Bayombong Diocese Leads Powerful Anti-Mining Meeting as Leaders Unite Against Dupax del Norte Exploration

BAYOMBONG, Philippines — Religious and civic leaders from across Nueva Vizcaya gathered on the morning of November 17, 2025, at the Clergy House in Bayombong for a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening opposition to mining activities in the province. The assembly, attended by Bishop Elmer Mangalinao, priests, church workers, community representatives, environmental advocates, and local civic groups, focused heavily on the ongoing mining exploration in Dupax del Norte, which has sparked growing concern among residents.

While the meeting carried a clear agenda to craft stronger strategies and concrete actions, many participants emphasized that the most powerful element of the gathering was not the plans themselves but the spirit of unity present in the room. Leaders from various sectors, many with different backgrounds and advocacies, came together with one shared conviction: to defend Nueva Vizcaya’s land, watersheds, culture, and communities from the effects of large-scale mining.

A Gathering Rooted in Faith, Duty, and Protection of the Land

Participants described the meeting as both strategic and deeply emotional. Discussions highlighted the threats mining poses to agricultural livelihoods, indigenous territories, watershed systems, and long-term environmental stability. Leaders also expressed their worries about vulnerable communities in Dupax del Norte, where exploration activities continue to expand despite widespread opposition.

Church representatives reaffirmed their mission to stand with the people, stressing that caring for creation is both a moral and spiritual responsibility. Civic leaders echoed this by calling mining not just an environmental issue but a social and humanitarian concern that affects future generations.

The meeting became a symbol of collective resistance, built on shared values and a deep belief that the province’s natural resources are worth protecting at all costs.

Bayombong Diocese Leads Powerful Anti-Mining Meeting as Leaders Unite Against Dupax del Norte Exploration

CHECK THIS OUT: INC’s Massive Three-Day Rally in Manila Sparks Nationwide Conversations, With Strong Support From Nueva Vizcaya Congregations and Typhoon Uwan Leaves ₱307.5 Million in Damage as Nueva Vizcaya Faces Massive Crisis.

A Unified Cry from the Province

Toward the end of the gathering, participants voiced a strong call that resonated through the entire hall:

“Biag, daga, kinabaknang — salakniban!”
(Life, land, heritage — protect them!)

The message was repeated with growing energy, turning into a battle cry:

“Salakniban, biag, daga, kinabaknang!
No to mining in Nueva Vizcaya!”

The chant captured the heart of the movement: a united stand against destructive activities, driven not by politics but by love for the province and a desire to safeguard what future generations will inherit.

Future Steps and Province-Wide Mobilization

The Diocese of Bayombong and partner civic groups plan to roll out community forums, public information campaigns, and coordinated advocacy pushes in the coming weeks. Many leaders believe that the meeting has set the foundation for stronger province-wide mobilization, especially as more areas in Nueva Vizcaya face exploration pressures.

For now, one thing is clear: the people of Nueva Vizcaya are not standing down. With faith, unity, and unwavering resolve, leaders hope to build a movement strong enough to defend the province’s land and identity.

“No to mining in Nueva Vizcaya.”
A message once spoken quietly is now being declared loudly, together, and with conviction.