WE ARE NATURE Thoughts on Emerging Environment Issues RODNE RODIÑO GALICHA

WE ARE NATURE thoughts on emerging environment issues RODNE RODIÑO GALICHA

WE ARE NATURE thoughts on emerging environment issues

RODNE RODIÑO GALICHA

2 3

WE ARE NATURE thoughts on emerging environment issues

RODNE RODIÑO GALICHA

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In Memoriam

Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment Inc. (Sibuyan ISLE) Pag-alad St., Poblacion, San Fernando, 5513 Romblon, Philippines E-mail: [email protected] * Website: www.sibuyan.com Armin Rios Marin

Killed on October 3, 2007, while leading a picket against mining in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines ---

Galicha, Rodne R. --- www.rodgalicha.com

--- This book is dedicated to our tireless

Cover Photo: Resiliency by Trina Firmalo (2011), Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines

In Memoriam

Killed on October 3, 2007, while leading a picket against mining in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines ---

Galicha, Rodne R. --- www.rodgalicha.com

--- This book is dedicated to our tireless

Cover Photo: Resiliency by Trina Firmalo (2011), Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword 9 Messages 12 Preface 17 Acknowledgments 19 We Are Nature 21 Economizing Earth 27 Negotiating Climate 33 Climate Hypocrisy 39 Climate Crime 45 Mutant Candidates in the Making 49 On Criminally Hugging Trees 55 In Defense of Pigs 61 Wanted: Environment Defenders 65 The Queen and I: Remembering Maita Gomez 71 On What is Mine 77 S**t Happens 83 Testing Executive Order 79 89 On Genetically Modified Organisms 97 Philippine State of the Nature Assessment 107 New Year Acts and Thoughts 125 Dirty Talk 131 Green Resolutions 138 The Living and the Dead 143 We Can Do Something 149 Afterword 157 6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD

Hon. NADEREV ‘Yeb’ MADLA SAÑO Commissioner, Climate Change Commission Republic of the Philippines

I first met Rodne during a press conference with organizations condemning the tragic murder of our mutual friend environmental activist Armin Marin in early October of 2007. I knew then that Rodne was destined for greater things as it was clear to me he got his convictions in life figured out pretty well. When he was selected as the district manager of The Climate Reality Project for the Philippines, it came as no huge surprise. And when I learned he was compiling a set of essays for this book, I thought it was an idea whose time has come.

Covering extremely important subjects that range from mining to martyrdom, climate justice to climate chaos, politics to environmental economics, genetically modified organisms to organic agriculture, principles of ecology to stewardship, coal power to renewable energy, facing nature’s wrath to communing with nature, this collection of essays, with reposts of articles written by fellow environmentalist Shiela Castillo and famed journalists, gives us a peek into the lives of people who have dedicated themselves to life-long commitments to fight for the rights of people to a healthy planet. 9

FOREWORD

Hon. NADEREV ‘Yeb’ MADLA SAÑO Commissioner, Climate Change Commission Republic of the Philippines

Rodne hits home on many points. His candid and brave assertions Celsius warmer world, a catastrophic scenario to be sure, with in his usual casual tone is sure to resonate with every reader who massive impacts on food, water, natural ecosystems, human cares about making a difference in this world. The pieces in this security, and spawning irreversible changes. There is no doubt that anthology manifest the kind of courage and intensity that is climate change would deepen poverty and that it would pose a emboldened by years of witnessing heedless environmental abuse tremendous challenge to social development. And the headlines and social injustice. The stories here represent the poignant yet that we see in the news everyday are by no means reassuring. Just stark realities that we confront as individuals, as a nation, and as a in the first quarter of 2013, CO2 levels in the atmosphere has global community. breached the 400ppm threshold.

Whether it is an adventure with a beauty queen turned heroine, a This collection makes us realize the sobering fact that every living spine-tingling confrontation with armed goons, or a tribute to the system in the world today, and for that matter, in the Philippines, is Lorax, Rodne combines outspokenness with his amazing story- in decline. This volume is indeed timely in the face of the complex telling skills that walks us through his exploits vividly. web of crises that we confront as a nation, and as a planet. It finds traction in our hearts in the face of increasing energy deficits, What makes this volume so special? It talks about reality. We find resource scarcity, widespread poverty, and heightened risk to ourselves at the threshold of a global environmental meltdown. climate change and disasters. But more importantly, Rodne shows There is widespread threat from the impacts of a changing global us that the struggle against climate change and the quest for climate and many communities all over the world face ever- genuine sustainable development has to be part of the larger fight growing risks. Every year, the world continues to lose vast areas of for a more just, democratic and equitable world that requires forests bigger than the island of Luzon. Fish stocks continue to introspection and reflecting on our relationship with the very plummet. Soils that our ancestors have toiled on have lost their source of our life. He demonstrates to us that indeed, we are productivity. Poverty crawls on an unimaginable scale. nature. It gives me great privilege to be able to advocate for this Development aggression continues to wield its ugly tentacles. anthology of essays to what I hope will be a throng of readers. I have had the pleasure of being part of Rodne’s journey for the Looking at the larger context within which we situate ourselves in, past several years. I invite you to be part of it. But this is just the developments in the international community’s efforts to address beginning. climate change indicate that we may be likely in for a 4 degrees 10 11

MESSAGE logic, of thinking through cause and effect and the designs in our minds have translated into these large scale manipulation of nature. And so now, the super planetary change of all, the ANGELINA ‘Nina’ P. GALANG, Ph. D. pandemic that has engulfed, literally, the world – global warming President, Green Convergence for Safe Food and its flip side, climate change. Our atmosphere has been Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy changed because of the tons of carbon dioxide that we have poured out from fossil-fuel burning and at the same time near- Thomas Berry, the insightful and inspiring American theologian- eliminating the forests that should siphon it. environmentalist, referred to the Ecozoic Era as one where planet Earth is shaped not only by enormous physical forces of wind, Rodne Galicha says we are nature. Yes, we are. We are part of water and tectonic plates; it is shaped more and more by human God’s creation. But with a difference. He gave us the noosphere, creations on a scale never before imaginable. We have flattened our consciousness where resides our reasoning and the ability to mountains, we have reclaimed land from the ocean and we have discern, decide and act. Rodne expresses his anguish at what created artificial seas called dams. In the process, we have humans are doing to the world because of our so-called changed air patterns, water currents and diverted rivers from the intelligence. But he also celebrates the shining heroes, the land which they traditionally nourished. Due to a dangerous indigenous stewards of the environment and the plodding technology, we now have lands which are perpetually environmentalists who are using the same intelligence to right the radioactive, unfit for any kind of human habitation or food wrongs and to preserve and revive the abundance of God’s production. While we formerly had grand diversity of flora and special planet. fauna, we have endless stretches of mono-cropped commercial varieties made possible by the chemical fertilizers and pesticides that have poisoned and made infertile our soils. While homo sapiens used to live in harmony and respectful dependence on nature, we now use her on our own terms.

All these planetary changes have been conceived in the human brain. We are the only species (so we think) that is capable of 12 13

MESSAGE existing frameworks, including that of market economy and distorted state policies. However, on a positive note, the book also Fr. EDWIN ‘Edu’ A. GARIGUEZ, Ph.D.* tries to propose an alternative or a more enlightened perspective Executive Secretary, Episcopal Commission on environmental issues, going beyond the usual cash driven on Social Action, Justice and Peace equation and the prevailing anthropocentric paradigm. Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines

*2012 Recipient, The Goldman Environmental Prize for Islands and Nations At the backdrop of the intricate mosaic of experiences narrated in the book is the pristine beauty of Sibuyan Island for which the Environmental advocacy is an arena that no one can seriously whole struggle for ecological campaign is highlighted. And in stark pursue without being strongly passionate and deeply committed contrast to paradise-like serenity of Sibuyan, the death of Armin to a cause – be it saving the fragile ecosystem, protecting the Marin, and other martyrs for the environment will continually haunt rights of the indigenous peoples, campaigning to reduce the the history of our peoples’ struggle. impact of global warming, and a gamut of other issues of urgent importance in saving our planet – ecology, the “oikos” or our Rodne’s reflection is a treasured gem of our journey’s diary, and home. an inspiration to carry on!

Rodne’s thoughts on emerging environmental issues, compiled in this book, is a clear manifestation of the fervent and self-giving dedication to realize the mandate of being true steward of the earth, as chronicled in his long experience of being one of the frontline figures in the ecological movement. And I am very privileged to have joined him in this journey.

The book is an output of concrete involvement in environmental activism, while trying to go beyond the surface. Although unintentional, the book tries to define the deeper context of the ecological problems. Very lightly, it makes fun of the irony in 14 15

PREFACE

In the age of information technology, one may opt to just publish pieces of thoughts online. How about those who are unable to access the complex wired and wireless worldwide web? Did I cut trees to produce paper and make this book? No, I did not. Perhaps, trees were cut and paper was manufactured before I decided to write this book. But this book attempts to give justice to those trees felled – resurrecting their existence and making their essence felt by those who continuously massacre the very source of the clean air that we breathe.

This book is a collection of essays and articles I wrote since I became active in the environmental advocacy which began in a quite isolated island in the middle of the Philippines – Sibuyan, fondly called by scientists as ‘Galapagos of Asia – a biodiversity hotspot. I also added some articles related to me and my work.

I hope this little simple book would be able to bring back the awareness, commitment and action to conserve, protect and rehabilitate our fragile environment.

RRG

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PREFACE

I hope this little simple book would be able to bring back the awareness, commitment and action to conserve, protect and rehabilitate our fragile environment.

