A YOUTH organization said the country needs leaders with comprehensive programs on environmental protection and climate change.
This was stated by the Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (Yacap), a nationwide alliance of youth organizations.
The group held several physical mobilizations across the country on Friday calling for “climate leadership” in the coming elections.
“In our wave of protest actions today, we want to show that the youth and the Filipino people are serious about what we want this coming elections,” said Jon Bonifacio, national coordinator of Yacap.
“In the face of climate change, we need and deserve better leaders who can commit to immediate climate action for the sake of the people and the planet,” he added.
Yacap, together with other youth climate and environment organizations, held protest actions in at least eight different cities including Batac, Ilocos Norte; Agoo, La Union; Bayambang, Pangasinan; Angeles City, Pampanga; Quezon City, National Capital Region; Antipolo City, Rizal; San Pablo, Laguna; and Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
Under the banner call of #MarchForClimateLeadership, the youth activists highlighted the need for action
from national leaders in the face of climate change.
With devastating extreme weather events like Typhoon Odette (Rai) last December 2021 affecting the country, they called out what they perceive as a “lack of urgency” among candidates regarding climate and environment issues this election season.
“We are in a state of emergency, and yet most of our candidates don’t even seem concerned about the climate,” said Bonifacio.
“Our next set of leaders need to put climate and the environment on the agenda, and start talking about what we can do to adapt to and mitigate climate change," he added.
The March 25 protests were held in line with an international wave of climate protests initiated by youth groups from different countries.
In this “global climate strike,” international climate movement Fridays for Future called for reparations from developed countries to developing countries impacted the most by climate change.
“The biggest polluters must be held accountable for the destruction of countries like the Philippines due to the climate crisis,” said Mitzi Jonelle Tan, international spokesperson of Yacap.
“They've ignored the calls of the most marginalized people for far too long. Developed countries have a debt to pay to countries like ours for the devastation they have caused. Now more than ever, we must demand for climate reparations and climate justice,” she added.