Dear Mr. President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Aquilino Pimentel- Chairman , Senator Manny Pacquiao- Commission on Environment, and the members of the Commission on Appointments:
May the Powerful One from above embrace you!
Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance Inc. (SSMNAI), a network alliance of more than 70 groups involved with environmental issues, has been able to advocate with Sec. Gina Lopez for the care of Sierra Madre and for its protection from those who see the Sierra Madre simply as an object to be abused or be an opportunity to amass wealth. Under the leadership of Sec. Gina Lopez, the DENR started to regain its trust from Non-Government Organizations, Peoples’ Organizations, indigenous peoples and from other Civil Society Organizations. In Regions 2, 3, 4A, these organizations together with the DENR have resolved to work together to restore Sierra Madre’s forest cover and protect biodiversity from further destruction due to deforestation, mining, construction of roads and dams.
This principled cooperation between the DENR and CSOs does not sacrifice the intent of the Duterte administration to fight corruption in government agencies including DENR.
We thank the President for making the right decision to appoint Sec. Gina Lopez as DENR secretary. We humbly plead the Commission on Appointments to make the courageous and prophetic stand to confirm her appointment. A new way of relating with the natural world is breaking in, the paradigm of interconnectedness as lived by the Indigenous Communities in Sierra Madre. Such a new paradigm of caring for the natural world, is happening not only in the Sierra Madre but all over the country. This is evident in Sec. Lopez’s commitment to conserve, protect and rehabilitate the environment.
We are aware of the effect of Sec. Lopez’s appointment to the DENR. Opposition from very powerful business corporations with vested interests – foreign and local – is very strong. We implore you to stand firmly for the weak: to ensure the flourishing of life, as enshrined in our Constitution, for the indigenous people, the farmers, the fisherfolks and the millions of poor people who have been deprived of the bountiful benefits from our natural resources. God intended fullness of life for everybody, not deprivations and death for the majority of the Filipinos.
Now is the time to reverse the situation. As committed public servants please make the historic decision to ensure a balance and healthy ecology for the Filipino people for all generations to come. May the power of Truth and a strong sense of Justice descend upon you!
Sincerely for Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance Inc.:
Fr. Pete Montallana
Chairperson-SSMNAI Feb. 13, 2017 ; Tel : 912-0224; Email add: savesierram@gmail.com;
Website: www.savesierramadre.ph. Cp no: 0920-968-4982.
List of Organizations Networking with Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance Inc.
- FAMAC – Federation of Anti-Mining Advocates of Cagayan: Fr. Manny Catral
- OFM-JPIC – Order of Friars Minor Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation: Bro. Al Villanueva
- Ecology Ministry – Diocese of Kaloocan: Fr. Tavs
- JPIC – Diocese of Novaliches: Carlos Gubat
- TFSM-Dingalan – Task Force Sierra Madre Dingalan Chapter: Jojo Padua
- Social Action Center – Diocese of Novaliches: Fr.Bien Miguel
- SSMESI – Sagip Sierra Madre :Bro. Martin Francisco
