On the morning of Holy Tuesday in 2023, an extraordinary image of Jesus Christ crucified was unveiled atop a mountain in Sitio Centro 2, Barangay Pahilahan, Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

Named the Shrine of the Ridge to Reef Cross, or Krus ng Kalikasan, the monumental installation stands as a symbol of both environmental awareness and spiritual strength—an emblem of hope forged from a tragedy that shook the coastal town.

The Krus ng Kalikasan is a project initiated by the local government of Pola and was built in response to the devastating oil spill caused by the sinking of the M/T Princess Empress on February 28, 2023—an ecological disaster that severely affected the town’s marine resources and coastal tourism.

“This cross is a symbol of our recovery and a reminder of the power of unity in protecting our environment,” Mayor Jennifer Cruz said. Situated at the mountain’s summit facing the sea, the shrine is a literal and figurative high point of reflection and resilience.

Pilgrims must ascend 257 steps to reach the 12-foot-tall cross—an uphill journey that mirrors the town’s own path toward healing.

Weighing 1.5 tons, the cross was a collaborative effort of over 50 individuals who carried it up the mountain.

Crafted by artist Lucky Salayog, the image of Christ is made entirely from scrap metal, including iron rods, exhaust pipes, cans, screws, and chainsaws. The hair and crown of thorns are made from chains, while the cross itself is constructed from a 200-year-old wooden beam. In total, 5,600 pieces of cut metal, 6,500 nuts, 20 motor chains, and 5 chainsaw chains were used in the artwork.

Remarkably, the vision for the Krus ng Kalikasan was conceptualized just a week before the oil spill occurred. Originally planned for the following year, the project was fast-tracked and completed in under a month — a testament to the community’s determination to rebuild.

Beyond its spiritual value, the shrine is also expected to help revive local tourism, which suffered from the environmental disaster. Mayor Cruz believes the cross will bring not only renewed faith but also sustainable livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk and residents.

“This is our symbol of hope — that we will rise again from the oil spill and that this shrine will serve as an alternative livelihood and beacon for tourism,” she added.

The land where the shrine stands was donated by the family of Marilyn Biscocho. “I just want to help our town recover from all the tragedies we’ve faced — from the pandemic to the oil spill. Through this shrine, I hope tourism will flourish once more,” she said.

Finished during Lent, while Pola was still under a State of Calamity, the Krus ng Kalikasan is more than a work of art—it is a spiritual and environmental call to action. Mayor Cruz and Vice Mayor Martin Rivera hope the shrine becomes a lasting reminder of the people’s strength, unity, and enduring faith.

In a time of great loss, Pola has found a powerful way to rise — through the cross, through nature, and through each other.