RRG

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The One, The Prime Mover

My Father Rodring (+) and Mother Nita Nongnong and Ghie with my niece Ecy . Rhonron

My Relatives and Friends

San Fernando Central School . Sibuyan Polytechnic College / Romblon State University - San Fernando Campus Sibuyan Polytechnic College Batch 1996 especially Abby and Shars

The Diocese of Romblon . San Lorenzo Ruiz Seminary . The Dominican Family . The Pontifical, Royal and Catholic University of Santo Tomas - Central Seminary and Ecclesiastical Faculties

Catholic University of Louvain - Faculty of Theology . Colegio de San Juan de Letran Ateneo de Davao University . University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos . University of San Jose - Recoletos Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment Inc. . Sibuyanons Against Mining Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining . Alliance of Students Against Mining

Alyansa Tigil Mina Jaybee, Farah, Minie, Danny, Jonal, Sophia, Abi, Roy, Terence, Butog, Wags, Lids, Ross, Fr. Archie, Edel

Bantay Kita . Aksyon Klima – Pilipinas . Philippine Movement for Climate Justice Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy . Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources . Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Kasama sa Kalikasan / Friends of the Earth Philippines . Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas Philippine Association for Intercultural Development . Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines and Mission Partners . Philippine Human Rights Information Center CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace . Working Group on Mining in the Philippines . Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links Christian Aid . 11.11.11. . Foundation for Philippine Environment . Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation

Trimona Healthy Dining/PGX . Pearl’s Café . Sanctuary Garden Resort St. Ezekiel Printery and Publishing House. Greenheart Hermitage . Art Angel Printshop Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary . The Provincial Government of Romblon Karl Mikel M. Pregon . Fritz A. Lacbayo . Elizabeth R. Ibañez . Melinda D. Nicdao

Dr. Allan B. de Guzman and Ms. Adelle Chua Manila Standard Today . The Manila Times . Philippine Daily Inquirer . Romblon Times . Romblon Sun

Comm. Yeb Saño . Fr. Edu Gariguez . Dr. Nina Galang . Dean Tony La Viña

Rotary International District 3800 Gov. LUIZO ‘Louie’ TICMAN . Atty. CHRISTINA BARROGA

The Climate Reality Project AL GORE 18

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The One, The Prime Mover

My Father Rodring (+) and Mother Nita Nongnong and Ghie with my niece Ecy . Rhonron

My Relatives and Friends

San Fernando Central School . Sibuyan Polytechnic College / Romblon State University - San Fernando Campus Sibuyan Polytechnic College Batch 1996 especially Abby and Shars

The Diocese of Romblon . San Lorenzo Ruiz Seminary . The Dominican Family . The Pontifical, Royal and Catholic University of Santo Tomas - Central Seminary and Ecclesiastical Faculties

Alyansa Tigil Mina Jaybee, Farah, Minie, Danny, Jonal, Sophia, Abi, Roy, Terence, Butog, Wags, Lids, Ross, Fr. Archie, Edel

Dr. Allan B. de Guzman and Ms. Adelle Chua Manila Standard Today . The Manila Times . Philippine Daily Inquirer . Romblon Times . Romblon Sun

Comm. Yeb Saño . Fr. Edu Gariguez . Dr. Nina Galang . Dean Tony La Viña

Rotary International District 3800 Gov. LUIZO ‘Louie’ TICMAN . Atty. CHRISTINA BARROGA

The Climate Reality Project AL GORE 18

Our ancestors collectively remind us that everything is an hour and a half, and in his gentle poetic style which felt more interconnected; however, not interdependent when human like a Sunday walk in the bush than a lecture, Paul Hawken ranged beings abuse such harmony. seamlessly from dissolving the human and nature divide, rediscovering the miracle of life, understanding our place in the Humanity depends on nature for survival and existence but it is not world and understanding the extraordinary power of the the whole humanity who wanted to survive and exist. Greed and nongovernment organizations and collectives.” selfishness in the guise of national security created a great global apathetic divide which will eventually result to genocide. It was indeed a journey beyond our imagination reaching into challenging realities of going back to the basic sciences of nature It is the apathy of human beings that leads to unjust treatment of from which all of us came into being. A realization that what we our planet as subject. It is as if life on earth began through the are doing as part of these seemingly “small” movements to restore power of our superior rationality. environmental harmony and promote social justice for all is but a natural propensity as part of the whole life-system of the universe. If we are unable to accept that we are part of this whole Hence, I agree when Hawken said “We are nature.” ecosystem, it will be impossible for us to solve the emerging environmental crises. Responsibility

Small movements Belonging to environmental movements, we are often addressed as “environmentalists.” It was a rendezvous of same worldviews when I met and listened to Paul Hawken, author of New York Times bestseller Blessed Unrest: Practically, receiving such regard comes with a huge responsibility How the largest movement in the world came into being, and why and challenge which in fact all human beings should do and no one saw it coming. face.

My colleague at The Climate Reality Project, Simon Bradshow, It is not being an “environmentalist” that moves us, for being so it is describes Paul Hawken speech and interactive discussion as “Over just sympathy to the environment which forces us to protect and 22 23 fight for it. We intangibly put humanity as the masters of the such abundance and forced nature to be more abundant to the universe and environment as mere object obviously kneeling extent of stripping off the capacity to become abundant. This down for our mercy. started the utilization movement which is 1 percent of the world’s population. Or is it the other way around, begging mercy from nature from which all our cells come from forming almost 1 septillion activities It is now high time to bring back what had been. Together, with within us 10 times the number of stars in the universe, as Hawken the indigenous peoples of the world who have been sacrificing puts it? their lives and defending their lands and traditions for the sake of maintaining the balance in this planet, we shall stand up. Against the 1 percent, we are the 99 percent who are now making Solutions? environmental and social justice into reality.

What is the root cause of all these turmoil in the world? It is the Yes, every one of us is part of each and everyone. I breathe what denial of humanity as part of nature thus making everything in the you breathe. Let the 1 septillion cellular activities in our bodies universe as mere subjects for utilization. modify and transform the minds of the utilization movement. Let us not permit 1 percent to occupy the 99 percent who wanted to How to solve this? We should learn from the indigenous peoples of bring back the natural balance in this world. the world who have been teaching us how to live in harmony with nature and accept the reality of being part of nature. Don’t forget, the minds of the 1 percent utilization movement are still part of the 99 percent. The silence and inaction of 99 percent Sadly, the whole utilization movement is promoting ethnocide make them more powerful. bringing age-old traditions and customs into the brink of extinction.

Why indigenous? In our veins flow indigenous blood which enable * * * us to adopt and strife for survival. Once upon a time, we belong to a humanity dependent solely in the abundance of nature and we Why all these natural problems? Nature just reacts. live with it, in harmony. However, there were some who abused 24 25 fight for it. We intangibly put humanity as the masters of the such abundance and forced nature to be more abundant to the universe and environment as mere object obviously kneeling extent of stripping off the capacity to become abundant. This down for our mercy. started the utilization movement which is 1 percent of the world’s population. Or is it the other way around, begging mercy from nature from which all our cells come from forming almost 1 septillion activities It is now high time to bring back what had been. Together, with within us 10 times the number of stars in the universe, as Hawken the indigenous peoples of the world who have been sacrificing puts it? their lives and defending their lands and traditions for the sake of maintaining the balance in this planet, we shall stand up. Against the 1 percent, we are the 99 percent who are now making Solutions? environmental and social justice into reality.

Why such “exaggerated” reactions? Because of our exaggerated apathetic actions.

Whatever we do to the detriment of the environment comes back to us because we are all part of it.

Why such “exaggerated” reactions? Because of our exaggerated apathetic actions.

Whatever we do to the detriment of the environment comes back to us because we are all part of it.

Every year, we join the worldwide Earth Hour campaign to devote at least an hour for Mother Earth. However, have we realized that In the Filipino perspective, creation may be the epitome of what is every millisecond of our lives comes from her? The nourishment of good and beautiful – a comprehensive look at the oikos in itself as our mind, heart and body undeniably comes from the abundance both material and transcendental system reflecting the immensity of nature. of interconnectedness and order toward harmony between creatures. For those who believe in the Bible, the whole existence comes from nothing —creation, ex nihilo. This is the genesis of oikos—the household prepared for the sixth day —the first part of the whole story of existence. Deeply explore the story of creation in the context of maintaining the balance of Ecology. It is the ‘household of enoughness’ in which all things have been put in place to address the needs of creation in itself and prepare From the first day to the fifth day, the Creator prepared all things in for the coming of the stewards as the seen reflection of the unseen this wide universe and in the place where we live we call home— Creator. the Earth. He saw that all these things were well and good: night and day; water and sky; land, seas and vegetation; sun, moon and stars; and sea creatures, birds and animals. Human being’s role

All which have been there became, primarily, the totality of the On the sixth day, human beings were made, not created, in the oikos – household – our home. Etymologically the word ‘ecology’ image and likeness of the Creator – from the oikos, dirt was comes from the Greek ‘eco’ or ‘oikos’. gathered and human life commenced. The creation’s fulfillment and perfection commenced when the Creator breathed life into The Creator saw what he has done were ‘good’. the nostrils of the molded earth—coupled with freewill and rationality. When English word ‘good’ is translated to the Filipino language as ‘Good morning’, it definitely means ‘magandang umaga’— Primarily, the Creator commanded the ‘first human’ to have ‘maganda’ literally is ‘beautiful’. dominion over all the creation and eventually to tend and keep. 28 29

When the first humans gave in to the temptation of the serpent, ‘Tend’ in Hebrew is ‘abad’ which is ‘to work or serve’ in the garden disobedience and malice reigned in their minds and there was and can be defined as ‘to till or cultivate’. On the other hand, chaos—disorder. keep is ‘shamar’—‘to exercise great care over’. Disobedience led to greed and they ate the forbidden fruit and The first time human beings knew about Economy—to subdue and the corruption of the genuine meaning of Economy began; as we to take care—having rationality and being part of the whole know, all these led to the Great Flood. creation which will sustain life. There are things in this world which should be preserved and Economy comes from the two Greek words ‘oikos’ and ‘nomos’ conserved— not to be exploited nor touched nor destroyed. which mean ‘household’ and ‘management’. ‘Economy’ in its original meaning is not all about what a chosen Apparently, economy speaks of the management of the few gain from creation, from natural resources. The corruption of household—hence, to be stewards of the oikos—that is to maintain economy at present is apparently promoted by transnational and oversee the grand goodness, beauty, interconnectedness, companies in connivance with international financial institutions symbiosis and interdependence of the whole of creation. and governments acting like serpents which continuously lure communities with promises in the guise of development. All which were created were then seen as very well and good. And there comes the reality of resource curse—poor countries rich in natural resources remain ‘economically’ poor leading to utter Stewardship deprivation of their own source of life.

