Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas delivered a passionate call on Tuesday for the Philippine government to staunchly defend the rights of the country’s small fishermen.
Speaking during a Mass at Cato, Pangasinan, Villegas urged leaders to protect marine resources and criticized actions that harm the sea.
He presided over the mass alongside Alaminos Bishop Napoleon Sipalay Jr., marking a joint effort by two Pangasinan dioceses to pray for peace in the West Philippine Sea.
Villegas emphasized the importance of stewardship over nature and appealed for mutual respect and dialogue between nations, advocating diplomacy over conflict.
The event drew over 1,000 attendees, culminating in a fluvial procession of 100 fishing boats symbolizing solidarity and prayers for peace.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 17, 2024
