Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Diocese of Marbel, headquartered in South Cotabato’s provincial capital, has declared a climate emergency, joining a growing number of church institutions across the Philippines taking urgent action to protect the environment.
Marbel Bishop Cerilo Allan Casicas made the declaration on September 15, calling for immediate and sustained efforts to address environmental degradation, particularly denouncing coal and gold mining projects in the region. He emphasized the critical need for long-lasting solutions, citing the adverse impacts of these industries on South Cotabato’s ecosystem and communities.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the environmental destruction and the suffering that it brings to the people, especially the poor and vulnerable,” Bishop Casicas said. “The continued expansion of coal and mining operations, particularly in Tampakan and Lake Sebu, poses significant risks to our environment, our health, and our future.”
Opposition to Mining in South Cotabato
The Diocese of Marbel’s jurisdiction spans South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces, which includes mining hotspots like Tampakan, home to one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in Southeast Asia. The Tampakan mining project, operated by foreign and local companies, has long been a subject of contention due to its potential environmental damage, including deforestation, pollution, and displacement of indigenous communities.
Lake Sebu, another municipality under the diocese, is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, home to the indigenous T’boli and Ubo tribes. However, mining operations have threatened this ecologically sensitive area, raising concerns over the long-term sustainability of its natural resources.
Bishop Casicas and other environmental advocates have been vocal in their opposition to these projects, warning that large-scale mining could lead to irreversible damage, including water contamination, loss of livelihoods, and destruction of ancestral lands. Despite legal battles and strong local resistance, mining companies continue to pursue development, exacerbating tensions in the area.
Coal Projects Fuel Conflict
In addition to mining, the expansion of coal power plants in Mindanao, particularly in Sarangani and nearby provinces, has sparked further environmental concerns. Bishop Casicas condemned these coal projects, linking them to the global climate crisis and their contribution to carbon emissions.
“The use of coal as an energy source is outdated and destructive,” he said. “We must shift to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources if we want to protect God’s creation and ensure a livable future for the next generation.”
The church’s strong stance against coal and mining projects is aligned with the broader climate justice movement, which advocates for a just transition to renewable energy sources while addressing the socio-economic impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.
Escalating Tensions and Conflicts
South Cotabato’s mining and coal issues have not only led to environmental degradation but have also intensified conflicts in the region. The Tampakan mining project, in particular, has been associated with violence between mining interests, local authorities, and indigenous groups who oppose the encroachment on their lands.
Indigenous communities, such as the Blaan, have resisted mining operations, citing violations of their ancestral land rights and the destruction of their cultural heritage. This opposition has led to violent confrontations, and several tribal leaders and anti-mining activists have been killed over the years.
The Diocese of Marbel has played a significant role in advocating for peaceful resolutions to these conflicts, urging the government to listen to the voices of indigenous peoples and prioritize environmental protection over corporate interests. The church’s declaration of a climate emergency signals a deepening commitment to these causes, positioning it as a moral force in the fight against environmental exploitation.
Call for Action
Bishop Casicas called on local communities, government officials, and industries to work together to mitigate the effects of climate change and prevent further environmental destruction. He also encouraged the faithful to engage in grassroots efforts such as tree planting, reducing plastic use, and advocating for policies that promote environmental conservation.
“The climate emergency declaration is not just a statement; it is a call to action,” Casicas said. “We must all take responsibility for the care of our common home, and this starts by standing up against destructive practices like mining and coal burning.”
The Diocese of Marbel’s climate emergency declaration reflects the growing concern over the environmental and social impacts of extractive industries in Mindanao. As tensions continue to mount over the future of mining and coal projects, the church’s involvement underscores the need for more comprehensive and sustainable development strategies that prioritize both the environment and the well-being of local communities.
