Northern Mindanao Cluster Participates in the Mindanao Bishops-Legislators’ Forum on Environmental Concern

A Bishops-Legislators Forum on Environmental Concerns, organized by the ACCESS office of the Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro (CDO), was held last 12 February 2009. The open forum was in response to the recent flash floods that heavily affected various parts of Northern Mindanao and the CARAGA region.

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Anchored by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., the participants composed of five PhilDHRRA Mindanao members (Northern Mindanao Cluster) along with other environmental advocates from the government (executive and legislative branch), NGOs, and church, expressed their heightened concern over the recent calamities and the conservation of natural resources.

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A general situation of Northern Mindanao was presented during the forum, which identified key environmental issues and possible solutions. This led to commitments from participating legislators, Hon. Rufus Rodriguez (CDO City Congressman) and Hon. Teofisto Guingona III of the Bukidnon District, to support environmental protection through strategic policy solutions.

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Archbishop Ledesma underscored five points in making effective environmental programs: (a) community involvement, (b) good legislation, (c) alternative livelihood, (d) policy advocacy, and (e) church interventions. He stressed that these elements will help facilitate immediate calls on environmental protection and in the pursuit of environmental policy implementation, particularly, to stop all logging and mining activities in these provinces and cities.

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The forum forged a communal action among the participants that will help local communities to sustain their environment. Other bishops who attended the forum were Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos of Butuan and Bishop Edwin de la Peña of Marawi.