Virtually shaking heaven and earth to fight the exploitation of mineral
resources in this province, Tandag Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar warned over
the weekend of a catastrophic disaster should mining operations
continue.
In his pastoral letter, Odchimar said “the integrity and creation of
God must be protected” and every citizen must do his part in its
protection.
Surigao del Sur, particularly in the northeastern side of the
province, hosts of at least four large-scale mining operations which
process and export mineral commodities particularly, nickel, copper,
chrome, and iron.
In separate reports, the National Economic Development Authority
(NEDA-13) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-13) have said that
mining operations in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and some parts
of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur are now the major drivers of
economic growth of Caraga region.
These two government agencies reported that mining operations already
produce employment and livelihood to locals while already generating
close to P2 billion in terms of revenues to local and national coffers.
However, the pastoral letter of Odchimar categorically opposed mining
in Surigao del Sur province and called on Surigaonons to protect and
defend the creation of God.
“It is our moral duty to protect the integrity and creation of God
and defend the right of our people to food security, today and in the
future generations,” he wrote.
The pastoral letter also cited the province as home of a biodiversity of endemic species of flora and fauna.
“Majority of our people heavily rely on farming and fishing, owing to
the abundance of God’s gracious gift and creation,” the pastoral letter
said, adding that these have been greatly disturbed because of mining
operations.
The former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP) said the seas and rivers in the province have
increased in turbidity, reducing “in half” the marine productivity,
because of the heavy siltation due to soil erosion and clogging
irrigation system while pollution from dust particles has resulted in
respiratory diseases.
“Mining, without doubt, directly threatens the life of our people.
It’s social cost clearly outweighs the benefits. It’s effect is
irreversible,” said the prelate.
At the same time, Odchimar appealed to Surigaonons to continue
planting trees in preparation for the next generation, after the recent
Mindanao TreeVolution activity.
“In his manifold wisdom and goodness, God created the beautiful
world. He created man and made the steward of His creation. Creation
provides for man’s subsistence while man treats it with awe, respect and
gratitude,” he added.
It was recalled that the Diocese of Tandag issued a document in 2002
in which the “bishop and the clergy, representing the people of God in
the province of Surigao del Sur”, made clear their “categorical
opposition” to mining in the province.
