Stop damaging sierra madre.

Diocese of Imus Ministry on Ecology

Ministri Sa Kalikasan 

This greedy destruction of nature, although legal, as it is backed up by legal documents, does not mean it is moral and humane.

Mining in the Sierra Madre region of Isabela, Philippines, is considered immoral due to several serious ethical and environmental concerns. Here are the primary reasons:

1. Environmental Destruction

Deforestation: Sierra Madre is one of the last remaining large forest corridors in the Philippines. Mining operations often involve clearing forests, which destroys critical habitats for wildlife, including endangered species.

Watershed Damage: The range plays a vital role in water supply and flood control. Mining can pollute or deplete vital water sources, affecting both ecosystems and communities.

Erosion and Landslides: Open-pit or irresponsible mining in mountainous areas can lead to soil erosion, landslides, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.

2. Impact on Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

Ancestral Lands: Many mining areas overlap with indigenous ancestral domains. Operations without proper consent violate their rights and cultural heritage.

Displacement and Conflict: Mining often leads to the displacement of communities or causes internal conflicts due to unequal sharing of benefits or external interests.

3. Violation of Conservation Laws

The Sierra Madre is a protected area under Philippine environmental laws. Engaging in mining there may contravene these laws, especially if done without proper permits or if it encroaches into protected zones.

4. Moral Responsibility

Stewardship Ethics: From a moral standpoint, humans have a duty to care for the environment. Prioritizing profit over long-term ecological and social health is widely viewed as unethical.

Intergenerational Justice: Damaging Sierra Madre today risks depriving future generations of its benefits—clean air, water, biodiversity, and climate regulation.