From the Website of CBCP
From: https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/laoag-bishop-says-green-energy-must-not-come-at-expense-of-poor/
From: https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/laoag-bishop-says-green-energy-must-not-come-at-expense-of-poor/
Laoag bishop says green energy must not come at expense of poor
The Diocese of Laoag has called for careful discernment over proposed offshore wind farm projects in Ilocos Norte, urging development that protects both vulnerable fishing communities and the environment.
In a statement, Bishop Renato Mayugba said the diocese’s position followed extensive consultations with fisherfolk, coastal residents and other stakeholders, along with prayerful reflection rooted in the Catholic Church’s social teaching.
The statement addresses proposed floating offshore wind farm projects in the coastal waters off Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud, where thousands of families depend on fishing for their livelihood.
Mayugba stressed that the Church is not opposed to renewable energy but supports development that respects both the integrity of creation and the dignity of people, especially communities that could bear the project’s social and environmental costs.
“While we acknowledge the global push for clean and renewable energy, true ecological conversion demands that the pursuit of green energy must not come at the expense of the poor and the destruction of our local environment,” he said.
Citing Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Mayugba said authentic care for creation cannot be separated from justice, adding that environmental protection must include concern for the poor and future generations.
“Our stance is not born of mere opposition to progress, but from a profound moral duty to protect human dignity and the integrity of creation,” he said. “We must hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
The diocese said consultations found widespread concern among coastal residents who fear the proposed turbines could limit access to traditional fishing grounds and disrupt marine ecosystems that sustain local communities.
It said more than 6,500 municipal fisherfolk in Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud could face economic hardship if permanent safety zones around offshore structures restrict fishing within municipal waters.
The diocese also raised concerns about possible environmental impacts, saying underwater construction, operational noise and increased maritime traffic could disturb marine habitats and affect biodiversity in Bangui Bay.
Mayugba called on government agencies, environmental scientists, academic institutions, youth organizations and civil society groups to work together in conducting transparent, science-based assessments of the project’s long-term ecological and social effects.
“We demand that our public officials protect our communal waters and prioritize genuine human ecology over corporate greed,” he said. “Humanity still has the ability to work together to build our common home.”
The bishop said the Church would continue accompanying affected communities while promoting dialogue rooted in justice, solidarity and responsible stewardship.
“We cannot heal a broken planet by breaking the lives of the people who protect it,” he said. “We will defend our waters, we will protect our poor, and we will preserve our future.”
In a statement, Bishop Renato Mayugba said the diocese’s position followed extensive consultations with fisherfolk, coastal residents and other stakeholders, along with prayerful reflection rooted in the Catholic Church’s social teaching.
The statement addresses proposed floating offshore wind farm projects in the coastal waters off Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud, where thousands of families depend on fishing for their livelihood.
Mayugba stressed that the Church is not opposed to renewable energy but supports development that respects both the integrity of creation and the dignity of people, especially communities that could bear the project’s social and environmental costs.
“While we acknowledge the global push for clean and renewable energy, true ecological conversion demands that the pursuit of green energy must not come at the expense of the poor and the destruction of our local environment,” he said.
Citing Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Mayugba said authentic care for creation cannot be separated from justice, adding that environmental protection must include concern for the poor and future generations.
“Our stance is not born of mere opposition to progress, but from a profound moral duty to protect human dignity and the integrity of creation,” he said. “We must hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
The diocese said consultations found widespread concern among coastal residents who fear the proposed turbines could limit access to traditional fishing grounds and disrupt marine ecosystems that sustain local communities.
It said more than 6,500 municipal fisherfolk in Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud could face economic hardship if permanent safety zones around offshore structures restrict fishing within municipal waters.
The diocese also raised concerns about possible environmental impacts, saying underwater construction, operational noise and increased maritime traffic could disturb marine habitats and affect biodiversity in Bangui Bay.
Mayugba called on government agencies, environmental scientists, academic institutions, youth organizations and civil society groups to work together in conducting transparent, science-based assessments of the project’s long-term ecological and social effects.
“We demand that our public officials protect our communal waters and prioritize genuine human ecology over corporate greed,” he said. “Humanity still has the ability to work together to build our common home.”
The bishop said the Church would continue accompanying affected communities while promoting dialogue rooted in justice, solidarity and responsible stewardship.
“We cannot heal a broken planet by breaking the lives of the people who protect it,” he said. “We will defend our waters, we will protect our poor, and we will preserve our future.”
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