Bacolod youth to world leaders: climate justice now

Youth for Climate Hope, a Negros-based environmental youth coalition, called for climate justice spanning events for 3 days in line with the negotiations at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) and the 8th Yolanda commemoration.

Global Day of Action

On Nov 6, 2021, young activists held a silent protest at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon for the Global Day of Action, along with simultaneous mobilizations from other youth groups across the globe.

“We fiercely believe that climate education and the concept of climate justice should be integrated in our modules. It’s important we start learning about them in school,” said Paul Daniel Serrano, co-convenor of Youth For Climate Hope. “The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, and as early as possible, we should be equipped with information so we can take active part in building solutions for what directly affects us.”

8 years of Yolanda

On Nov 8, Youth For Climate Hope took part in the commemoration of the 8th anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda organized by the Gugma Banwa Movement, together with various organizations such as Amnesty International Philippines, Social Action Center, Humanist Alliance Philippines International, and Philippine Movement for Climate Justice. A solemn program was held at the Social Action Center – Diocese of Bacolod to remember the stories of the victims, which served as an avenue for the youth to call for climate action.

Typhoon Yolanda, the deadliest typhoon on record, is just one of the many pieces of evidence of climate change that drastically affected Filipinos.

“We are a community living with great injustice because we are least responsible for the climate crisis, but we are the ones who are gravely affected by its impacts,” shared Joanna Sustento, a Yolanda survivor who shared her experience through Zoom during the event.

A candle-lighting ceremony was held to remember and pray for the 4,000 victims missing up to this day.

A challenge to world leaders at COP26

More than 30 environmental activists marched the streets of Bacolod with louder calls for climate justice, ending up at the Fountain of Justice. The protest served as the culminating activity of the series of climate-related events, in unison with the last day of the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) held at Glasgow, Scotland.

“Ngaa himuon ni namon? Kay gapati kami nga may mabag-o pa,” [Why are we doing this? We are doing this because we believe that change is still possible] said Bianca Montilla, a member of Youth For Climate Hope, and an environmental activist.

The youth’s demands are immediate accountability from corporations who are continuously poisoning the Earth with extractive and carbon-intensive industries, legislation and comprehensive implementation for sustainable climate solutions, and a shift to renewable and sustainable energy.

On local calls, the youth is calling for awareness on the issue of black sand mining in the coastlines of EB Magalona, as well as action on illegal fishing in the municipal waters of Bacolod, and the conservation of the Northern Negros Natural Park.

“Ipa-untat ang mina sa EB Magalona. Ipa-untat ang coal-fired powerplant nga ginapatindog kag padayon nga ginapatindog sa Pilipinas,” [Stop the mining at EB Magalona. Stop the construction of the coal-fired powerplants in the Philippines] said Eldemar Sabete, a youth environmental activist and a staunch advocate for climate justice.