their own to be sent to our leaders,” the clergy of the Diocese of Legazpi said.
“Through these statements, we respectfully but urgently call for greater accountability in government, true resiliency for our people, and a reminder to our public servants and leaders that any effort to assist our people after calamities should remain free from personal branding or political agenda,” they added.
In Rappler’s faith chat room, Father Joseph Salando of the Diocese of Legazpi said their statement is an “open appeal,” which the diocese hopes “will inspire transformative action to rebuild communities with integrity, transparency, and genuine care for creation.”
The Diocese of Legazpi, which has around 100 priests, covers the entire province of Albay.
Home to the iconic Mayon Volcano that is known for its “perfect cone,” Albay is a resource-rich province of 1.37 million people. A 10-hour drive away from the capital Manila, it is the Philippine province with the highest percentage of Catholics — 96.2% of the population — according to the latest government census. – Rappler.com
