The Young Feminist Organization
was only able to attend the Climate Walk on the 5th day (Apologies
about that!) due to some other duties. Together with the Ranao Women and
Children Resource Center, Inc. we joined the rest of the Climate Walkers in Libertad,
Kauswagan. I saw familiar faces of people but most of all; I saw the faces of
people coming from different places and walks of life but they all share the common
interest and that is: To Resist Coal.
Amidst the humid weather, the Climate
Walkers did not fret. They expressed their sentiments and demanded outside the place
where the proposed Coal-Fired Power Plant is about to sprout; asking for a
representative to speak to them.
Unfortunately, no one from the GN Power got out and spoke to the people.
The Climate Walkers made it clear that the GN Power should keep their promises
to the residents of Kauswagan and Leave.
Despite the heat, the thirst, the
dust and smokes from the trucks and cars passing by, the Climate walkers were
still passionate as they continued their walk to Iligan City, never minding the
swelling of their feet. There were people who supported us along the way but
there were also some who did not understand the struggle of the people. Walking
in solidarity with the people coming from the grassroots, you can really feel
their struggle and sentiments.
With the construction of
Coal-Fired Power Plants, they are the ones who will be directly affected but
come to think of it, their struggle is also our struggle. Men, Women and
children in the coming generations will pay for the consequences.
We have already felt the effects
of Climate Change. Some people might think it’s fiction but it is already happening.
Letting the Coal-Fired Power
Plants operate will only fuel it. The Climate Walk was one of the strategies in
which we have raised the awareness of the public regarding the issue of
Coal-Fired Power Plants.
But I think that we still need to
raise awareness more to those who know nothing. We should also continue to speak
for those who cannot speak for themselves and most importantly, to act.
Young Feminist Organization
Iligan City and Lanao del Norte
10 August 2015
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