The stewards were instructed then to take care of the whole oikos The whole story of creation is still ongoing and unfolding and the except that they were prohibited to eat the fruit of the tree of the challenge of the Creator remains—to bring back the real meaning knowledge of good and evil. of being true managers of the oikos: Eco-nomists.

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In 2012, the members of Philippine delegation to the Conference Root-cause of Parties (COP18) in Doha, Qatar, did their best to bring the heart and soul of humanity onto the negotiating table. The united efforts What may be the root-cause of this whole crisis? of the delegation led by the Climate Change Commission and supported by outside actions of the civil society brought back the Yes, we believe we control the whole universe. scattered thoughts for genuine solutions to a crisis in the perspective of climate justice. The brain, seat of rationality, is the tiniest natural receptacle of all the galaxies combined. Every year, nations meet to address global challenges. These meetings sometimes end up with compromises. In this consumerist generation for which all natural resources are seen as objects for utilization, it is as if existence of all things Minds from across the globe gathered to negotiate and perhaps belongs to humans’ capacity to contain the essence of nature in decide on the plight of human existence under the principles of their skull. sustainable development. Generally, there were two kinds of negotiators: brains which can control, and the other, brains which But can we limit nature in our brains? think comprehensively accepting the fact that the continuous rape of the environment, which leads to a massive imbalance in The processes in nature have been fully dynamic, serving both nature, is in itself the gradual extinction of homo sapiens. living and non-living things. Symbiosis between the living and non- living world was evident. There was once grand harmony and Unfortunately, the clash of the overly-consuming countries and the order. consumed ones was definitely unavoidable: the east versus the west, or the south versus the north. But in the spirit of environmental When ancient humans came into existence, they learned to use justice, we hope that our planet can still be saved through the non-living as instruments to survive, and the living as food. The genuine dialogue. ability to think before acting was what made humans superior.

Over time, the non-living—originally used as instruments—became the mode and food. The balancing platform supporting the life 34 35

Over time, the non-living—originally used as instruments—became the mode and food. The balancing platform supporting the life 34 35 cycle was eventually used destructively. Imbalance became remembered as the year the world found the courage to find the inevitable. will to take responsibility for the future we want.”

Humans, when given opportunity and power, tend to abuse. And echoing the words of Ditto Sarmiento during the first Quarter Storm, he ended his appeal: Symbiosis may be one of the strongest forces behind evolution, but it had been tampered with. It can be traced to the superiority “I ask of all of us here, if not us, then who ? If not now, then when? complex which occurred in the human brain. If not here, then where?”

However, despite his appeal, Yeb said that “Doha resulted in a No excuses politically balanced outcome, but it was far from addressing the climate crisis. The struggle for climate justice lives on. We will do it Be that as it may, the human brain will still decide on the future of even one person at a time, one day at a time.” our home called Earth. The meeting of brains may not agree in a genuine solution, but I hope the heart and soul may help. With one mind, heart and soul.

Commissioner Naderev “Yeb” Saño of the Climate Change Commission silenced the whole negotiations with a pure heart and zealous soul:

“I appeal to the whole world, I appeal to leaders from all over the world, to open our eyes to the stark reality that we face. I appeal to ministers. The outcome of our work is not about what our political masters want. It is about what is demanded of us by 7 billion people. I appeal to all, please, no more delays, no more excuses. Please, let Doha be remembered as the place where we found the political will to turn things around. Please, let 2012 be 36 37 cycle was eventually used destructively. Imbalance became remembered as the year the world found the courage to find the inevitable. will to take responsibility for the future we want.”

Commissioner Naderev “Yeb” Saño of the Climate Change Commission silenced the whole negotiations with a pure heart and zealous soul:

While the Philippine government advances in climate negotiations want. It is about what is demanded of earth’s seven billion people. at international gatherings, plausible as it may, communities I appeal to all: Please, no more delays, no more excuses.” continue to suffer development aggressions resulting to a series of disasters fueled by the climate crisis. Commissioner Saño was not only referring to the international delegates, he was also referring to his colleagues in the The Climate Change Commission (CCC) chaired by no less than government way back home. Unfortunately, majority of his President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has been moving heaven and colleagues were not listening because their political masters may earth to realize the dreams and aspirations mentioned in the remand them, hence, more delays, more excuses. National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP). Of course, I really don’t know if, indeed, the president takes it seriously –but the rest We were surprised by Habagat. Philex mining in Padcal was of the commission is doing their best to integrate climate action challenged with a crisis blaming nature as the culprit. And yes, within the programs of the rocky ‘tuwid na daan’. typhoon Pablo became the strongest tropical cyclone to ever hit Mindanao, the costliest in the Philippines amounting to Php 42.2 Last year, the civil society working group on climate change billion, killing 1,067 people and more than 800 missing. called AksyonKlima – Pilipinas (AK) was invited to join an assessment of the NCCAP and workshop on programs to be We never learned our lesson. implemented to realize and mainstream climate action. It was disappointing that several national government agencies In the beginning of 2013, 16 contracts to explore and develop concerned were not around – how could we move forward if coal resources were awarded by the Department of Energy even these agencies were not really that serious to zealously ‘based on the company’s resource exploration strategy, utilization participate or maybe, doing their own respective climate action and production approach, evidence of available funds and plans for the sake of compliance? financial track record, technical resources and validity of legal Lessons unlearned documents’. In 2010, 34% of the total power generated in the country came from coal-fired power plants, and I am afraid coal How could we ever forget Commissioner Yeb Saño who rocked continues to be the main source of energy as more coal-fired the whole climate negotiations in Qatar last year with his words: power plants are being planned to be opened. This means more “The outcome of our work is not about what our political masters carbon dioxide thrown up to the atmosphere. 40 41

Undeniable risk But what’s the point? Although in 2008, our country’s contribution to the global carbon dioxide emission was mere .28% but the But we feel that our nation is at a huge risk – an undeniable reality. effect of the total emission nowadays is the increasing temperature – as carbon dioxide traps a lot of heat – leading to a Are government agencies really serious with the NCCAP? Look at climate crisis we never experienced before: extreme weather these realities: more coal-fired power plants and contracts to conditions. exploit the islands to extract coal; an environmental compliance certificate courtesy of the Department of Environment and Natural The recent disaster at Semirara mines is an eye-opener. After Resources was granted for a large mine in South Cotabato putting decades of operations, the unfortunate event happened – the the communities at a high disaster risk while stripping off the forests company concerned may then point to the very act of nature as and top soil; and a so-called large century dam in the province of Padcal mines operators concluded after their own taste of fate. Rizal.

It is not on how much carbon dioxide we emit, but on how we Huge projects are implemented to primarily boost the economy, view the vulnerability and exposure of our communities to hazards. but to address series of unthinkable mortalities and costs of Are we, as an archipelagic country composed of island disasters, the government must think a thousand times. The very ecosystems actually resilient? Do we have the capacities to adapt right to live has been denied; the constitutional right to a healthful to the increasing hazards brought about by the climate crisis? and balanced ecology is violated.

We were proud having participated actively in Rio de Janiero’s While the Climate Change Commission may be sweating blood conference on sustainable development some twenty years ago. acting on these challenges, others are adding up more risks to Countries of the world look up at us as we adapt policies like the communities and ironically, ease to investors. Philippine Agenda 21, and later on the Climate Change Act, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, People’s Survival Our economy may be growing but I see dead people and Fund Act, among others. devastated environment. This is not sustainable development. This is pure climate hypocrisy.

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By the way, the grassroots movement is practically huge – climate justice is at hand and, indeed, political will is a renewable resource.

