Hundreds of Quezon residents joined the “Prayer Walk for the Environment, Justice, and Truth” on November 8 in Lucena City. The Church workers, local officials, environmental groups, and residents of barangays affected by quarrying operations in rivers, and projects that harm mountains and forests participated in the event.

The activity started at the Lucena City cathedral, where Bishop Mel Rey Uy delivered a sermon. He said that unity and collective defense of the environment and community welfare is important and timely. This is resistance against the few who prioritize profit and amassing wealth at the expense of the destruction of Mother Nature.

The groups marched to the provincial capitol to deliver a petition to the governor’s office, calling to revoke or nullify permits for quarrying operations in Tayabas and other towns in Quezon. They claimed that the governor has the power to immediately stop quarrying in the province thus heeding the people’s call. They also symbolically gave a native tree to the office to remind the governor of the need to protect the forest.

The participants in the prayer walk included the Save Bundok Banahaw Network, a group of various organizations defending Mount Banahaw against destruction and exploitation. They joined the call to stop any form of destructive projects in the province and to protect the environment that should be bequeathed, not destroyed or exploited.

“They continue to quarry and conduct other illegal activities…in various places, particularly in the Tayabas River, Seabed Tayabas Bay, and in Mount Banahaw—part of Pagbilao and Sariaya,” the group stated. They assert that this is detrimental not only for Quezon, but for the entire Philippines, due to the destruction of natural resources, biodivesity, and wildlife.

One of the quarrying operations in Quezon is being conducted in Barangay Concepcion Pinagbakuran in the town of Sariaya, which is within the “buffer zone” of Mount Banahaw in the upper part of the Lagnas River. A loud explosion for the quarrying in the area in April was reported, severely damaging crops. Trucks from the quarry also damaged roads and bridges.

In April, the governor issued a moratorium to stop quarrying in the town of Sariaya after complaints from residents. The governor ordered a review of the permits issued by the local government for quarrying operations.

“We call on the local government, government agencies, and all sectors of society to join this fight. Our environment is not just wealth, it is life. This is our home and it is our responsibility to protect it,” the Save Bundok Banahaw Network appealed.