“Show your care for the environment and natural resources, stop mining operations!”
This is the united call of several young residents of Eastern Samar, Benguet, Marinduque, and Zamboanga del Norte in a protest action held at the national offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Quezon City, two days before the Earth Day Celebration.
Holding colorful posters they created, the protesters who mostly consisted of communities affected by mining operations around the country, lamented that “the DENR seems to forget that their mandate includes the protection of Philippine environment.”
This is the united call of several young residents of Eastern Samar, Benguet, Marinduque, and Zamboanga del Norte in a protest action held at the national offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Quezon City, two days before the Earth Day Celebration.
Holding colorful posters they created, the protesters who mostly consisted of communities affected by mining operations around the country, lamented that “the DENR seems to forget that their mandate includes the protection of Philippine environment.”
In a letter addressed to Secretary Paje, the youth who witnessed firsthand the environmental degradation, displacement and loss of livelihood caused by the environment requested that the DENR to “strictly implement the rules and environmental standards set up to keep mining activities from binding [their] homes to more poverty and destruction.”
“Left with no choice, mining operations and quarrying are imposed upon poverty-stricken communities by mining corporations, with the aid of some local leaders, promising them better lives and greater sources of income,” the letter signed by various youth leaders read. “But as our experience has taught us, these operations has done nothing but pollute our rivers and mountains, destroying where many families rely for food and income.”
“Left with no choice, mining operations and quarrying are imposed upon poverty-stricken communities by mining corporations, with the aid of some local leaders, promising them better lives and greater sources of income,” the letter signed by various youth leaders read. “But as our experience has taught us, these operations has done nothing but pollute our rivers and mountains, destroying where many families rely for food and income.”
The youth from mining-affected communities were joined by the Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. (PMPI), a civil society network of more than 200 organizations, who organized the event as part of its week-long activities for Earth Week 2016.
Primo Morillo, PMPI Advocacy Officer, explained, “The young people in mining communities are worried by the fact that environmental issues, especially mining, do not figure well in the electoral campaign of most candidates particular those running for national positions. No wonder that the DENR, for several years already, seems to have forgotten their mandate.”
Morillo enjoined all young people from all walks of life to unite with those from mining-affected communities in ensuring that the future will offer real opportunities for human development and at the same time, secure the rights of peoples to access their own natural resources and to a safe and sustainable environment.
Primo Morillo, PMPI Advocacy Officer, explained, “The young people in mining communities are worried by the fact that environmental issues, especially mining, do not figure well in the electoral campaign of most candidates particular those running for national positions. No wonder that the DENR, for several years already, seems to have forgotten their mandate.”
Morillo enjoined all young people from all walks of life to unite with those from mining-affected communities in ensuring that the future will offer real opportunities for human development and at the same time, secure the rights of peoples to access their own natural resources and to a safe and sustainable environment.
The mining-affected youth were joined by students from NCR-based schools such as University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Universidad De Manila. They were also joined by the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK), among the leaders in mobilizing the youth in issues of the environment and the climate.
Arvin Buenaagua, SPARK spokesperson, urged national and local government officials, as well as those vying for positions in the elections to be reminded of the issues of indigent and vulnerable peoples this Earth Day. “It is not just about saving electricity, it is about saving lives.”
“Last December, the Philippines government took part of the Paris Climate Talks where it affirmed our commitment with the rest of the world to secure the rights and lives of vulnerable peoples,” said Buenaagua, referring to the Paris Agreement to be signed by its parties on Friday.
“And yet, months after, the Aquino administration has still not followed through with this promise, letting mining corporations run loose while the vulnerability of its own citizens to climate-related disasters are increased,” he added.
The Philippines, among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, has played a leadership role in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable peoples in the context of the climate crisis since the devastation of Yolanda in 2013. “While impressing the rest of the world, the government has neglected its own people who are dying of poverty and destruction exacerbated by extractive industries,” Buenaagua concluded.
SPARK vowed that this action is only one among the succession of mobilizations the youth will take part in in order to secure their future and the integrity of the environment. “From affected communities in the rural areas to the cities, SPARK is one with the growing awareness of young Filipinos that they can take action and take power back from the influence of money and politics.”
Arvin Buenaagua, SPARK spokesperson, urged national and local government officials, as well as those vying for positions in the elections to be reminded of the issues of indigent and vulnerable peoples this Earth Day. “It is not just about saving electricity, it is about saving lives.”
“Last December, the Philippines government took part of the Paris Climate Talks where it affirmed our commitment with the rest of the world to secure the rights and lives of vulnerable peoples,” said Buenaagua, referring to the Paris Agreement to be signed by its parties on Friday.
“And yet, months after, the Aquino administration has still not followed through with this promise, letting mining corporations run loose while the vulnerability of its own citizens to climate-related disasters are increased,” he added.
The Philippines, among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, has played a leadership role in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable peoples in the context of the climate crisis since the devastation of Yolanda in 2013. “While impressing the rest of the world, the government has neglected its own people who are dying of poverty and destruction exacerbated by extractive industries,” Buenaagua concluded.
SPARK vowed that this action is only one among the succession of mobilizations the youth will take part in in order to secure their future and the integrity of the environment. “From affected communities in the rural areas to the cities, SPARK is one with the growing awareness of young Filipinos that they can take action and take power back from the influence of money and politics.”