MPI lauds Communities in South Cotabato and Ozamis City for Standing against Coal

WE, the Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. (PMPI) – a network of people’s organizations (POs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), church/faith-based groups in partnership with MISEREOR, the social development arm of German Bishops, lauds South Cotabato’s community members for being resolute in their stance against possible environmental destruction with coal mining in Lake Sebu.

WE stand in solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples in South Cotabato in its long-standing struggle for a mine-free domain and their commitment to protect their environment. Their rejection of a development project, viewed and foreseen as nothing more but a would-be rape of their environment, is an affirmation of their life and culture.
WE commend the 6 members of the Provincial Board of South Cotabato for voting firmly against the San Miguel-owned coal mining project in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, for representing the voice of their constituents by reaffirming its commitment to a greener and more sustainable development for the province.

WE also extend our gratitude to the Council Members of Brgy. Pulot, Ozamis City for putting the environment and the welfare of its community members first, more than the energy project which can cause environmental damage to their Barangays. The Brgy. Council members last June 19, 2018 unanimously decided to dump the construction and operation of a coal-fired power plant in their Barangays, citing the constitutionally guaranteed right of its peoples to a balanced and healthful ecology while acknowledging renewable energy alternatives.

WE pray that the victory against dirty energy in South Cotabato and Ozamiz will catalyze a shift towards environmentally sound energy projects in the country. The victory is an exercise asserting local government unit’s power to choose a better and greener path for their people.

WE hope the President and his DENR Secretary see this as an opportunity, to make real its call to mining companies to tow the “Greener Line” and to decisively cut the ties with corporate-led development.