- ECIP- National Secretariate – Episcopal Commission on Indigenous People: Tony Abuso
- TFSMBE- Task Force Sierra Madre for Balanced Ecology: Fr. Mario Establecida
- TFSM-Infanta- Task Force Sierra Madre Infanta: Poleng Derilo
- TFSM-General Nakar- Task Force Sierra Madre General Nakar: Juliet Nolledo
- FDC – Freedom from Debt Coalition: Rovic
- FMM-JPIC-Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation- Sr. Glo Miguel, FMM
- MSAG-BALER-: Jerry Fabro
- SAC-ILAGAN-Social Action Center-Ilagan: Fr. Carl Sarte
- SAC-Tuguegarao- Social Action of Tuguegarao: Fr.Manny Catral
- JPIC-AMRSP-Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines: Sr. Cres Lucero,SFIC
- Ministry on Ecology San Jose Diocese, Nueva Ecija: Fr. Ernie Pesimo
- SAC-AURORA- Social Action Center of Aurora: Fr. Israel Gabriel
- SAC-INFANTA-Social Action Center of Infanta: Fr. Olet Avenilla
- HARIBON FOUNDATION: Betchie de la Paz
- ECOWASTE COALITION:
- GREEN CONVERGENCE: Dra. Nina Galang
- TANGGOL KALIKASAN: Atty.Genee Mislang
- PAKISAMA-Pambansang Samahang Magsasaka: Boy Ridao
- ARCAM-Archdiocese of Manila Ecology Ministry: Lou Arsenio
- SAC-GUMACA-Social Action Center Gumaca Diocese: Fr. Tony Aguilar
- GREEN RESEARCH:Gwen Patria Borcena
- MASIDAMA: Matatambo-Singawan-Dadyangao-Madaraque: Gemma Ritual
- PI-COPI: Prelature of Infanta-Community Organization of the Philippines: Conrad Vargas
- SAGIBIN-LN- Samahan ngmga Katutubong Agta/Dumagat/Remontado na Nagtatanggol ng Lupaing Ninuno: Marcelino Tena
- TCD-Tribal Center for Development, Inc: Conchita Conchada
- ALG-Alternative Law Group: Atty. Marlon Manuel
- KOMUNIDAD NG KATUTUBO NG SITIO SARI, BRGY. LUMUTAN, GENERAL NAKAR- Ariel Doroteo
- KOMUNIDAD NG MGA KATUTUBO NG SITIO BAYKURAN, BRGY. PAGSANGAHAN, GENERAL NAKAR: Kambusa Piston
- GENCACODA; General Nakar: Joel Astoveza
- KOMUNIDAD NG MGA KATUTUBO NG MASANGA, Brgy. Maligaya, General Nakar: Jimmy Roldan
- KOMUNIDAD NG MGA KATUTUBO NG SITIIO MAKTANG, BRGY. UMIRAY, GENERAL NAKAR: Waly Nakar
- PRRM-Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement: Merly Calubaguib
- ISABELA PERMA-CULTURE DEVELOPMENT CENTER: Olga Marquez
- FELLOWSHOP FOR THE CARE FOR CREATION: Mylene Saluta
- ALYANSA TIGIL MINA: Jv Gargarena
- UMA- Ungabay et Mabunat Association: Leany Balnes
- IPA-GUMACA: Indigenous Peoples’ Apostolate Coordinator: Fr. Rey Baldovino
- IPA-San Jose: Indigenous Peoples’ Apostolate Coordinator: Sr. Aning Janrique
- IPA-Infanta: Indigenous Peoples’ Apostolate Coordinator: Fr. Pete Montallana
- CCCP-Climate Change Congress of the Philippines: Dr. Steve Godilano
- SSMPIMI- Save Sierra Madre Save the People, Laguna : Lutgarda Samela
- TEBTEBBA: Jennifer Thauli Corpuz
- SOLAR SOLUTIONS: Frederick Laping
- FOCUS: Mary Ann Manahan
- GUPAD: Merlita Tena
- FAS-Franciscan Apostolic Sisters: Sr. Minnie ,FAS
- KOMUNIDAD NG MGA KATUTUBO NG PALAUI
- KALIPAYA MINISTRY:Albert Saldajeno
- Secular Franciscans of Frisco, QC – Al Licas
- SAC-Lucena: Fr. Ruzzle John
- AKSYON KLIMA: Gene Ferrer
- JPIC of the COLUMBAN MISSIONARIES OF THE PHILIPPINES: John Din
- MIRIAM PEACE
- BATARIS-Baler
- SAC-Cabanatuan
- Paco Catholic School
- MAPSA- Manila Archdiocesan and Parochial Schools Association: Fr. Boy Bilran
- Sakbibi- Javar Tullo
- PIGLAS-Ka: Vic
- Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation: Majorie Pamplona
- AKAP INC- Remy Gutierrez
- Nativity of the Lord Parish, Cubao, QC
- CAVAPPED- Perla Visarro
- Nuestra Senora de Salvacion Parish, Bianoan, Casiguran, Aurora: Fr. Joefran Talaban