Typhoon Haiyan speaks to us of climate inaction, injustice, apathy We thank the world for their kindness but we expect developed and irresponsibility. countries to take ambitious steps to prevent more Haiyans. We have suffered enough. Enough with all the suffering, enough with this madness. When will they listen? When there will be no people to listen to? When our For four years, since 2009, I have worked with the communities voices are buried with the rubble left by storm surges and strong living in Manicani and Homonhon Islands off Guiuan town in winds? Eastern Samar. I haven't heard anything about them since Haiyan hit the islands. As help from different parts of the globe arrives, we are thankful for the the sympathy - but what we need most is empathy. After I haven't heard about our partner community in MacArthur, Leyte. global assistance has been delivered, states emitting large I am worried and I mourn. The devastation is beyond imagination, amount of carbon dioxide may still remain business as usual. They beyond compare. must submit themselves to a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions, or else we will expect more typhoons In my province of Romblon, where I decided to stay, the disaster which are larger and more intense. risk reduction and management council was also hard hit by Haiyan. That's especially so for the island of San Jose, the southern This is the price of carbon, but we are confused - why are we the areas in Tablas Island and Sibuyan Island. ones paying almost every year? We continue to seek climate justice. Climate debt must be settled. But there are small Philippine islands most people have never heard of that were smashed by Haiyan. So, an initiative to adopt a Our islands, in 2008, suffered the deluge brought by Typhoon small island has commenced. Fengshen. In 2009, Typhoons Ketsana and Parma; followed by Megi in 2010; then, Nesat and Washi in 2011; Bopha in 2012 - and Our climate leaders here in the Philippines are doing all there best this year, 2013, Haiyan – Haiyan is the worst of that cluster. And, as on how to help and assist. it lashed our communities, affecting millions of innocent people, it may finally exhaust our unique Filipino resiliency. Brother Jaazeal Jakosalem and Father Manny Bolilia went to Tacloban City this weekend for a faith mission called "Spiritual 46 47

Marines". They aim to bless the dead and spiritually uplift the survivors. With their religious congregation, they have established the HeartAnonymous campaign for relief efforts.

Now a local public official, Miguel Magalang, is starting a national initiative to re-orient a controversial pork barrel fund known locally as PDAF, to turn it into a disaster relief fund. Attorney Christina Barroga is exploring how to raise the recent cyclonic event at the International Criminal Court.

You see, for us this a crime - a climate crime - and we will be seeking climate justice.

With this catastrophic reality, human beings here in the Philippines have now become an endangered species.

Marines". They aim to bless the dead and spiritually uplift the survivors. With their religious congregation, they have established the HeartAnonymous campaign for relief efforts.

You see, for us this a crime - a climate crime - and we will be seeking climate justice.

With this catastrophic reality, human beings here in the Philippines have now become an endangered species.

Nobel laureate and former United States vice president Al Gore about by apathy and blind obedience to the mutant power. And when asked about the inaction of politicians on the present the only cure is to reclaim such power and make it again of the climate crisis, he answered back poignantly – political will is a people, by the people, for the people. renewable resource. Recent studies say that the Philippines is the most typhoon- To my surprise, in another instance I have heard him suggesting vulnerable country in the world, second in economic risk for that in a crisis wherein governments and businesses are unable to natural disasters and third most prone to hazards of climate act, we should emulate the people power revolution of the change. Philippines. We have swum in floods, our relatives and friends buried in People power? Where is it now? Gone were the days when we landslides, drowned in raging seas. From the bellies of Manila Bay had to take up arms and kill people, and be killed, for our tons of plastic wastes showing off how irresponsible we are and sovereignty as a nation. Gone were the days when we held our how the implementation of laws are inutile. Not counting the arms close to each other to trample down a dictator. industrial wastes which are legally exported by overly consuming countries and accepted by us with open arms as if we are happy We are facing a bigger crisis. Economic fall-down? No, in the eyes to be called a sovereign state of dumps. of our present and former administration – a transcendent perspective of investment based on how we flaunt our country’s We have not learned from the lessons of the past such as the natural resources and sovereignty in a pompous and seductive Marinduque mine disaster, and now, the leak of water and way. sediment wastes from a mine in Padcal, Benguet. The mutant power behind the venerable flag of the country is bullying the very honorable statesmen to continuously flaunt our mineral resources Power crisis almost to be given free to aliens, forcing to lastly give an environmental compliance license to the future biggest mine in A self-crisis created by ourselves being puppets of the power Southeast Asia situated in South Cotabato, displacing indigenous shared to the supposed leaders and defenders of our inherent peoples communities, thousands of trees to be cut, huge mine human and natural rights. A self-inflicted crisis, a disease brought 50 51

Gradually, the mutant power opened wide the gates of our How many of our leaders now are willing to stand up selflessly for gardens and farms to mutant agricultural species, or monsters – the general welfare, for a healthful and balanced ecology? controlled by one or few transnational corporations. Unknowingly, in our veins flow unnatural modified nutrients which will result eventually to a mutation of our genes. Safe food mixed with Ecological crisis genetically modified organisms (GMOs), less rationality with more profits. Yes, the biggest crisis we have now is ecological crisis and to solve this is to reclaim and exercise power we have as a people. This In this country where freedom of expression is recently suppressed, week, people who seek power are lining up asking us to lend our how can we reclaim the power we just lent to the leaders who sovereign power to them. now become mutants? They are pleading to borrow our natural power. We shall not allow We put our hopes in the chosen few, as of now. There are still a them to abuse it; else our society shall become a dynasty of handful trusted leaders in our society but are endangered, either mutants. by suppression or death. The natural environment is the center of our life. It is where We commemorated the fifth anniversary of a man who sacrificed biodiversity gives life, clean water, clean air, food, medicine, his life for his people, Armin Rios Marin. He was elected councilor shelter and clothing. It is where the non-living things serve as for his staunch stand to defend the fragile ice-age island platform and balancing system for the whole life-cycle. ecosystem of Sibuyan in the province of Romblon. As he joined the island’s defenders, they successfully kicked out the world’s largest 52 53 waste pits near an active volcano with thousands of hectares nickel mining company. Though he only served for three months, agricultural land downstream. he lived by his principles and public trust to the last breath of his life – we have given him the power and together with the community, nourished and made it a platform for selfless public service and Mutating power payment for ecological services.

God-given, yes. And we should manage it responsibly with accountability. The real essence of sustainable development must be exercised.

Remember, mutants may be heroes on silver screen – but in public service, no way.

God-given, yes. And we should manage it responsibly with accountability. The real essence of sustainable development must be exercised.

Remember, mutants may be heroes on silver screen – but in public service, no way.

On candidates wanted to be elected as public servants, I once The campaign period started in February for national candidates asked this question: How many of our leaders now are willing to including partylists and last week of March for local ones. The city stand up selflessly for the general welfare, for a healthful and life becomes more colorful and the once lush green rural villages balanced ecology? are now filled with a kaleidoscope of smiling images and super promises of heavenly lives. Literally. Once elected and sworn into office, these ‘chosen’ people, depending on the position won, shall either make or implement To also avoid Manila’s election heat, noise and trash, I went back laws. How can we measure the seriousness of these people – their to my island home – one of the world’s biodiversity hotspot – and honesty? How can we expect them to really make and implement spent my time in solitude and joined the islanders in the Holy Week sensible policies? How can we be sure that they themselves will rituals. In the morning of Black Saturday, I took my late father’s old follow those policies enacted? motorcycle to enjoy the rural scenery. The short drive was also an opportunity to have a local feel of the first day of election Simply, let us learn from the words of a Greek philosopher named campaign. Aristotle: “He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.” Disappointing. Yes, it was disappointing when I approached the main street of the town’s center; I noticed a partylist sticker on a street post, and worse, all standing mango trees in the plaza Political will tacked with election propaganda. It was an overnight miracle of Holy Week, before Easter Sunday. Once political ‘wannabes’ signed their respective certificates of candidacy, they have sworn ‘to support and defend the I felt the Lorax in me. I may not be that shortish, oldish, brownish Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and will maintain and bossy creature of Dr. Seuss with a voice that was sharpish – true faith and allegiance thereto.’ Significantly, affixing their speaking in behalf of the trees, as told by a once greedy but now signatures, they promised to ‘obey the laws, legal orders and converted Once-ler. decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities,’ and pledged to ‘impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.’ 56 57

Rules and roles campaign or election propaganda on trees and plants, they shall be prosecuted for violation of these Rules, without prejudice to the Easter Sunday passed and I decided to go to a neighboring institution of a criminal complaint for the violation of Republic Act bigger island, but lo and behold – trees big and small, even shrubs No. 3571.’ and palm trees were miraculously growing bright colorful leaves with names of national and local power seekers. Holy of holies! These hooligans including hypocrite partylists are clearly violating What a celebration of Easter. laws and policies. How can they make and implement laws if they themselves and their loyal supporters cannot even follow existing I thought we have Republic Act No. 3571 prohibiting the cutting, rules? destroying or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, They may proclaim themselves as tree-huggers, tightly hugging parks, school premises or in any public ground. Section 4 of the trees in suffocation and killing them softly with plastic, nails, staples said law clearly says that ‘any person who shall cut, destroy or and strings; eventually, leaving all these trashes and wastes after injure trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value elections. mentioned in the preceding sections of this Act, shall be punished by prison correctional in its minimum period to prison mayor in its And why care for the trees? minimum period.’

Further, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 9615, Tree-hugging or the “Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 9006, Otherwise Known as the ‘Fair Election Act’ in Connection to University of Calcutta’s Dr. TM Das reminds us that ‘A tree is worth the 2013 National and Local Elections, and Subsequent Elections”, $193,250. A tree living for 50 years will generate about $31,250 Section 18b states that ‘in no instance shall an Election Officer worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, designate any trees, flowering plants, shrubs located along public control soil erosion and increase soil fertility to the tune of $31,250, roads, in plazas, parks, school premises or in any other public recycle $37,500 worth of water and provide a home for animals grounds as common poster areas. In cases where parties and worth $31,250. This figure does not include the value of fruits, candidates still persist in displaying, posting, or exhibiting of their lumber or beauty derived from trees.’ 58 59

The challenge? We can hug trees, but not criminally.

