Subject: Appeal to Stop the Possible Massive Tree Cutting for Road Widening in Poro, Camotes, Cebu

To whom this may concern: 

The Sto. Niño Parish is advocating for the rights of the environment inspired by the encyclical of Pope Francis Laudato Si, "Care for our Common Home".

We are appealing to reconsider the decision in giving permit to cut trees for road widening in some barangays (Mercedes, Esperanza, Adela, San Jose, and Daan Paz) of Poro, Camotes Islands, Cebu.

Trees are indispensable for our ecosystem. Some of these trees are century old (Acacia, Lomboy, and Bangcal). We need sustainable, well balance environment not just in the name of economic progress at the expense of the environment. 

Former president Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Proclamation No. 2152 in 1981, which declared Camotes Island as part of the Mangrove Swamps Forest Reserves hence, these lands are deemed as not “alienable and disposable.” Camotes Islands is also part of the protected landscape and seascape under Republic Act 11038 also known as the Philippine’s Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) of 2018 which highlights the need to preserve its beauty and biodiversity. Tree cutting would disrupt this delicate balance and violate the provisions of RA 11038.

We conducted a signature campaign and last Good Friday, we had our parish wide prayer rally through Station of the Cross at the areas where many trees are to be cut (Barangay Esperanza to Barangay Adela). This is our synodal voice against tree cutting to save our Mother Earth pleading for our synodal help.

We hope and pray that you will respond to our appeal positively. We do believe that we share the same advocacy in protecting and caring for our environment to become a habitable place for everyone.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rev. Fr. Joel M. Bonza, MSC

Marieta Gorgonio

Zandro Zurita

Jasmine Villanueva

Vigilia Argallon

Carlotina Santic

Nathalie Jane Rosauro