THE Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines organized a two-day Regional Dialogue and Training Workshop in Exploring the Nexus of Climate Change, and Human Mobility and the Lived Experiences of the Bangsamoro last March 17 and 18 at the Eden Nature Park and Resort in Davao City.
This regional dialogue has convened policymakers, environmental advocates, climate change advocates, officials, and representatives from different local government units (LGUs) to discuss the alarming state of climate change in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).
MPC research team member Cyrell Alingasa said climate change risks further incidents of displacement, poor crop yields, destruction of livestock, and food insecurity in the geography combined with long-running and bloody conflicts.
"While climate change cause or exacerbate conflict, conflict, in turn, prevents people from successfully coping with climate change- a double bind, preempting cooperation," she added.
Climate change, however, is often relegated to the background as authorities are more focused on conflict prevention and conflict resolution and the ongoing transition period to implement the peace agreement.
"The extended transition period cannot anymore limit itself to the political reforms and decommissioning and normalization of combatants but should be able to respond to the pressing demand for climate change adaptation and response mechanisms," Alingasa added.
Resource speakers and Members of the Parliament (MPs) Atty. Mary Ann Arnado and Baileng Mantawil lauded this project as they believe that there is no sense of urgency in addressing the problem of climate change, especially in the Barmm.
"There is very little information going around on what is really our situation, and yung communities have very little information and very low ang level ng awareness on climate change," Arnado said.
Mantawil said the issue of climate change is a global concern, and part of it is the Barmm communities.
"While we are busy addressing peace, let's not forget the great danger that we are now facing," Mantawil, who first hand experienced the effects of this natural phenomenon during the recent onslaught of Typhoon Paeng in Maguindanao.
MPC, together with IOM, will conduct a series of study group sessions.
The result of which will, later on, be used as the basis for crafting relevant policies and mechanisms that will address the conflict, climate change, and human mobility problems in Barmm. (PR)