WE have to be wary of this tendency that, obviously, is a universal one, given our wounded nature here on earth. While it’s true that we are meant to judge and to judge with dispatch as much as possible, we should see to it that we know how to judge fairly.

We are reminded of this danger in that gospel episode where Christ and his disciples were crossing a corn field on a Sabbath, and when the disciples started plucking some corn, the ever-present fault-finder Pharisees quickly complained. That was when Christ clarified the issue and put them in their place, knocking them off their high horse. (cfr. Mk 2,23-28)
We need to train ourselves on how to judge properly, avoiding quick and shallow judgments that often are rash since they are more a product of some impulsive decisions or opinions without taking the time to consider all the relevant facts or to think critically.

For this, we have to realize that we can only judge properly when we do it with God always. We should be wary of our tendency to judge simply on our own, relying only on our own powers, especially when we are aware that we are quite gifted intellectually.

We should have no doubt about our capacity to judge with God always. Our spiritual powers of intelligence and will, plus the grace of God, would enable us to go beyond what we can only sense and understand with our reason alone. With our spiritual powers and God’s grace, we can judge according to the faith, hope and charity that God shares with us.
We should just be more aware that everything we do, starting with our thoughts, judgments and reasonings, should be done with God. Only then would we know and judge things properly. We have to develop the appropriate discipline because we cannot deny that we have a strong tendency to simply judge and do things on our own.

With God, we can aim to become persons of sound judgment. It’s an ideal whose importance, relevance and urgency are increasing these days, given the complicating conditions we are getting into.

In this regard, we have to help one another develop the proper attitude and skills to be persons of sound judgment. Obviously, the older and the more educated ones, the more mature and experienced persons and those with clear natural and supernatural gifts pertinent to this concern should lead the way.

There is obviously a theoretical and practical side to this affair. For one, we need to study the moral principles and the doctrine of our faith as thoroughly as possible. We should aim at nothing less than becoming masters and experts in this field, since these principles and doctrine are indispensable. We should not have second thoughts on this.

We have to realize that this study should be an ongoing and continuing concern, ever deepening and refining our understanding of these principles and doctrine, such that we can distinguish the nuances and fine points, and that they become part of our mentality.
Together with study and meditation, we need to grow in the virtues and to avail of the sacraments that keep us in the state of grace. We should not be theoretical and intentional only. We have to incarnate and express outwardly the things that we have learned in our ongoing formation.

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble to the sea
Ben E. King, Stand by Me

Would the proposed drilling of yet another Geothermal Plant in Biliran be a bane or boon for Biliranon?

Just recently, the Provincial Governor and one Mayor in Biliran Province had issued full and firm denial of any permit given to Geothermal Driller in the Island Province. These are welcome move from leaders who understands the risk of having yet another Geothermal Drilling.

But delving deep, we see major hazards unfolding if in the near future the project will continue.

In August 21, 2024, Think Geoenergy website had the vivid banner story A consortium of four companies seeks to contribute to the growth of the Philippine geothermal sector starting with the Biliran site in Eastern Visayas. The story penned by Carlo Cariaga announced the good news.

A new consortium consisting of AG&P Industrial, Cresphil Inc., Energy Stream Power Corp., and Royal Eijkelkamp has taken over the development and management of geothermal resources in the Biliran II geothermal site in the Philippines. The site is expected to have a capacity of 50 to 70 MW.

Fast forward to 2026, the Biliran Island Province is all agog fearful about the possibility of yet another drilling and yes, the result would be Green Energy and livelihood to the people, yet it can also mean slow yet sure destruction of the Flora and Fauna of Biliran, metamorphically having the mountains crumble to the sea.

For the consortia and the energy consuming public it is a Manna of energy source, green and clean, not as polluting as fossil fuels, for the organisms’ plant animals, fungi and even humans it means a threat of their existence. For Biliran Island it is a slow yet sure destruction of the biodiversity.

Here are the Key Hazards of Drilling for Geothermal Energy on Islands from various Internet and AI Sources:

Habitat disruption: Drilling sites often require clearing vegetation, which fragments habitats and threatens endemic species that are common on islands.

Noise and vibration: Exploration and drilling create noise pollution that can disturb sensitive wildlife, especially birds and marine species.

Water contamination: Geothermal fluids may contain heavy metals (arsenic, mercury) and gases (hydrogen sulfide) that can leak into groundwater or coastal waters.

Seismic activity: Drilling and fluid reinjection can trigger small earthquakes, which are particularly risky in island environments prone to tectonic instability.

Thermal pollution: Discharge of hot water into rivers or coastal zones can alter aquatic ecosystems, stressing native fish and plants.

Negative effects to Plants and Animals

• Flora ( Plants):
o Loss of native vegetation due to land clearing.
o Soil degradation from drilling infrastructure.
o Introduction of invasive species through construction activity.

• Fauna (Animals):
o Disturbance of nesting and breeding grounds for birds.
o Toxic exposure from geothermal gases affecting amphibians and reptiles.
o Marine life impacted if geothermal fluids reach coastal waters.

It may be a tightrope balance, but the balance is sadly against the interests of life and the people on the Island.
Geothermal energy offers clean power, but on islands it carries serious ecological risks. Careful planning, environmental safeguards, and community involvement are essential to balance energy needs with biodiversity protection.