UCA News
Contribute

Protesters celebrate feast of St Francis

Call for curbs in mining and logging to prevent floods, climate change
Protesters celebrate feast of St Francis
Franciscans march through the streets of Quezon City calling for environmental protection and conservation
Published: October 04, 2011 09:03 AM GMT
Updated: October 04, 2011 10:22 AM GMT

About 1,000 ecologists and followers of Saint Francis of Assisi braved torrential rain to march through Quezon City in celebration of his  October 4 feast day. The statue of Saint Francis, who has been named patron saint of the environment, was carried aloft amid placards that highlighted ecology issues. Franciscan friars led the procession along Aurora Boulevard from Stella Maris College to Poor Clare Monastery, followed by Franciscan sisters, seminarians, parishioners, students and devotees. The marchers want a stop to logging and mining. They are also demanding that the government cleans up the corruption in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and takes immediate action to protect the city of Marikina, which has been devastated by flash floods. Handouts given to motorists and pedestrians claimed that the latest onset of  floods and typhoons, described as “extraordinary,” were brought about by global warming and man-made environmental destruction. The marchers also prepared a statement, which read: “Only 3 percent of the virgin forest or primary forest is remaining in the Philippines. This is equivalent to only 900,000 hectares out of the country’s 30 million hectare and area. What we need is 50 percent forest.” “Logging and land conversion is continuous despite the laws protecting them. There is no political will to stop ‘powerful people’ behind the environmental degradation in Aurora and the Marikina watershed. It’s been two years since typhoon Ondoy. Shall we always fear the great flood?” “Saint Francis of Assisi met God through the environment and he treated it as his brother. He denounced greed and joyfully trusted God’s providence through a vow of poverty.” Franciscan Father Pedro Montallana said Filipinos need to be awakened and called upon to defend the environment. “We are asking for the help of Saint Francis. We want him to know that, like him, we love the environment,” he told the marchers. After the march Fr Montallana, who is director of the Indigenous People’s Apostolate of the https://www.ucanews.com/diocesan-directory/html/dps-pr_infanta.php" target="_blank">Prelature of Infanta, said he was very happy that the Franciscan family took part in it. “I was not expecting much, but there is more and more realization of the need to campaign for the environment as Franciscans,” he said. Now he hopes more people will be mobilized to stop one law in particular, which is currently passing through Congress, which would authorize logging in the country’s secondary forests. “That means more floods, landslides and drought during summer,” said Fr Montallana.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia