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
