Monday 12 October 2015

Youth-led ECOWALK launched in Lanao


As the Climate negotiation in Paris is fast approaching and the impact of climate change intensifies, worldwide movements for climate justice launched various forms of expressions and campaigns.

The 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) will be held Paris this December 2015. The various movements are to appeal that is directed to the international community to cooperate in addressing climate change and to support the conclusion of an ambitious, universal and legally-binding agreement to limit the warming of the earth.

Joining the worldwide battle against dirty energy and to advance renewable energy source, the Liga ng Makabagong Kabataan – Lanao launched ECOLOGICAL WALK (ECOWALK): A Call for Climate Justice. It was participated by more than 50 young people, fisher folks and farmer communities’ members from municipalities of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Kapatagan, Lala, Kolambugan and Tubod all in Lanao del Norte.

The walk was also participated by several youth and Mass Organizations namely, Pigcarangan Youth Service Organization (PYSO); Nagkahiusang Kabatan-onan Tuburan sa Kinaiyahan (NAKATUKI); Liga ng Makabagong Kabataan–Iligan and MSU; Muntay Active Young Leaders Association (MAYLA); Coal Resistance Movement; Kilos Ka – Lanao; Demokratikong Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (DKMP); and Lanao Fisheries Advocacy Network.

“We have to show explicitly our resistance to Coal projects around Panguil Bay in Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte provinces as children of fisher folks,” Ian Gruta, a member of LMK said.

A number of individuals from the community of Log Pond, Tubod, Lanao Del Norte also joined the ECOWALK.

The walk started at 5:00am on October 10, 2015 in Maranding, Lala to Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The walk was welcomed by Tubod Association of Barangay Captains President Luncio Bagol and Municipal Councilor Hon. Jun Manosa of Tubod. Both gave thanks to the initiative and have committed to stand with the Lao Estate tenants.

In a short program, there was sharing of issues among us and our communities like, land conversion and harassment from a developer claiming the land they are tilling.

According to LMK-Lanao Chairperso Jastine Abelardo, fighting and standing for the communities and nature is worth doing after they have visited the whole site devastated by the housing project in the community and after hearing and seeing the situation of the Lao Estate in Tubod tenants.

Mr Abelardo narrated that, “the EcoWalk is also to highlight our strong demands for:
1. ‪Climate Justice!
2. ‪Stop the Lumad Killings!
3. Food Sovereignty Now!
4. Cancellation of Coal Projects in the Philippines!
5. Justice for the community and individual victims of repressions and militarization!”

The groups and walkers have agreed to engage the 2016 National Election candidates on the basis of environment and agrarian concerns.

Contact Person:

Jastine S. Abelardo
Liga ng Makabagong Kabataan – Lanao
Chairperson


13 October 2015