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Parishioners vow to protect environment

Survivors mark anniversary of Typhoon Ketsana, pledge to watch over God’s creation
Parishioners vow to protect environment
Published: September 27, 2011 05:29 AM GMT
Updated: September 27, 2011 05:29 AM GMT

More than 100 people pledged to care for the environment at a Mass yesterday in Marikina City to mark the second anniversary of a devastating typhoon that left at least 465 people dead in and around Metro Manila. Residents of Antipolo diocese, gathered with government and Church officials, and leaders of environmental and civic groups at the unfinished Saint Joseph Church, in Provident Villages for the Mass. The region was one of the worst hit by Typhoon Ketsana (also known locally as Typhoon Ondoy) which brought severe flooding not seen in nearly 30 years . Near the end of the service they lit candles and, with their hands raised, pledged they would watch over God’s creation, use it wisely, share it unselfishly, and work to sustain natural resources. “God always forgives, people sometimes forgive, but nature never forgives,” Bishop Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo said in his homily, warning against damaging the environment. He said natural resources were created “for all,” and reminded people they have been entrusted with the “stewardship of the Earth.” Mayor Del de Guzman of Marikina and former governor Grace Padaca of Isabela, were also at the Mass concelebrated with Franciscan Father Pete Montallana, of the Save Sierra Madre Network. The government had declared the typhoon anniversary Save Sierra Madre Day to promote protection of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the largest tract of forest in the country which suffered greatly as a result of the storm. The range helps shield Luzon Island from the impact of storms coming in from the Pacific Ocean, environmentalists say. Father Bienvenido Miguel, Antipolo the networks’ social action director, urged everyone at the church to live as they had pledged each day and not only on the anniversary of the typhoon anniversary. Araceli Becker Bumatay, president of the village homeowners association, said she had said a prayer for a fellow parishioner who died in the flood while they were sheltering in the old church building. “I remember people coming to the church for safety, but the water was rising fast. Someone from a house nearby threw us a hose and 12 of us managed to pull ourselves clear, but Norma Abuel did not make it,” she said.

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