The municipal council of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro, southwestern Philippines, recently passed a resolution commending Bishop Moises M. Cuevas, D.D., Apostolic Vicar of the Roman Catholic Vicariate of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, for “his tireless advocacy for environmental justice and sustainable development.”
Led by Vice Mayor Edwin Mintu, the council, which unanimously approved the resolution, stated that “the island of Mindoro has a fragile environment, and its people demand development without sacrificing the value of nature.”
“The bishop plays a vital role and takes a firm stand, uniting the people of Mindoro in the struggle for Mother Earth as God's steward and for the integrity of creation,” the resolution noted.
On July 10, the prelate convened a forum of Church and civic bodies to defend the Moratorium Against Large-Scale Mining, at Bishop Cajandig’s Conference Hall in Barangay Salong, Calapan City. The gathering was a response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified the government’s 25-year ban on large-scale mining. The court held that the provincial government of Occidental Mindoro exceeded its authority when it enacted ordinances imposing a total mining ban.
The bishop had designated July 10 as a Day of Prayer, calling on clergy, religious communities, and parishioners across the vicariate to offer Masses, observe Holy Hours, and pray the Holy Rosary for the protection of Mother Earth.
Cuevas warned that the high court’s ruling could set a precedent affecting a similar ordinance in Oriental Mindoro. He expressed concern that political divisions could hinder a unified response, emphasizing that “sitting on the fence is not an option.”
The Sablayan municipal council’s resolution stated that the efforts of Bishop Cuevas “reflect not only the teachings of the Church on care for creation and the dignity of life but also reinforce the constitutional mandate to protect the environment and respect the rights of communities to a balanced and healthful ecology.”
“Bishop Cuevas has become a symbol of hope and unity in our fight against the threats of mining. His voice resonates with the people’s cry to protect our land, water, and future generations,” said Sablayan Mayor Walter ‘Bong’ Marquez.
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