Govt urged to do more to protect environment

THE Diocese of Borongan challenged government authorities to do more in protecting the environment.

“We challenge them to do their job because I think they are not doing enough,” said Father Eutiquio Belizar Jr., spokesperson for the diocese.

Father Belizar said several mining operators seem to be unaware of the environmental guidelines set forth by the government.

Even the provincial local government through Gov. Conrado Nicart Jr has lamented over the disregard of environmental protection of some mining firms in the province.

Nicart described his powers to be “clipped” because the local government only has power over small-scale miners since large-scale miners get their permit from the national government.

“But there seems to be no monitoring from the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) too,” Father Belizar said.

The Church has taken a staunch stand against the mining operations in the province saying it is affecting people’s livelihood and their source of water.

Report from Philippine Information Agency