The Diocese of Boac and environmental advocates on the Philippine island province of Marinduque have welcomed the release of an official government communication related to a proposed US$100 million settlement involving Barrick Gold, while calling for urgent environmental rehabilitation and greater transparency in the use of the funds.
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.
Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr., appointed bishop of San Pablo, said he would examine three issues facing his new diocese, namely poverty, growing secularization, and issues affecting the family.
Pope Francis has named Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. as the new bishop of San Pablo diocese, which oversees Laguna, a province about 100 kilometers southeast of Manila.
