Bishop calls for communal action to protect environment

A Catholic bishop urged people to look deeply into the issue of environmental destruction that contributed greatly to the tragedy that struck the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Iligan bishop Elenito Galido called for a communal action to protect and preserve the environment from further destruction.

Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were the two cities worst hit by typhoon Sendong in a flash flood that killed thousands and left hundreds missing.

“We must do more, as a community, to be in solidarity and work intensely to protect and preserve our environment,” the bishop said.

He lamented how greed pushed some people to illegally cut down trees all “for a quick gain.”

“Quarrying and mining indiscriminately also contributed to the destruction of nature. Loads of garbage are clogging our water ways. These are all man’s work so we suffer from nature’s wrath,” he added.

Even as he grieves for the sufferings and the loss of lives of many, the bishop also lauded the generosity of people in helping the victims.

“I am also consoled by the fact that this calamity has brought out the best in people, sharing generously their resources and efforts in whatever way they can to alleviate the suffering of the victims,” Galido said.

The diocese has put up an assistance center at St. Michael’s Cathedral to receive donations for the victims.

“I ask all our parishes, schools, organizations, and basic ecclesial communities to give the needed assistance or contribution to the victims,” the bishop added.

He also asked the people to continue to help and pray for the victims

“As they journey forward to rebuild their lives, they need strength and hope which can come from our help and most especially from God,” he said.

“My heart goes out to the suffering survivors of this terrible tragedy even as I deeply condole with the families whose loved ones perished. I commend their souls to the God’s mercy and I also pray that many more will be found alive and rescued,” Galido further said.

On December 17, flash floods triggered by large amount of rainfall brought by Typhoon Sendong submerged most barangays of Iligan City.

Worst hit were communities from San Lorenzo Parish that left several hundreds dead and hundreds more missing. (CBCPNews)