Church people, artist groups, and associations of fisherfolk and residents in Sorsogon expressed their unity for the environment. On October 11, at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Church in Gubat, Sorsogon, the Save Gubat Bay Movement (SGBM) launched the “Faces of Creation: A Photo and Poetry Exhibit” depicting environment destruction in the province and its impact on local communities.

The exhibit features artworks and photographs that showcased the beauty of the province’s natural environment and its vulnerability to destruction. Also part of the exhibit are poems describing the struggles of coastal communities facing the threat of destruction from projects such as coastal roads, resorts, and commercial businesses. Photographs and artworks highlight the need for collective action from communities to protect the environment.

“These projects pose a serious threat to our environment, endangering trees, mangroves, and reefs, as well as vital fish, crab, and turtle spawning grounds,” SGBM president Allan Espallardo said. The exhibit also highlights the severe socio-economic losses, potential population displacement, and detrimental changes in livelihood.

The SGBM is composed of the Cota na Daco Crablet Workers, Samahan Alay sa Kalikasan Cooperative, Alyansa san mga Parasira san Sorsogon, and Sorsogon King Crab Association Inc. The Parish Pastoral Council (St. Anthony de Padua Parish Gubat) and Kurit-Lagting Art Collective, Concerned Artists of the Philippines Bicol Chapter (CAP Bicol), Rhymes of Peg, and Delta Beta Omega, part of the Sorsogon Initiatives for Culture and Arts Development (SICAD), supported the SGBM exhibit.

The exhibit is open to the public until October 17.