The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has reaffirmed its unwavering opposition to mining and aggressive development, announcing plans to establish a commission dedicated to ecology as part of its intensified advocacy for environmental preservation.
Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo pointed out the church’s long-standing resistance to destructive projects through its Social Action Ministry, declaring that its position remains resolute.
‘Our advocacy on ecology is very strong, especially our stand on mining and aggressive development. We are very clear on this – we do not waver,’ Bagaforo said at a recent press conference in Misamis Occidental.
He revealed that the CBCP will create an Integral Ecology Ministry, a commission solely tasked with environmental concerns.
‘At present, ecology is under the Social Action Commission, but by next year we will appoint someone in charge to make our network stronger and our advocacy wider,’ Bagaforo explained.
The bishop stressed that the Church’s position is unchanged: ‘We are against aggressive development and mining.’
The move signals a renewed push to integrate ecological justice into the Church’s pastoral mission, aligning with Pope Francis’ call for care of creation under the framework of integral ecology.
It comes at a time when government agencies are advancing policies on mineral governance.
On Thursday, July 30, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 9 (DENR-9) highlighted its commitment to responsible mineral development during the Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s (MGB) annual stakeholders’ forum.
Marie Angelique Go, DENR-9 regional executive director, said DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna’s directive is clear: mineral policies must support sustainability.
‘Our approach must be ‘as one,’ ensuring that policy recommendations on development comply with existing rules and regulations,’ Go emphasized.
Hernane Abdon, MGB-9 regional director, reminded stakeholders that mineral resources, though finite, must be managed wisely.
‘Every decision we make must strike a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and the welfare of the communities we serve,’ he said, stressing that ‘responsible development is a shared responsibility.’
The forum, themed ‘Empowering Stakeholders for a Greener Future through Sustainable Mineral Development,’ showcased industry performance, regulatory updates, and integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into mining programs.
In 2025, the Zamboanga Peninsula’s mineral industry generated P13.06 billion in production value, with companies committing over P131.67 million for environmental programs and P60 million for social development projects.
Among the highlights were new DENR administrative orders integrating SDGs into community programs and guidelines for interim small-scale mining contracts.
Region 9 marked a milestone with the signing of an interim contract with the Lacnapan Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc. in Kabasalan , Zamboanga Sibugay, reflecting collaborative governance between DENR, local governments, and miners.