The Vatican’s ambassador to the Philippines used his first visit to Eastern Samar to highlight the Catholic Church’s call for environmental stewardship, saying respect for nature is inseparable from an understanding of humanity’s relationship with God and the world.
Archbishop Charles John Brown, the apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, delivered the message during a visit to the Hebacong Sea of Clouds and Nature Park on June 5 in Borongan City, where he joined local church leaders and government officials in a tree-planting activity overlooking the province’s mountainous landscape.
Against the backdrop of one of Borongan’s best-known natural attractions, Brown reflected on the spiritual significance of creation and the responsibility of people to care for the environment.
“Here in this beautiful, natural environment, we see God’s creation in all of its splendor,” Brown said.
The papal envoy said ecological responsibility is rooted in a recognition that all forms of life are interconnected and originate from the same divine source.
“God is the origin of life and life takes different forms in the ecological system that is this world. And of course, all life is connected—human life, natural life, and supernatural life,” he said.
Brown’s remarks came during a multi-day visit to Eastern Samar that combined pastoral, civic, and environmental engagements. The visit marked his first trip to the province since assuming his role as the Holy See’s representative in the Philippines.
Joining him at the Hebacong event were Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez, clergy members, Borongan Mayor Dayan Agda, Eastern Samar provincial police director Ernesto Macasil, and other local officials.
The nuncio’s visit also included Mass celebrations and the blessing of the Diocese of Borongan’s newly built priests’ home, which will serve elderly and retired members of the clergy.
During a civic reception at Borongan Cathedral on June 4, Brown turned his attention to the relationship between religious and public institutions, emphasizing that while the church and government have distinct mandates, both play important roles in serving society.
“Here in front of me are church officials and government officials—two elements of Philippine society,” Brown said. “The government is not the same as the church, and the church is not the same as the government.”
He said the state is primarily responsible for maintaining justice, social order, and material welfare, while the church focuses on the spiritual needs of the faithful. Despite those differences, he stressed the importance of cooperation.
“But each of us is a combination of body and spirit,” he added. “The church and state are not completely different. They are separate as we said but they need to cooperate… in different ways we together are serving the Filipino people.”
The message carried particular relevance in Eastern Samar, where church leaders have been active in environmental advocacy and have frequently spoken out on issues related to mining and the protection of natural resources.
For local officials and residents, Brown’s visit was also viewed as a recognition of Borongan’s growing profile as a destination known for both its natural beauty and strong Catholic heritage.
In a Facebook post, the Diocese of Borongan described the visit as “a profound honor for Borongan City,” saying it underscored “the beauty, culture, and hospitality that our city proudly offers.”
The diocese added that welcoming the pope’s representative to Hebacong was “a memorable milestone that brings pride and inspiration to our people.”
As the official envoy of Pope Leo XIV and the diplomatic representative of the Holy See in the Philippines, Brown’s presence drew attention to a province where questions of faith, community development, and environmental protection often intersect.
His visit reinforced the Catholic Church’s longstanding message that safeguarding the natural world is not merely a civic duty but also a moral and spiritual responsibility.
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