ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Bishop of Malolos says steelworks project must be stopped

Malolos City (Agenzia Fides) - Bishop José F. Oliveros of the diocese of Malolos calls for the immediate cancellation of a steelworks project which would irreversibly ruin the life of the local people and the natural environment in the province of Bulacan, on the island of Luzon (northern Philippines). In the spirit of Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si” document he warned the public authorities of the risks the construction would entail for the life of the people, their property, surroundings and for the ecosystem .
Fides learned that in his letter addressed to the governor of the province and other political leaders the Bishops wrote: “We beg you to heed the citizens’ request and to refuse permission for the steelworks”.
Bishop Oliveros, is of the opinion that positioned close to schools, families and rice fields the industry would threaten the health and safety of the residents and their means of subsistence. Furthermore the water of the River Angat would be at risk with devastating consequences for local agriculture. “The diocese of Malolos assures on-going support for the local people who oppose the project” the Bishop affirms, quoting the Pope in his encyclical who calls on those in government to be responsible “protectors of creation, the God’s plan inscribed in nature”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2016)

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