But now”, says the Once-ler, “Now that you’re here, the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear, UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, It’s not.

The challenge? We can hug trees, but not criminally.

But now”, says the Once-ler, “Now that you’re here, the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear, UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, It’s not.

An illustration of the evolution of The Philippine Politician has gone Great Flood—or perhaps, because of 30 pieces of silver, the viral on Facebook. Bearing a strong and offensive message of suicide of Judas. greed, it has become a revolutionary depiction of an ape-to-pig evolution which portrays a certain kind of addiction that leads to Humans invented machines and extracted fossil fuels to generate obesity. power, emitting huge amounts of carbon dioxide, in time rapidly thickening our atmosphere trapping heat, warming Earth resulting Indeed, to assert and make a tough point, branding is vital. The in inconsistent extreme weather patterns and events. Technology choice of terms and graphics is effective. In recent days, pigs became a new religion. Those who had the capacity and have become the center of attraction, the object of indignation. technical know-how inventing new wants rather than needs wanted to rule the world for the sake of their respective national When people talk about pork barrel, we think about pigs. securities. They waged wars and created chaos in “weak” but naturally rich states. And pigs are big. There was a time when being fat did not mean being greedy. There was a time in Europe when fat women were Hence, we now have the resource curse. adored and loved by men. This is true until now somewhere in the Pacific islands. To be big is to be beautiful. But where are the real pigs? Some are in piggeries fed with growers, boosters, lactating grains. They are tamed and But those who joined the protest picnic last Monday against the fattened—all for swine production. Some are in the wild—boars, pork barrel system must realize it is time to stop pointing our fingers hunting and eating in their own time, pace and space. Where are to the “greediness” of real pigs, crocodiles, snakes or other real snakes? Some are tamed, some are in the wild because they animals. Most disheartening is the issue that this is about the are afraid of people. Where are the crocodiles? One of them died human character of ravenousness which is worse than animals’. because he was alleged to have eaten a human and was punished to live to be exhibited in a concrete lake. If one believes in the story of Adam and Eve, ecological balance was lost when they ate the fruit of the forbidden tree. This led to In this whole pork barrel brouhaha, do we still need to use the the tragic plight of Cain and Abel which eventually ended in the allegedly greedy character of animals? Do we deny the fact that human character and ‘rationality’ have caused this mess? 62 63

Yes, humans did all this. We are accountable—and we need to solve this. Scientifically, a human is an animal with a unique brain. And some brains wanted to reign and rule, looking at others as objects, toys, food or slaves.

We must not blame the character of animals who only respond to stimuli and fight for their survival if they are threatened. In the Philippines context of corruption, what brought us here is the human brain, this brain created the pork barrel system. Let us not exaggerate the character or pigs and other animals.

Or is it the time to be animals ourselves—to fight for our survival?

Five years ago, I found myself riding in a tricycle within Ateneo de Fear? Manila University campus heading out to Katipunan Avenue – in silence. Three years ago, I was invited to visit a municipality in the northernmost part of the country where both onshore and offshore Suddenly I noticed that tears began to flow from eyes. The lady sands are being extracted for magnetite. The local executive beside me who happened to be one of our local organization’s sought our help on how to halt the mining operations in which, trustees embraced me and she began to cry, as well. ironically, allegedly the legislative chief fully supported.

Yes, one of our leaders was shot to death that very day in an For the record, the local executive broke the chain of decades- isolated island called Sibuyan. He was killed by an armed mining long political dynasty when he won the 2007 local elections. security officer while leading a protest against a research activity However, he was charged with a lot of administrative cases at the funded by a mining company. He was infuriated by the fact that provincial council and was suspended twice. The vice-mayor then mining conglomerate dummies were given special license to cut took over the mayoralty twice. some 70,000 trees and the world’s largest nickel mining company was trying to invest in the island. I was there in the last take-over. I was with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) team to visit the magnetite mining site. When To my knowledge, this is the only environmental killing case which we went back to the municipal hall, we were barred by armed a court tried to resolve – with three years of imprisonment for the policemen to enter. But I argued that my bag is in the mayor’s killer, after five years of seeking for justice. office. I was allowed to enter but the CHR was disallowed. To my dismay, they left the area in which until now the reason is unknown Weeks after the court decision, the local government units of the to me. province of Romblon, from the governor down to the lowly concerned barangay captain were sued by a mining company The mayor stood up by his principles and the municipal hall was for their local issuances against mining aiming to protect the locked inside. He declined to step down. Hours passed by, the environment and the rights of the their constituents. electricity line was cut, no water – with armed men around the area. Evening came and thanks to an internet broadband stick with a fully-charged laptop, I was able to communicate to Manila. 66 67

At last, through our religious connections, I was able to jump out opposing the largest copper mine in Southeast Asia, the from a window and was escorted by armed men to a makeshift Tampakan Copper-Gold Project of SMI-Xstrata. police security station where I was interrogated. The police head in command told me that the vice mayor wanted to see me and On the day when the Capion massacre happened in that that I should go to his place. I declined because I knew my life and gruesome morning, one of our anti-mining leaders Esperlita security were highly at risk given the situation. ‘Perling’ Garcia of Cagayan province was arrested for an alleged libelous Facebook post against magnetite mining in her town. I was allowed to go away, alone. I walked for almost a kilometer in the dark while at one time men riding in a motorcycle The day before, we marched from CHR to the House of approached me and asked questions in a language I was unable Representatives to halt mining operations until policies on mining to comprehend. I just walked and walked until I reached the industry are put in order. We were calling for the enactment of the place where I was fetched by church representative for safety. Philippine Mineral Resources Act of 2012 or the Alternative Minerals Management Bills (AMMB) which aims to put environment The mayor gave up his post the following day. After a year, his conservation, protection and rehabilitation first respecting the right close confidante and leader of the anti-mining movement was of the communities to decide, and push for concrete mining no- shot to death. go zones.

In the evening, we went to Mendiola to voice out the sentiments Endangered of indigenous peoples, farmers, fisherfolks and mining-affected communities who had joined the AMMB Caravan from more than To date, since year 2007, there are more than 30 environment 15 provinces in the country. We were joined by indigenous women activists who were murdered, almost all have been receiving who were vocal on their stand against the atrocities brought threats and being harassed. about by the mining industry among other development aggression. The president of the republic did not show up. Most recent were the murders of children Jordan Manda of Zamboanga del Sur, Jordan and Janjan with their pregnant Dr. Isidro Olan, an active anti-logging and anti-mining leader in mother Juvy Capion of Davao del Sur. Capion’s family has been Surigao del Sur survived in an ambush. 68 69

At risk?

Some say ours is a risky advocacy. The number of environment defenders may be few but the impact of what they do is for the benefit of all.

Threats are challenges. If we yield to threats, fear comes. The risks involved in this advocacy are inevitable. Being an environment advocate is a lifelong commitment. We are all called to discover for ourselves the amazing link of our lives to nature. Unless we are unable to accept that we are part of the totality of nature, we will continue to look at it as a mere object for utilization. This we do to learn from the past, address the abuses of the present and pay for our ecological debts for the next generations to come.

With the blood of those who died for the environment, environment defenders become warriors. And I am afraid, yes, we are becoming endangered species.

We may belong to the one percent of our country’s population, but we are everywhere, unnoticed. We are neither leftist nor rightist; we are just ordinary citizens promoting the constitutional rights to a healthful and balanced ecology for all.

At risk?

Some say ours is a risky advocacy. The number of environment defenders may be few but the impact of what they do is for the benefit of all.

With the blood of those who died for the environment, environment defenders become warriors. And I am afraid, yes, we are becoming endangered species.

“Hapi birthday my dear Rodne.” coupled with a real smile, I know our work would be full of adventures. That was the last text message I received from Maita.

Yes, I did not know her at first. Journey for a reason

“Hapi birthday my dear Rodne.” coupled with a real smile, I know our work would be full of adventures. That was the last text message I received from Maita.

