Catholic missionary priests serving island parishes in Albay urged officials to act on landslides, water shortages and unsafe roads hurting daily life.
In a statement, priests from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) serving parishes in Rapu-Rapu, Cagraray, Batan and San Miguel, including Bonga and Badian, said unfinished road projects worsened flooding, access and safety.
“Development should have provided ease in life but instead contributed to their misery and difficulties,” they said, adding that much of the suffering is “rooted not in nature alone but in the unmitigated greed of a few.”
They said development brought hardship, blaming poor planning and greed that left low villages exposed to floods and neglected.
Priests said they see parents carrying children, families buying water, farmers losing produce, and students risking injury on bad roads.
“What was once a manageable daily routine has now become a painful struggle,” the statement said.
The priests asked for clear project updates, quick repairs, safe completion, water source repair, and honest talks with communities.
They said their call is moral, not political, and urged leaders to act fast.
“Our communities deserve roads that connect, not endanger; infrastructures that uplifts, not burdens; and leadership that acts with urgency, integrity, and genuine concern for the people,” the priests said.
They pledged to continue accompanying their parishioners but said the situation now demands decisive action.
“Their cry for safety, dignity and relief must be heard clearly and acted upon without hesitation,” the statement said.
