Just recently, youth leaders from various parts of the country mobilized an organized strike in Morayta Manila. The rally called on the youth to take part and act about the adverse effects of Climate Change.
The Climate Youth Strike Philippines (CYS Ph), a youth-led national movement, assembled in Morayta Manila for the rally. A simultaneous event also took place in the following provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Antipolo. The same strike happened in Pampanga, Bulacan, Bacolod, Cebu, and Iloilo. Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Suryllah, and Tacloban also joined. Students from General Santos, Koronadal, and Davao City also gathered and march around the street.
Jefferson Estella, Lead Convenor of Climate Youth Strike Philippines stressed how their collective action is pressing now more than ever because "As the generation who will suffer the most from the effects of climate change, it is urgent for us to bring the Filipino youth together and make our voices heard." Their group demands changes to protect the environment.
CYS-PH Manila called for action the preservation of the Arroceros Forest Park. The group also aims for the preservation of the Quezon Memorial Park, and Manila Bay Reclamation Project. They also are after the banning of the use of plastics and providing sustainable mass transport system.
CYS-PH Manila called for action the preservation of the Arroceros Forest Park. The group also aims for the preservation of the Quezon Memorial Park, and Manila Bay Reclamation Project. They also are after the banning of the use of plastics and providing sustainable mass transport system.
Also present at the rally are various civic leaders who shared the same sentiments. These youth leaders are from I am Climate Justice, NILAD, Agham youth, ALAKAD Greenpeace, SEED Network, Young Franciscan Advocate, and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines.
Other pressing environmental issues the rally would want to address are the following:
- Kaliwe Dam in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges,
- The Illegal extraction of the Zambales mountains used for island makig for China, and
- Future reclamation projects in the various areas of the Manila Bay.
Youth leaders from the strike believe that the Climate Crisis must be treated as a public health concern. They also claim that the marginalized and the most vulnerable are more prone to the adverse effects of the Climate Crisis. In fact, an HSBC Survey showed that the Philippines ranks third among countries most vulnerable to climate change.
More than the rally, the youth leaders are calling all Filipino youth to join the call for environmental awareness. After all, youth participation is vital in nation-building and has a great voice to push for change.
