The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, led by Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, convened the Bishops-Legislators Forum on Environment Concerns on February 12, 2009 to tackle issues affecting the environment. Five members NGOs from the Northern Mindanao Cluster of PhilDHRRA Mindanao participated in the said forum along with other environmental partners from the executive and legislative branch of government, NGO’s and Church leaders.  While these groups and individuals have been specifically invited because of their advocacies to protect and conserve natural resources, the forum was open to everyone.

The forum was organized by the ACCESS office of the Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro in response to the recent flash floods that affected various parts of Northern Mindanao and Caraga region. The recent calamities have heightened the concerns of local communities, as well as national and local governments and civil-society groups regarding the conservation of natural resources.

Highlighted in the forum was the discussion on the general environmental situation of Northern Mindanao through presentations of case studies. It identified key environmental issues and concerns with possible solutions and commitments of the Legislators supporting the strategic policy solutions.

The forum was graced by the presence of 2 legislators namely, Hon. Rufus Rodriguez, the city’s Congressman and Hon. Teofisto Guingona III of the Bukidnon District. On the church’s side, three bishops attended the forum that includes Archbishop Ledesma,  Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos of Butuan, and Bishop Edwin de la Peña of Marawi.

Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J, main convenor of the Bishops-Legislators Forum, underscored five points for any environmental program to be effective. He emphasized the needs for (a) community involvement, (b) good legislation, (c) alternative livelihood, (d) policy advocacy, and (e) Church interventions. He also stressed that a good legislation coupled with environmental community program that will provide alternative livelihood to those who will be affected by the implementation of policies, especially the miners and loggers, shall facilitate the immediate calls to stop to all logging and mining activities in these provinces and cities. According to Archbishop Ledesma, the forum was expected to forge communal action to sustain the home, which is the environment.