The Lucena Diocesan Ministry of Integral Ecology, in collaboration with the various civic and non-government organizations, including Tanggol Kalikasan, gathered over 2,000 youth from various academic institutions, including Southern Luzon State University, Sacred Heart College of Lucena City, Inc., Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng Lucena, St. Joseph Academy of Sariaya, Calayan Education Foundation, Inc., The Lady Mediatrix Institute, Inc., and Casa Del Niño Jesus, for the “Walk for Creation 2024.” The walk for creation commenced at St. Ferdinand Cathedral and concluded at Sacred Heart College of Lucena City, Inc., where a program and Holy Mass took place.
The “Walk for Creation” is a key component of the 2024 Season of Creation, aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and addressing the alarming resurgence of coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in Quezon Province. Rev. Fr. Warren Puno, director of the Lucena Ministry of Integral Ecology and convenor of Quezon for Environment, underscored the long-term implications of these industrial projects, stating, “If we allow these polluting plants to be built in our peaceful province, the next generation will have nothing left to hope for.”
During a panel discussion featuring representatives from various sectors—including fisherfolk, youth, government, academia, the church, and indigenous communities—participants addressed pressing environmental concerns within their respective areas. Fisherman leader Ka Ramon Grimaldo from Atimonan, Quezon, voiced his community’s fears: “Even without the plants, we already feel the impact of polluted air. What more if they are built? Our fisheries will also suffer.”
A study by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) revealed that air quality in Pagbilao and Atimonan has already surpassed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) standards, which are more lenient than international benchmarks.
The event ended in a signed open letter of the youth of Quezon, expressing their grief and denouncing environmental degradation in their province. The letter addressed the harmful effects of coal plants, illegal mining, logging, quarrying, and massive reclamation projects, calling on current legislators and leaders to prioritize environmental protection.