The Catholic Church has added its voice to growing protests against a new mining exploration project in Dupax del Norte, warning that it threatens the environment, livelihood, and future of communities in the province.

In a pastoral letter released on August 23, Bishop Jose Elmer I. Mangalinao of Bayombong denounced the government’s approval of Woggle Corporation’s mining exploration permit covering more than 3,100 hectares across five barangays.

“We do not want mining here in our beloved province!” he declared. He warned that the exploration would bring destruction rather than progress. 

The prelate stressed that the Church has long opposed mining in Nueva Vizcaya, pointing to the province’s crucial role as a watershed for Region II and beyond, and its dependence on agriculture as the main source of livelihood and food production for its people.

“Allowing the operation of mines in our province will not bring real development of life but the very opposite of it—the destruction of life and death of the Novo Vizcayanos! It is disheartening, disappointing, and infuriating that the operations of two large mining companies in our province have not been enough for us. Now we are adding another one!” he said. 

Residents alarmed

In a report by Northern Dispatch, residents of several affected villages said the company had already begun roadworks and drilling without consultation.

“They are already building a road going up to the mine, and they have almost reached the site. They are inspecting the entire Purok Keon and have already started drilling,” said Rochelle Dela Cruz, a resident of Bitnong village.

Woggle’s permit was issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on August 4, covering the villages of Bitnong, Inaban, Mungia, Parai, and Oyao. 

In Oyao, residents submitted a collective letter urging exclusion from the project, stressing that farmland, watersheds, and Indigenous lands were at risk. 

“We submit this letter not only in defense of our homes, heritage, and livelihood but also in the protection of critical environment that sustain the barangay and the region,” the petition read.

Call for transparency and accountability

Bishop Mangalinao questioned the officials who backed the permit, adding that those who allowed Woggle Corporation to secure it had gambled away the land, lives, and future of their fellow citizens.

“What right do you have to decide and give favor to a mining company when it is the life, land, and future of other people that you are gambling with?” he said. 

He urged Novo Vizcayanos not only to oppose the project but to demand “transparency, accountability, and action from those in power.”

“Our challenge is transparency. Let us know who among the officials of Nueva Vizcaya helped Woggle Corporation… Our challenge is accountability. Let us shake those officials who helped to give the company the Mining Exploration Permit and make them answer for what they did,” he said.

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expressed solidarity with affected communities, warning that mining would “put at great risk the water sources and biodiversity in the area, as well as the agricultural livelihoods of the residents.” 

The group also stressed that Indigenous Peoples’ rights to Free, Prior and Informed Consent must be respected, and called for the revocation of all mining permits in the area.

The bishop vowed that the Church will stand firmly with the people, particularly the communities in Dupax del Norte, pledging unwavering support as the struggle against mining begins.