A Catholic bishop has used his message for the annual “Season of Creation” to criticize environmental issues besetting the province of Albay.

Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi condemned, among others, irresponsible quarrying, deforestation, ever-expanding fish pens, and potential mining-related pollution.

“Here in our province, we have strayed from the path of stewardship,” Baylon said in a pastoral letter released on Sept. 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

The bishop called on the faithful to “stand together” and protest environmental abuses and “become genuine stewards of the earth”.

“May our actions not be driven by short-term benefits only, but by concern for an environment where every person—now and in the future—can joyfully live and flourish,” he said.

He also urged the government authorities not to let greed rule their actions, decisions and policies.

“Let not greed, power, or personal gain blind us. Instead, consider what legacy we leave behind for our descendants,” Baylon said.