LIST: Mobilizations for 2019 Philippine climate strike

MANILA, Philippines – Along with various organizations and communities, the Youth Strike for Climate Philippines is preparing to mobilize the Filipino youth nationwide for the global climate strike happening from September 20 to 27. 

Youth Strike for Climate is a national, youth-led movement aiming to empower young people to take action in addressing the effects of climate change.

Jefferson Estela, main organizer of Youth Strike for Climate Philippines, told Rappler that according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, the world only has around 11 years left or until 2030 to combat this global issue.

He added that leaders around the world should acknowledge and value youth participation in climate change issues. 

“We believe that we must be at the forefront of the ongoing global struggle against the climate crisis for the survival of our planet,” Estela said.

The Philippines ranked third – just behind India and Pakistan – among countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to a 2018 survey. Climate change has far-reaching effects on people and ecosystems. (READ: [OPINION] Why the Philippines should declare a climate emergency)

The upcoming event aims to mainstream the climate crisis to further amplify concerns about climate inaction, and strengthen calls for sustainability as part of efforts to preserve the environment.

Aside from educating student leaders and other youth groups on the climate crisis, the simultaneous movements also hope to create a network of young environmental advocates and climate activists to “bolster collaboration and collective action for the cause.”

Mobilizations and activities may vary per location in order to fit the context and understanding of climate change in the province. While most groups will be holding climate protests in their respective areas, others will be conducting forums and summits.

In Bukidnon, indigenous youth, local government officials, and tribal leaders from Upper Pulangi will gather for the 2-day Tapok (youth summit). It intends to deepen discussions on climate change and leadership principles as various sectors grapple with how to mitigate the impact of climate change in communities.

Among the organizations taking part in the Philippine mobilizations are Zero Waste Pilipinas, Ilocos Norte Movement Against Plastic Pollution, Kidlikasan, Panay Youth Strike, Youth for Climate Hope, and Young BEAN.

Students joining the localized climate strike may also be excused from their classes provided that parental or legal guardian consent is given, according to a memorandum by the Department of Education (DepEd) dated September 17. DepEd also encouraged schools and offices to conduct climate education and action activities within the school grounds such as a noise barrage, school or community clean-up, or an educational discussion.

The climate strike in the Philippines will occur in the following locations:

Luzon

• Ilocos Norte – September 21, 3 pm
• Baguio City – September 20, 8 am, at CRC Hall, Session Road, People’s Park, and Baguio City Hall
• Quezon City
• September 20, 2 pm, at UP Diliman College Of Science Amphitheater
• September 20, 9 am to 12 pm, at Ateneo de Manila University

Visayas

• Tacloban City – September 20, 1:30 pm, at Rizal Park
• Iloilo – September 20, 1:30 pm

Mindanao 

• Bukidnon – September 19-20, 2019, 8 am, at Apu Palamguwan Cultural Education Center, Bendum Campus

The following areas will also hold a climate strike event, with specific details coming soon:

Luzon

• Pampanga
• Bataan
• Caloocan City
• Mandaluyong City
• Cabuyao and Los Baños, Laguna
• Dasmariñas, Cavite
• Infanta, Quezon
• Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan
• Albay and Sorsogon, Bicol

Visayas

• Cebu City
• Bacolod
• Negros Occidental
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar

Mindanao

• Davao City
• Tawi-Tawi
• South Cotabato
• General Santos
• Iligan
• Digos

Youth Strike for Climate Philippines suggested for people to bring sustainably-made signs and water if they’re joining the climate strike event.

Is your province or city not listed? You can start a climate strike event in your location by applying on the global climate strike website. – Rappler.com