Philippine Diocese Leads Prayer Rally for Marinduque Environmental Rehabilitation

Residents, environmental advocates and members of the faith community gathered in prayer at the Marinduque Provincial Capitol, central Philippines, on September 28, calling for action on the long-running environmental issues linked to the Marcopper mining operations on the Philippine island province.

Marinduque, part of the MIMAROPA region of the Philippines, has lived with the environmental effects of mining disasters for more than three decades. The prayer rally came as an October 4 deadline approaches for conditions connected to a proposed US$100 million settlement intended to support claims and proceedings related to the environmental issues.

Participants appealed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to release a communication concerning Barrick Mining Corp.’s remaining environmental obligations. The communication is among the outstanding requirements connected to the settlement agreement.

Bishop Edwin O. Panergo of the Diocese of Boac had invited Catholics, members of other Christian denominations, civic organizations, families and people of goodwill to take part in the peaceful gathering.

“Let us unite in prayer for the environment and for the collective expression of our united stand” for the release of the DENR communication, Bishop Panergo said in a pastoral letter issued before the rally.

Under the proposed settlement, Barrick is expected to provide US$100 million over three years for claims and proceedings related to long-standing environmental issues linked to the Marcopper mine.

The provincial government has sought technical guidance from the DENR on whether the proposed settlement would be sufficient to address the rehabilitation and remediation needs of affected communities. Governor Melecio “Mel” Go has also raised the importance of clarifying the DENR’s separate environmental claims, directives and rehabilitation requirements involving the Marcopper mine site and other responsible parties.

The environmental crisis dates back decades. In 1993, an incident involving the Maguila-guila siltation dam affected the Mogpog River and nearby communities. In 1996, the Marcopper mine disaster released mine tailings into the Boac River system.

The Diocese of Boac said the prayer rally reflected its continuing concern for communities and ecosystems affected by the Marcopper disasters and its commitment to ecological justice.

Bishop Panergo called on government officials, Church leaders, civic organizations, families and young people to work together in caring for the environment and promoting the common good.

The gathering reflected the Church’s continuing concern for ecological justice and the rehabilitation of communities still living with the environmental legacy of mining in Marinduque.