Yes, I did not know her at first. Journey for a reason

The first time I heard her name was when I was still a volunteer for a Together with her assistant, we took a small plane to Tablas Island, mining policy reform campaign in 2008. She was interested to work spent a night in a simple bed and breakfast called Pearl’s Cafe for the campaign. and the next morning prepared brewed coffee for us – she brought with her a French press! After two years, I met her in a cozy office of Action for Economic Reforms (AER), the home of a transparency in extractive industries Our boat trip to Sibuyan Island was full of surprises – surprises of campaign called Bantay Kita. I was tasked to assist her in a series knowing her inner beauty – intelligence, wisdom, generosity and of fora and focused group discussions on the economics and simplicity. She was flexible. The island people loved her not transparency in the mining industry. because she was a celebrity but being a down to earth woman – from politicians, the religious to the plain housewives, fishers and I wanted to know more about her. I admit, before going to the farmers. office of Bantay Kita, I googled her name online and explored the web to learn more about this woman – the ordinariness of her After rounds of meetings with the townsfolk, we decided to refresh extraordinary life. I asked Fr. Archie Casey, a Scottish missionary, ourselves. I grabbed my father’s motorcycle and drove Maita and and my superior Jaybee Garganera about this ’queen reformist a woman guide to the still undeveloped Dagubdob Falls. There, turned economist’ and how to deal with her. They just smiled and she marveled at the beauty of nature. For me, it was the right time at least I felt relieved. to ask her on how she became so interested with environmental issues especially mining. Intimidating. That was my first impression. But when she stared back at me and called me by my first name with her husky voice She looked at me and answered: “Rodne, it’s so unfair, it should be just and fair.” Then she looked at us again, one by one, shook 72 73 her head and said: “Never permit the miners destroy your island.” I was then tempted to ask her if she were afraid. If my memory is She smiled again held a pitcher plant and drank fresh water from right, she answered back, “Why would I be afraid? You have to one pitcher. face all these if you want to serve the people. If it is your time, then it is your time – it is natural.” We needed to catch the plane in Tablas Island which would leave mid-morning. The mayor of San Fernando town offered a And the rest is history. speedboat and at 4 o’clock in the morning we found ourselves crossing the rough Sibuyan Sea. I had second thoughts, a 63 year She became a mother, a grandmother, an adviser. She accepted old woman and a former beauty queen, crossing Sibuyan Sea? me as I am. I was unable to thank her for the lessons I learned from our conversations, work-related or personal – even love life. After two hours, we were in the middle of the notorious nautical highway, with 3-5 meters high waves. I was consistently asking Maita and her assistant if they were okay. Staring at her, I saw no Farewells fear. Minutes later, flying fishes were literally flying into and over the boat. I felt a little nervousness – what if sharks and barracudas Madam Maita, wherever you are, I want you to know that I would fly over our boat? Maita was still calm despite the cold – we cannot again ask you to ask me if I smoke, you would know my were all wet, five of us – the other two are the boat operators. answer (“Yes, I am a second hand smoker.”), and we would burst into laughter. One hour passed, we got lost. The captain of the boat could not remember where we ought to dock. But thanks God, I know my I shall miss that moment when you felt cold and you asked for my geography and the mysterious Kalatong mountain showed up. It coat. I was really worried about you that day at the Ateneo de helped us locate the airport by the beach. Davao University.

A four-hour travel, indeed! We reached Tablas Island and Maita How I wish to go back to that paradise island in Lumot Lake where was smiling at us while saying like: “Oh, we are here. We had a Mother Nature where the earth, air, wind and fire are felt as one – great boat ride, isn’t it?.” Of course, her assistant was relieved and from the moment I left Manila to the last minute of the travel, you fear was gone. never stopped guiding me. 74 75 her head and said: “Never permit the miners destroy your island.” I was then tempted to ask her if she were afraid. If my memory is She smiled again held a pitcher plant and drank fresh water from right, she answered back, “Why would I be afraid? You have to one pitcher. face all these if you want to serve the people. If it is your time, then it is your time – it is natural.” We needed to catch the plane in Tablas Island which would leave mid-morning. The mayor of San Fernando town offered a And the rest is history. speedboat and at 4 o’clock in the morning we found ourselves crossing the rough Sibuyan Sea. I had second thoughts, a 63 year She became a mother, a grandmother, an adviser. She accepted old woman and a former beauty queen, crossing Sibuyan Sea? me as I am. I was unable to thank her for the lessons I learned from our conversations, work-related or personal – even love life. After two hours, we were in the middle of the notorious nautical highway, with 3-5 meters high waves. I was consistently asking Maita and her assistant if they were okay. Staring at her, I saw no Farewells fear. Minutes later, flying fishes were literally flying into and over the boat. I felt a little nervousness – what if sharks and barracudas Madam Maita, wherever you are, I want you to know that I would fly over our boat? Maita was still calm despite the cold – we cannot again ask you to ask me if I smoke, you would know my were all wet, five of us – the other two are the boat operators. answer (“Yes, I am a second hand smoker.”), and we would burst into laughter. One hour passed, we got lost. The captain of the boat could not remember where we ought to dock. But thanks God, I know my I shall miss that moment when you felt cold and you asked for my geography and the mysterious Kalatong mountain showed up. It coat. I was really worried about you that day at the Ateneo de helped us locate the airport by the beach. Davao University.

I shall miss all our activities together, the humor and the wisdom, plus the one-liners which tickled our minds yet challenging our beliefs and perspectives.

Next year, no Maita shall greet me on my birthday, but your greetings last June shall be forever.

You may not be able to cross the stormy Sibuyan Sea again, but I am sure you are now smoothly sailing to eternity.

You may not be able to drink water from a pitcher plant, but I am sure you are now drinking from the fountain of life.

You may not be able to go back to that island in Lumot Lake, but I am sure you shall reach the paradise reserved for a hero like you.

What I know is that she now became a successful environment advocate who left a great challenge to all of us: we cannot just monetize our natural resources to satisfy the greed of the few.

Maita may be as gentle as the zephyr’s touch but if one is oppressed, she is as fierce as the big and strong waves of a stormy sea.

I shall miss all our activities together, the humor and the wisdom, plus the one-liners which tickled our minds yet challenging our beliefs and perspectives.

Next year, no Maita shall greet me on my birthday, but your greetings last June shall be forever.

You may not be able to cross the stormy Sibuyan Sea again, but I am sure you are now smoothly sailing to eternity.

You may not be able to drink water from a pitcher plant, but I am sure you are now drinking from the fountain of life.

You may not be able to go back to that island in Lumot Lake, but I am sure you shall reach the paradise reserved for a hero like you.

What I know is that she now became a successful environment advocate who left a great challenge to all of us: we cannot just monetize our natural resources to satisfy the greed of the few.

Maita may be as gentle as the zephyr’s touch but if one is oppressed, she is as fierce as the big and strong waves of a stormy sea.

What is mine is what I own, that is what is ours is what we own. Heritage is of the past which continues to exist in the present to be Making what we own theirs without our cognizance and preserved responsibly for the future. It is what we own and it owns permission is stealing. us. It owns us because we depend our livelihood on it, that it produces what we need to exist. Making what I own, which I did not acquire nor asked for, ours is collective ownership. It is the recognition of the responsibility of my Making what is ours theirs for the sake of development is noble but peers to my possession – to protect me and what I own from if part of it would be salvaged and taken away from us is possible harm by some others who do not belong to our circle disagreeable. Sustainable development, a kind which gives though may intrude and declare that they are also responsible to balance to all, living and non-living to progress in harmony and co- what we now own through collective ownership. The fact that existing interdependently, should be offered instead. they do not belong to the circle and are alien to us, their ownership is not inherent. We may permit them to take It is environmental heritage that I ought to point out. Environment is responsibility with the aim of advancing our status, however, if the highest form of heritage we have for the one who has given taking such responsibility for their own utility by taking what we this kind of inheritance is inherently unknowable, hence the length own from us is an absolute harassment. of being of it being ours is unknowable, eternal. This, for us as heirs, is inherent inheritance. Heritage I say this as one of the heirs of an ice-age island geographically What is ours is what we call heritage. This is how what I own located at the center of the Philippine archipelago. Though some becomes ours. Hence, what we own depends on how we own it may disagree with me, this is my own perspective and I would be and we, as owners, see to it that it is being utilized for our own glad if others may share mine – this might become a collective benefit to live in the present and prepare for the future without ideal. defecting our interdependence on each other, including the dependence of what we own as regards its continuous existence Mine, mine in defense from utilization through exploitation by aliens. The issue at hand is mining. What a word to play with, but the word is quite controversial and it needs a deep but careful 78 79 understanding and scrutiny. Generally speaking, mining is There are more issues to be considered and resolved as tantamount to exploitation—land exploitation in this case. Yet, no consequences of the mining industry. Some are patrimony, matter how we put some other technical and obscure meanings environmental degradation, and social division, among others. on it, still the meaning remains the same. The root-word of the term ‘Mining’ can be a source of greed and selfishness, of hate and is ‘mine’, the verb is ‘to mine’, and the act of it is ‘mining’. What is apathy. Promises for economic stability and development are being produced after the process is the ‘mined’, whatever it is. temporary. Words are interconnected and meanings are related. Hence the act of mining is not only to exploit the land to get the minerals, but May I quote Dr. Ernesto Gonzales’, former Director of the University also ‘mining’ what was ‘mined’ — or owning it. So what is ours is of Santo Tomas – Social Research Center, comment during the being ‘mined’ to become theirs. In the process, to become what is Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference General Assembly on the issue ours to be theirs, that is mining what is ours, they equate it of mining: “Instead of creating wealth, mining industry in the monetarily, either momentarily or permanently. For a time, to Philippines has created poverty.” exploit and take some away; or for all time, to exploit and take away all what could be taken out in so far as they claim it and Now, the Philippines opened her doors to foreigners to mine our take the monetary equation, they have given in exchange, a minerals. It is now what I call mining what is ours and making it thousand fold. theirs. I think it is now also the time to open our eyes to this reality.

