Pagadian City, April 14, 2025 — A strong wave of unity and environmental advocacy swept across the streets of Pagadian City as the Diocese of Pagadian spearheaded a motorcade, prayer rally, and press conference to raise awareness and condemn the ongoing illegal mining and quarrying activities threatening the province of Zamboanga del Sur.
With placards bearing messages like “Supak sa Mina,” “No to Mining,” and “#NoToMining sa Zamboanga del Sur,” Catholic clergy, parishioners, and environmental advocates joined forces in a peaceful yet powerful demonstration. The rally was not just a public expression of concern but also a prayerful plea for divine guidance, invoking the virtues of Saint Joseph to intercede for the protection of the province’s natural resources.
The Diocese emphasized its unwavering stand against any mining applications and illegal extraction activities, calling on government authorities, especially Governor Victor Yu and Congresswoman Divina Yu, to take concrete action in enforcing the Cease and Desist Orders against these destructive practices.
“This is not just about gold and minerals. Ila ang bulawan, ato ang katalagman (They get the gold, we face the danger),” read one of the many heartfelt messages from parishioners during the rally. Participants from various parishes marched together, sending a clear signal that the community values the safety of their environment over short-term profit.
The ongoing illegal mining and quarrying operations have long raised alarms, with concerns over their impact on watersheds, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of local residents. The Church’s initiative underscores the crucial role of collective awareness and mass mobilization in the fight against environmental abuse.
Beyond the call to stop illegal operations, today’s gathering stressed the importance of long-term environmental stewardship and responsible governance. The Diocese and its supporters reminded the public and officials alike that safeguarding nature is a shared moral and civic duty.
In response to the rally and the Diocese’s formal appeal, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu issued an official statement expressing solidarity with the advocacy against illegal mining.
Governor Yu wrote:
Your Excellencies:
Greetings of peace and goodwill!I write to express my sincere appreciation for your letter concerning the urgent issues surrounding illegal mining activities and the call for a mining moratorium in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur. I commend your pastoral vigilance and the principled stance the Diocese has taken in defense of environmental stewardship and social justice.
At the outset, please allow me to convey my wholehearted solidarity with your advocacy against illegal mining. I share your deep concern for the protection of our natural environment and the ethical, responsible utilization of our province’s precious resources. Indeed, illegal mining poses a grave threat—not only to ecological sustainability but also to social equity.
In this light, allow us to outline our continuing commitment to the appeal you have raised.
Measures Undertaken Against Illegal Mining
The Governor detailed that the Provincial Government, through its Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and in partnership with other agencies, has intensified its actions against illegal mining, including:
- Conduct of regular monitoring and surveillance operations;
- Implementation of community-based reporting systems;
- Apprehension of violators and case build-up for legal prosecution;
- Issuance and enforcement of cease-and-desist orders against unauthorized activities; and
- Conduct of capacity-building programs to strengthen the ability of barangays and local government units to detect and report illegal operations.
Yu also highlighted ongoing investigations by PENRO to identify and prosecute those involved in illegal activities and acknowledged the crucial role of faith-based organizations in supplementing the government’s limited resources and jurisdiction.
On the Proposed Mining Moratorium
Governor Yu clarified the legal framework regarding mining regulation, explaining that small-scale mining falls under the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) as governed by Republic Act No. 7076, while large-scale mining is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as stipulated in Republic Act No. 7942.
He emphasized that while the provincial government supports the moral message conveyed by the call for a mining moratorium, any such proposal must undergo proper deliberation at the national level, particularly with the DENR and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). He also acknowledged the need to reassess current mining practices to ensure transparency and equitable benefits for local communities.
Commitment to Responsible Governance
Yu concluded his statement by reaffirming the Provincial Government’s commitment to lawful, ethical, and community-centered development:
While we recognize the economic contributions of mining, such development must never come at the expense of environmental degradation or human dignity. True progress is achieved when economic growth is aligned with the preservation of ecosystems and the well-being of our people. Development and conservation must go hand in hand as equal pillars of good governance.
With firm regulatory safeguards, vigilant enforcement, and strong collaboration between government and civil society, we are confident in our ability to forge a path toward sustainable and inclusive growth—one that protects our natural wealth while ensuring its just and wise use for generations to come.
We stand ready to work in solidarity with the Church, civil society, and all concerned citizens to build a province that thrives in both spirit and sustainability.
The Governor also invited concerned parties to coordinate with PENRO-Zamboanga del Sur for further collaboration.
As the day concluded, the people of Zamboanga del Sur, led by the Diocese and supported by environmental groups, remained hopeful that this collective voice will inspire lasting action, preserving the province’s natural heritage for future generations.
