By Nimfa Estrellado Residents of Pagbilao, Quezon, including farmers, fisherfolk, and religious leaders, rallied against destructive quarryi...
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Residents of Pagbilao, Quezon, including farmers, fisherfolk, and religious leaders, rallied against destructive quarrying and corruption during the Lakad-Dasal ng Pag-asa para sa Kalikasan event. (St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church Pagbilao, Quezon) |
PAGBILAO, Quezon - Demanding an end to destructive quarrying, the Mamamayan Laban sa Korapsyon at Quarry (MLQ) organization issued a strong call to action during their Lakad-Dasal ng Pag-asa para sa Kalikasan (Walk-Prayer of Hope for Nature) event in Pagbilao, Quezon on February 3, 2025.
Attended by approximately three thousand residents of Pagbilao—including ordinary citizens, farmers, fisherfolk, business owners, teachers, students, youth, and women—and led by the clergy of the Diocese of Lucena, aimed to call for an end to the rampant quarrying and destruction of the mountains and historical rivers of Pagbilao, such as the Palsabangon River.
Amidst growing concerns over environmental degradation, the group emphasized the urgent need to combat corruption, a key enabler of destructive practices, and immediately halt destructive quarrying, which threatens the region's ecosystems and communities.
The Lakad-Dasal ng Pag-asa para sa Kalikasan, where the MLQ made their statement, was a significant event that drew participants from various sectors of the community. They stressed the need for a comprehensive approach addressing both the symptoms and root causes of environmental destruction.
According to Fr. Raul Enriquez, a convenor of the group, "It is saddening that the mountains and rivers of Pagbilao continue to be destroyed due to quarry operations, especially in Palsabangon. The once clear Palsabangon River is now brown and continues to cause siltation in Pagbilao Bay, particularly in the Pagbilao mangrove area, the largest of which is located in Brgy. Palsabangon.
"This destruction of the river and mountains is a major threat to the livelihood and security of the people of Pagbilao," Fr. Raul Enriquez stated. "The Mamamayan Laban sa Quarry calls on the concerned authorities to stop and cancel the permits of quarry operations, and for the mayor's office and barangay to take action if they truly care about the people of Pagbilao and the environment."
Citing Pope Francis's call for active citizen engagement in Laudate Deum, the MLQ stressed the importance of empowering local communities to take control of their future. They urged government leaders to heed the voices of the people, asserting that the natural resources of Pagbilao and the entire Quezon province belong to everyone, not just a privileged few.
“We cannot remain silent while our environment is being destroyed,” the MLQ statement declared. “We must raise our voices, fight for environmental justice, and demand real change in policy and practice to protect our planet and its people.”
"Corruption is a root cause of the ongoing environmental crisis," the MLQ stated. "It enables illegal and harmful quarrying practices that devastate the land, water, and air. Corruption undermines environmental protection laws, prioritizing personal gain over the long-term well-being of the community."
It is recalled that the Quezon Province Provincial and Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) had previously stopped the quarry operation in Palsabangon. However, it resumed after the PMRB lifted the suspension of the said operation in Brgy. Palsabangon, Pagbilao, Quezon.
To address these pressing issues, the MLQ issued a series of demands. The first set of demands focused on halting destructive quarrying and eradicating corruption. They called for an immediate end to the environmentally damaging operations scarring the mountains and coastlines, and demanded an end to corruption within the management of natural resources and public funds.
The second set of demands centered on empowering citizens. The MLQ emphasized the need to restore power to the people, encouraging active participation in meaningful dialogue and resistance against exploitation.
The third set of demands targeted the energy sector and environmental defenders. Echoing the CBCP Pastoral Letter of July 2019, they urged the immediate phase-out of coal-fired power plants and other fossil fuel-dependent facilities.
This included calls for stricter monitoring of existing coal plant operations, the promotion of renewable energy sources, and support for environmental defenders, urging the protection and support of those bravely fighting for the environment.
The MLQ concluded their statement by emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect the planet for future generations, echoing Pope Francis's reminder of humanity's stewardship over creation. They stressed that genuine change stems from a united and empowered citizenry committed to the common good.
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