To consider mining as avenue for development and poverty Gradually, our land are being exploited—the land our ancestors alleviation to a third-world country excited to progress is far from tilled and cared for for centuries; the land our heroes defended reality and could be considered as a myth. First-world countries and martyrs fought for. And in the name of development and such as the United States of America, China and Japan economic progress, the Philippines is now an open country—for commenced their journey to development and progress, primarily, foreigners and some Filipino greedy capitalists selling our lands and through agriculture, a historical fact. Thus, considering mining as minerals. For whose benefit? For them and for the chosen few. alternative for development is a wrong notion, at least here in the They gain, we lose. Philippines. If we say ‘alternative’, we should choose what is better, safer and sustainable. Treasure under our feet? Yes, indeed, but not to be exploited for our land is not for mining (at least in island ecosystems such as 80 81 understanding and scrutiny. Generally speaking, mining is There are more issues to be considered and resolved as tantamount to exploitation—land exploitation in this case. Yet, no consequences of the mining industry. Some are patrimony, matter how we put some other technical and obscure meanings environmental degradation, and social division, among others. on it, still the meaning remains the same. The root-word of the term ‘Mining’ can be a source of greed and selfishness, of hate and is ‘mine’, the verb is ‘to mine’, and the act of it is ‘mining’. What is apathy. Promises for economic stability and development are being produced after the process is the ‘mined’, whatever it is. temporary. Words are interconnected and meanings are related. Hence the act of mining is not only to exploit the land to get the minerals, but May I quote Dr. Ernesto Gonzales’, former Director of the University also ‘mining’ what was ‘mined’ — or owning it. So what is ours is of Santo Tomas – Social Research Center, comment during the being ‘mined’ to become theirs. In the process, to become what is Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference General Assembly on the issue ours to be theirs, that is mining what is ours, they equate it of mining: “Instead of creating wealth, mining industry in the monetarily, either momentarily or permanently. For a time, to Philippines has created poverty.” exploit and take some away; or for all time, to exploit and take away all what could be taken out in so far as they claim it and Now, the Philippines opened her doors to foreigners to mine our take the monetary equation, they have given in exchange, a minerals. It is now what I call mining what is ours and making it thousand fold. theirs. I think it is now also the time to open our eyes to this reality.

What is mine and making it theirs is unacceptable.

82 ours). Our minerals are treasures of the very soil that make our plants grow to satisfy our hunger eaten and waters flow to quench our thirst.

What is mine and making it theirs is unacceptable.

What happens when, from nowhere, aliens show up in imperial center of governance without the free, prior and informed communities bringing hopes and promises of good life, wealth and consent of the communities? prosperity? What happens when a government and an entity sign a mutual What happens when communities are given perks and monies to agreement not read by the folks in a far-flung island? agree to the planned path of development to eliminate poverty? What happens when an agreement clandestinely signed without What happens when communities stand up and declare their the presence of communities is enforced, and they are expected opposition to a masterplan made for them by so-called “experts” to follow and respect them? whose names are unknown? What happens when government leaders, with powers borrowed What happens when these aliens gather communities for from the sovereign citizenry, respect the so-called sanctity of an consultations outside the village where they live? What happens agreement without courtesy to the sanctity of the social contract when they are called to participate in activities where they are for the general welfare? given attendance sheets to be signed? What happens when the government, with powers borrowed from What happens when communities are divided as anti- or pro-? the sovereign people, force communities to breathe and eat the What happens when best of friends become mortal enemies, very soil on which they were born? leaders become dealers and the words of God are used in vain for the interest of the few? What happens when people take a stand and shut their mouths to decline the soil forcibly fed them, and open their mouths only What happens when respected community leaders are tempted when there is a chance to express their opposition? to be bribed? Or when their credibility is destroyed with malicious information, allegations and litigation coming out of nowhere? What happens when communities install barricades to block machines and their operators? What happens when voluminous documents are gathered to support the feasibility of pre-ordained agreements, and reach the 84 85

What happens when the government of the strong republic and What happens when the prophets of development hire the most the righteous path allow these aliens to bring long shiny metal arms expensive law firms with “top-caliber” lawyers, sometimes ferried in to defend themselves? and out by private choppers and posh luxury vehicles?

What happens when women and children together with What happens when a handful of alternative lawyers serving concerned and senior citizens link arms? communities pro bono are threatened, their credibility and dignity trampled on by their compañeros and compañeras in the What happens when those who oppose are threatened, sued, practice of law? wounded or killed in the name of the sanctity of contracts? What happens when communities lose the case? What happens when communities have no resources, strength and access to the arsenal of complicated technicalities of the law What happens when communities lose hope? supposedly made to defend their rights? What happens when folks are forced to breathe nickel, copper or What happens when they seek to defend themselves in a sala chromite in; drink free “mineralized” water or else buy galloons of very far from where they live—forcing them to travel long through purified water? rugged roads or face big waves in stormy seas? What happens when these aliens and their cohorts leave the What happens when bigwigs and influential aliens show their islands after moving and transporting mountains without perpetual might, power, and wealth to the honorable prosecutors and accountability for the damage done? What happens when judges? communities are left to their own devices?

What happens when local officials defend the aliens and their What happens when the very portal of Western civilization to the local cohorts rather than their constituents, under threat of being Pearl of the Orient Seas is being sold by the government itself? sued and plagued with administrative complaints using the technicalities of litigation? What happens when seascape and landscape, supposed to be protected by the government, are opened up to be exploited? 86 87

What happens when an area of the so-called Galapagos of Asia, with mangrove swamp forest reserves around and pristine green mountains teeming with biodiversity, is allowed to be exploited through a midnight approval?

What happens when cultures are maligned, when women of the aliens’ kind are branded as “diwatas” or fairies, contrary to the inherent nature of these beings with special roles of protecting ecological balance?

What happens when all these are actually taking place in Homonhon and Manicani islands in Guiuan town of Eastern Samar province; and in Sibuyan Island in Romblon—and perhaps, in some other mining areas in the country?

What happens when, in the name of inclusive economic growth, s**t happens?

The controversial Executive Order 79 signed by President Benigno that there are 35 endangered and endemic species in almost all Simeon C. Aquino III and its Implementing Rules and Regulations barangays outside the protected area, Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural are already set in place. What’s next? Consider the case of Park (MGGNP). With an approximate area of 15,265.48 hectares, Sibuyan Island, situated in the middle of the Philippines composed MGGNP has been established by virtue of Presidential of three municipalities belonging to the province of Romblon. Proclamation 746 in 1996 under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (NIPAS) or Republic Act 7586. Moreover, a publication ‘Priority Sites for Conservation in the Philippines: Key Biodiversity hotspot Biodiversity Areas’ by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources This ice-age island called Sibuyan Island is undoubtedly a hotspot (DENR) exposes that there are one critically endangered, four for biodiversity conservation as seen by the scientific community. endangered, and eight vulnerable species of biodiversity within Biologists claim that the island has vast variety of flora and fauna and outside the protected area. species found nowhere else in the world. The National Museum counted 1,551 trees in one hectare with 223 species, of which 54 In a publication of DENR together with the United Nations are endemic, concluding that Sibuyan has the world’s densest Development Program (UNDP), New Conservation Areas in the forest, as confirmed by noted botanist Dr. Domingo Madulid. Thirty- Philippines Project, it assesses that “several new (endemic three percent of the land area is basically primary forest which mammal) species have been discovered in small islands such as covers more than 140 square kilometers. Sibuyan (five new species) and Camiguin (two new species), catapulting these islands to a new status as centers of mammal This 445 square kilometer island is a center of endemism, endemism.” It further explained that “the distribution of land according to the US-based scientific institute The Field Museum mammals illustrates that each island that existed in the Philippines which also says that the beetles and lizards of Sibuyan have yet to during the latest Ice Age period is a unique center of biodiversity. be studied, but it would be a good bet that more new species Smaller islands that remained isolated during the Ice Age, remain to be discovered by biologists. Sibuyan Island boasts 700 although small, are also considered unique centers of biodiversity. vascular plant species and is a critical plant site as described by One example is Sibuyan Island (463 km2), which hosts four species the Philippine National Herbarium. A scientific study conducted by of endemic non-flying mammals (plus one bat), a total exceeding University of the Philippines researcher Miah Mayo Malixi shows that of any country in Europe.” 90 91

Almost every year, new biological species are being discovered. In 2008, a new species of stick insect has been discovered, the Pharnaciamagdiwang. In 2010, a new species of shrew has been Threats documented, crociduraninoyi. Gekkocoi or Leonard’s Forest Gecko, named after famous taxonomist Leonardo Co, and was Since year 2008, the whole province of Romblon, including known in 2011. And in 2012, a new owl species has been found, Sibuyan Island, has been stricken by flooding, landslides, storm NinoxPhilippensisSpilonota. surges and typhoons, to mention Typhoons Frank, among others, which devastated crops and livestock amounting to Php 110 MGGNP has been proclaimed by PAWB as an Important Bird Area million. Further, the combined climate and weather related risks (PH 058) and Conservation Priority Site (CPA 82). The seas of water vulnerability of the Romblon is relatively high. In fact, the surrounding Sibuyan and Romblon Islands have been considered geohazard maps of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau show that as a priority conservation area for Cetaceans. Sibuyan Island is almost 100% of Sibuyan Island barangays are highly susceptible to also a Conservation Priority Area for amphibians and reptiles. flood. Additionally, nearly 85% of Sibuyan Island is highly susceptible to landslides. In addition, the whole island has been declared a mangrove forest swamp reserve through Presidential Proclamation 2152 in On 23 December 2009, five days before he resigned as DENR 1981, putting it as an initial component NIPAS. head, Secretary Lito Atienza approved a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) valid for 25 years in favor of Altai To emphasize and maximize biodiversity conservation for and of Philippines Mining Corporation (Altai), a subsidiary of Canada- communities, a project granted by the UNDP in the amount of US$ based Altai Resources Inc., which is now operated by Sibuyan 48,982 had been satisfactorily completed. The project mainly the Nickel Properties Development Corporation (SNPDC) by virtue of Sibuyan Island Ecotourism Development Plan which according to an agreement on November 2004 with SNPDC’s Australian UNDP’s Small Grant’s Program, a biodiversity conservation Connection and shareholder Sunshine Gold Pty. Ltd., a subsidiary undertaking through the promotion and institutionalization of of Australia-based Pelican Resources Ltd. As early as 2006, SNPDC ecotourism programs and projects and setting-up of an island- through its subsidiaries All-Acacia Resources Inc. and Sun-Pacific wide network that will serve as support mechanism for Resources Inc. applied for small-scale mining permits before environmental conservation and management. operating under Altai’s mineral rights. 92 93

