Loria vows to fight lighting of Mayon

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LEGAZPI CITY — Carlos Loria of PDP-Laban, who defeated former Ako Bicol Partylist lawmaker Christopher Co of Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats for the position of representative of Albay's second district in the just-concluded midterm elections, said he will strongly oppose the P1-billion plan to put up artificial lighting at Mayon Volcano.

Loria, a poor boy from Barangay Bano in Legazpi City who became a big-time businessman, told The Manila Times that he will instead ask to redirect its P1-billion budget to social services and address problems pertaining to water, health, nutrition and poverty.

"As the duly elected representative of the people in the second district of Albay, I will not allow the proposed artificial lighting of Mayon Volcano and the ongoing quarrying activities that threaten both the environment and the safety of the people. Mayon Volcano is not only a majestic natural wonder and icon of Bicol but a sacred symbol of our cultural heritage and ecological balance," he said.

"Our priority is the people's welfare, social services that would transform the lives of the people to alleviate their lives from poverty particularly in the far-flung barangay," he added.

Loria said any attempt to install artificial lighting on the slopes of Mayon risks damaging its natural beauty, disrupting the delicate ecosystem, and undermining the pride and reverence of a national treasure.

"I strongly believe that sustainable tourism must be grounded in respect to nature, not in artificial spectacles that compromise our values and environmental integrity," the neophyte lawmaker said.

"As your representative, I will file and support legislation that protects our environment, promote responsible tourism and prioritize the long-term well-being of our people over short-term economic interests. We must safeguard Mayon not only for ourselves but for future generations."

Loria said he will also look into the unabated illegal quarrying operations in Albay, which he describes as "alarming."

"The continuing illegal quarrying in the region is alarming which has contributed to environmental degradation, increased vulnerability to disasters and the exploitation of local communities. These activities must be stopped," he said.

Loria said he will work with government agencies, local governments and civic groups to intensify monitoring, enforce stricter penalties and promote alternative livelihood for affected communities.

Meanwhile, Co congratulated Loria for winning the elections.

"I humbly extend my sincerest congratulations to Caloy Loria on his victory. This election was never about personal ambition but a brighter, fairer future for our people. I pray that your term offers no less than that," Co said in a statement.

"Ours is a bid to serve, and we won that bid. I am incredibly proud of what we've built together — the countless connections made, the challenges we've overcome, and the genuine love and support from the people of the second district. My bid was for public service, and with this heart, I'm sure that we won in every step, in every smile and in the unity of our community," he added.

Co said that his goal was to offer honest and dedicated service to the people in the second district.

"Our goal was clear: to offer honest and dedicated service to every Albayano and every family in the second district. To my family, friends and the Serbisyo CO volunteers, thank you so much for your unwavering support and trust. I will never forget each and every one of you. I will continue to serve with the same passion and with the same heart," he said.

"I remain more committed than ever to continue to fight for progress. We are one in the dream 'para sa ginhawa ng bawat pamilya' — and that, my friends, is a victory that can never be taken away," he said.