TAAL, Batangas, August 22, 2012?Church and civil leaders in Taal province joined hands in reminding the public of its responsibility to take care of mother nature’s bounty.
The local government in tandem with the local church and the private sector are set to hold a first ever Marian regatta around the world famous Taal lake to call people’s attention on the importance of protecting the natural wonder from degradation.
The Marian regatta, consisting of 50 boats bringing the images of the Virgin Mary and patron saints, will be held on September 8, birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to a post on the website of Fr. Leonido Dolor, media director of Lipa archdiocese.
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles meanwhile regards the upcoming fluvial event, not only a reminder to all Batangueños of their duty to protect the lake from destruction but also a means of evangelization.
Arguelles earlier has called for a decade of Evangelization and Renewal following the Ruby jubilee celebration of the archdiocese.
The Marian fluvial parade also serves as a kick-off event for the 9th National Marian Pilgrimage to Lipa which will be held on September 12.
Highlighting the significance of environmental awareness and responsibility in protecting Taal lake, the regatta will move around the volcano as devotees recite prayers asking God “to spare Taal from destructive activities of the very people to whom this was entrusted for them to use and enjoy.”
Dolor said the event “should put our feet on the ground and see the importance of taking good care of Taal Lake!”
“Otherwise, its volcano might take an active part in reminding us of our responsibility – to keep Taal Lake clean, productive and aesthetically picturesque!” he said.
Illegal fish pens have been built around the lake to farm tilapia and bangus. The provincial government with the backing of the archdiocese has been on a campaign to dismantle the fish cages as these threaten the water’s freshness and the survival of fish endemic in Taal’s waters like tawilis and maliputo.
Arguelles said that problems hounding the lake should be known to all Batangueños so they can responsibly act on the matter.
“We should learn how to take care of the lake and its resources,” he said reiterating his plea for the fish cages to be dismantled and for the re-cultivation of the indigenous species that could only be found in Taal Lake.
“We will storm heaven with prayers during the fluvial procession, which will have the two Lipa Marian images prominently participating — the Lady of Caysasay and Mary Mediatrix of all Grace,” he said. (CBCPNews)
