Church leads drive vs nuclear power plant

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January 5, 2026 | 12:00am

LABRADOR, Pangasinan, Philippines — The Catholic church yesterday took the lead in opposing the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant here, citing the risks it poses to people, the environment and future generations. 

Bishop Napoleon Sipalay Jr. of the Diocese of Alaminos openly voiced his opposition during a mass at St. Isidore the Farmer Parish yesterday.

“The Church cannot remain silent when the welfare of communities is at stake,” Sipalay said as he emphasized the church’s responsibility to speak out on issues that affect life, safety and stewardship of creation.

His stand reflects a broader position within the Catholic hierarchy, as several bishops have also expressed their opposition to the proposed project.

After the mass, supporters and parishioners joined a motorcade from Labrador to nearby Sual town to express their sentiments, their vehicles displaying placards and banners that call for the protection of communities and coastal resources.

Aside from the motorcade, they signed a manifesto declaring their opposition to the planned nuclear power plant.

Organizers said the signatures symbolize the growing resistance among communities that fear possible environmental, health and livelihood impacts.

Church leaders said they would continue to engage the public and the government through peaceful actions, dialogues and prayers as they reiterated that development should not come at the expense of human life and environmental safety.

“Our land here in Labrador and across Pangasinan is our promised land. It is the source of our fishermen’s catch, the fertility of our soil and the safety of our homes. The glory of the Lord is found in the integrity of His creation, not in the dangerous splitting of atoms that leaves behind a legacy of toxic waste for 10,000 years,” Sipalay said.     

Sipalay also read the bishops’ pastoral letter expressing strong opposition to the proposed nuclear power plant project, noting that the country is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is among the most vulnerable to climate change.