Philippine environment chief to use 'Laudato si' as
guide
Bishops welcome new minister's vow
to put nature and people ahead of big business.
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| Philippine Environment Secretary Gina Lopez speaks on the ill-effects of mining during a prayer-rally in May 2016. (ucanews.com photo by Jimmy Domingo) |
The Philippine's new environmental chief has vowed to use
Pope Francis' encyclical on climate change, Laudato si', as guide in
implementing laws to protect the environment.
"I’m gonna follow [Laudato si']," said Regina
Lopez, an anti-mining advocate who was named head of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources by President Rodrigo Duterete last week.
The new minister said the Duterte government’s policy is
similar to what the encyclical teaches: "love of country, subordination of
personal interest to the common good, concern and care for health."
