Manila archbishop declares 'Ecology Sunday' every month

MANILA, Philippines – To further demonstrate its officials’ objection to the continued operation of the Pandacan oil depot, the Archdiocese of Manila has declared every third Sunday of every month as Ecology Sunday.

The CBCPNews, the official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), reported yesterday that Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales dedicated the third Sunday of every month to promoting the cause of ecology.

The archdiocese’s Ecology Desk released guidelines on observing Ecology Sundays in the parishes.

Rosales said the archdiocese should implement activities to educate the people on the current environmental issues, particularly those surrounding a city ordinance allowing the oil depot’s stay.

“Let us engage in a catechesis of the integrity of creation by ‘circles of discernment’ in our parishes and school’s ministry,” Rosales said.

The archdiocese strongly objected to the passage and implementation of Ordinance 7177 that allowed the continued operation of the Pandacan oil depot and other establishments that are believed to be pollutive industries.

In a letter earlier sent to Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Rosales and three other bishops explained that “the poison these industries emit and produce will affect not only our city, but will have greater impact on the lives and well-being of people in other areas. Air and water pollution travel fast, and the effects could be more catastrophic for people along the slopes of Antipolo City or the banks of the Pasig River.”

Ordinance 7177 is also against the laws on Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, Rosales said.

Last month, the archdiocese issued a pastoral letter urging every parish and school under his archdiocese to start a signature campaign against the oil facility.

Rosales also appealed to the people to pray for the abolition of the city ordinance. “Our political leaders should be reminded of their role to ensure the safety and security of our people,” he said.