Philippines diocese express concern over artificially illuminating Mayon Volcano

A diocese in the Philippines expressed its concern over the renewed push to artificially illuminate Mayon Volcano.

The bishop and clergy of the Diocese of Legazpi, in a statement posted on its social media page on March 25, expressed “deep concern and growing unease over the renewed push to artificially illuminate Mayon Volcano through the proposed installation of laser and spotlight systems around its sacred slopes.”

While it said that it understands the project being framed as a tourism milestone and meant to “spark” economic activity and draw attention to the beauty of Mayon, “we respectfully and firmly believe this path is misguided,” it said.

“Mayon does not need to be lighted up," its said. "Mayon is already one of the most magnificent expressions of God's creation—not because of what we add to her, but because of what she already is and recommended leaving her alone. To impose artificial light upon her is not to honor her, but to disturb what has been naturally, silently, and majestically proclaimed for generations.”

The objection cited five reasons.

First is disrespect for the sacredness of creation. “In the spirit of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, we affirm that creation is not for domination or display. We entrust it to our care. Mayon is not a backdrop for spectacle. She is a living symbol of our identity and our shared responsibility as stewards of the earth,” it said.

Second is the harm to the environment and threats to wildlife. “Artificial lighting disturbs delicate ecosystems. It disrupts nocturnal animals, alters natural rhythms, and endangers the unique balance of life on and around the volcano. We cannot undo these effects."

Third is the insult to people’s priorities. “At a time when Albayanos suffer from prolonged power outages, ineffective flood control, unfinished infrastructure projects, inadequate roads, and unfulfilled promises of development, it is painful—and frankly offensive—to see massive public funds being diverted to something so impractical, unnecessary, and cosmetic.”

It added, “What urgently needs illumination are our provincial and barangay roads, to prevent nighttime accidents and deter crime—not the slopes of a volcano that already glows on its own.”

Fourth is that it distracts from deeper, unaddressed problems. “We are witnessing continued quarrying, mountain clearing, and irresponsible road construction in our province—often without consultation or consent. These are the real threats to Mayon and our people. Lighting her up is not a solution; it is a distraction.”

And fifth, “It risks reducing us to ridicule. The world has never seen Mount Fuji, Everest, or the Alps lighted up—and for good reason. Natural wonders are remarkable in their own right. We risk becoming a cautionary tale of misplaced priorities and ecological ignorance.”

The church leaders “urged the leaders to listen—not only to experts and environmentalists but to the people who live in the shadow of this volcano. We call on them to reflect deeply on what true development means.”

“Let Mayon remain as she is: mysterious, beautiful, and free. Let us light up instead our communities with justice, sustainability, and truth—not floodlights aimed at a volcano that never asked for them,” said the statement.