With the call of communities, and one life sacrificed in the person In 2007, then DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes issued a Special of San Fernando Councilor Armin Rios-Marin, the local government Cutting of Trees Permit within 406 hectares of land, equal to units invoked their constitutional rights to a healthful and balanced 9,455.183 cubic meters or more or less four million board feet, in ecology under Article II Sections 15 and 16 of the Philippine which conservation institution Haribon Foundation assessed that Constitution and the general welfare clause of the Local there are threatened tree species to be cut such as apitong and Government Code of 1991, Chapter II Section 16; and the yakal species included in the national list of endangered plant provisions of Climate Change Act, Disaster Risk Reduction species. Although the permit has been suspended, it was neither Management Act, National Integrated Protected Areas Act, revoked nor cancelled and may be lifted anytime. Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, Philippine Agenda 21; and in the spirit of the Convention on Biodiversity, Rio Declaration As of September 2012, there are active applications for MPSA in an on Environment and Development, the United Nations Millennium area of 623.70 hectares for feldspar, 1,791.21 hectares for nickel Development Goals, and all of the aforesaid facts and figures; in and chromite exploration, and 544.3 hectares for gold under which the Mining Act of 1995 stands alone together with the Small Minahang Bayan. Scale Mining Act of 1991, and some other related policies, although constitutional; intergenerational responsibility and precautionary principles are also invoked to exempt Sibuyan Social acceptability Island from mining.

Despite the joint resolutions of the three municipalities of Sibuyan: If mining would still be allowed in critical island ecosystems which Magdiwang, Cajidiocan and San Fernando which clearly says that has delicate biodiversity and excellent ecotourism potentials; in “Sibuyan Island’s sustainable development can be achieved protected areas, mapped geohazard areas, without social through enhancing the vast agricultural lands and natural acceptability with companies circumventing laws and policies in bounties of the island than through the temporal benefits mining favor of themselves hiding in corporate veils in connivance with industry have promised; and believed that in the pursuit of the corrupt officials, then Executive Order 79 and its Implementing development of the passionate care for Mother Earth and the Rules and Regulations are inutile, so do with the Mining Act of Environment shall not be set aside and disregarded,” the national 1995. government still accepts mining applications in the island. 94 95

Thankfully, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau suspended the activities of SNPDC.

But, suspension is not enough – the license must be revoked, if the executive order under the shadow of the mining act is effective.

Shaping our country’s future?

Quo vadis?

Thankfully, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau suspended the activities of SNPDC.

But, suspension is not enough – the license must be revoked, if the executive order under the shadow of the mining act is effective.

Shaping our country’s future?

Quo vadis?

DISCLAIMER: This piece has religious belief bias in the context of the issue discussed: the the hands of unscrupulous people who focus only on profit and Vatican’s GMO Study Week in May 2009. This letter was addressed to the Director of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Most Rev. Marcelo Sachez Sorondo. certainly not on the well-being of all people. A more just system of distribution and not the manufacturing of genetically modified I live on an island in the middle of the Philippines, where the foods is the key to addressing the problem. If one wants to pursue world’s densest forest flourishes, the Philippines’ cleanest inland GMOs one can freely do so, but without hiding that it’s a way to body of water flows and the majestic Mt. Guiting-guiting dwells. make more profits.”

We still enjoy the bounties of nature given by God Almighty – naturally providing us food to live. However, the food that nature Hands of Unscrupulous People gives us reflects the Good and Greatness of the Creator. His love emanates from the very crops that we grow through the nutrients On our island, we have vast rice lands which may produce more from nature itself. than what we want. The problem, however, is the price. When asked on the high price issue, the rice dealers’ general answer is: Our environment is generally naturally intact, because of the ‘Because there is rice crisis according to the media and fertilizers, desire of the island-people to live in harmony with nature. pesticides and herbicides are expensive.”

In connection, I have heard about the Academy’s Study Week on Why not focus on technology which will diminish the use of Genetically Modified Organisms. It seems very alarming that such herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticide which distort and destroy the involvement of our very Mother the Church may lead to the natural processes of food production and soil nutrients? Because distortion of the very natural processes of creation. these unscrupulous people sell their chemicals to poor small farmers for profit? Or are these unscrupulous people the scientists It is true that by the intelligence of the mind given by the Almighty who wanted to sell their technology to the Church herself shall be utilized for the good of mankind: to solve the so-called sacrificing her adherence to the Integrity of Creation? poverty problem. Why not focus on organic agriculture. I still dream of a Garden of I chanced to read the words of His Eminence Renato Cardinal Eden where everything is in harmony with the whole Creation and Martino published on L’Osservatore Romano that food crisis “is in the Creator himself. 98 99

Focus on Profit What is Natural Law, anyway? Science is not artificial, and primarily must seek the Truth, the truth that everything conforms to the Hoarding is one of the major issues here. When the price of food is natural processes. cheap, food products are kept for future’s high price. GMO companies produce the research, the sample of the research, Shall Vatican involve and participate herself to the grand and the product of the research, for how much? formation of a New World Order? – The One-government Earth, to manipulate Creation? Although I may commit a fallacy of Moral upliftment on the just and right economics and trade for the generalization and jumping into a conclusion, exaggeration, well-being of all people – a just system of distribution is the real forgive me. answer: the just and fair distribution of every country’s wealth and food, not always for export (for the so-called economic boom of a I am an organism, I am not manipulated. My parents participated certain nation) for the benefit of some other countries. Food in God’s masterpiece through pro-creation. secured countries should share justly their abundance to famine and poverty affected communities. If one wants to pursue GMOs I am therefore rightful to be nourished by organisms which are not on can freely do so, but without hiding that it’s a way to make manipulated and modified, or else I shall become (or part of me) more profits. More easily produced organisms and food means modified. more profit. Who can produce more GMOs? The people who have the money and technology-the people who can manipulate Your Excellency, allowing GMOs is tantamount to say the Vatican the production of food in the whole world? opens the fiery gates of Cloning.

However, scientifically, we are called organisms, part of the larger Let us be reminded of the words of John Paul the Great during the organism we call Earth. We are not modified. Is it not moral to say last Jubilee on November 12, 2000 to more than 50,000 Italian that we should eat the food produced through our labor in sweat farmers: and in blood? “… resist the temptation of high productivity and profit that work to the detriment of the respect of nature… when (farmers) forget this

100 101

100 101 basic principle and become tyrants of the earth rather than its origins of human life itself. It is evident that in any area as delicate custodians… sooner or later the earth rebels.” as this, indifference to fundamental ethical norms, or their rejection, would lead humankind to the very threshold of self- Further, the great Pope said: destruction.”

“We must take into account the nature of each being and of its The Great Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas once wrote: mutual connection in an ordered system which is precisely the ‘cosmos.” (The Social Concern of the Church, #34, 1987) “God brought things into being in order that the divine goodness might be communicated to creatures… The whole universe In another statement by the great Pope during the World Day of together participates in divine goodness more perfectly, and Peace in 1990, he said: represents it better, than any single creature whatever.” (Summa Theologiae Part I, Question 47, Art 1) “… certain elements of today’s ecological crisis reveal its moral character. First among these is the indiscriminate application of The Sacred Scriptures, in the Book of Genesis, further says: advances in science and technology…The application of these discoveries in the fields of industry and agriculture have produced “God saw that it was good…was very good.” harmful long-term effects.” Does it mean that promoting GMOs, the Holy Mother the Church “This has led to the painful realization that we cannot interfere in may proclaim statements in the superlative sense higher than the one area of the ecosystem without paying due attention both to words of Yahweh: We saw GMO was excellent, amazingly the consequences of such interference in other areas and to the excellent!? well-being of future generations… We can only look with deep concern at the enormous possibilities of biological research. We Let us consider the recommendations of Fr. Roland Lesseps SJ and are not yet in a position to assess the biological disturbance that Fr. Peter Henriot SJ, in which I share and agree: could result from indiscriminate genetic manipulation and from the unscrupulous development of new forms of plant and animal life, 1. Theological and ethical concerns must be primary in any to say nothing of unacceptable experimentation regarding the discussion promoted by church groups. 102 103 basic principle and become tyrants of the earth rather than its origins of human life itself. It is evident that in any area as delicate custodians… sooner or later the earth rebels.” as this, indifference to fundamental ethical norms, or their rejection, would lead humankind to the very threshold of self- Further, the great Pope said: destruction.”

It is selfishness. It is to rule the world. To conquer the world through 2. Genetic modification does not meet the tests of the social war. The solution is the genuine AGAPE. teaching of the church for genuine integral development that respects human rights and the order of creation. To put into action the EGALITARIAN CHALLENGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 3. The church has the responsibility to educate its members to the religious values essential in evaluating use of GMOs in agriculture. Peace be with us all.

4. Political pressures should be brought by Justice and Peace groups across the world to promote non-GMO approaches to meeting problems of hunger. Your Excellency, again, let me strongly say: I am an organism. I am not manipulated, or else if I am, I would commit blasphemy by saying, that I was modified by my parents in cooperation with God’s unscrupulous manipulation of mankind.

What is important for me is my cooperation in the continuous processes of nature and development in harmony with the very Creation God created out of Love.

Your Excellency, the sole solution for Famine is LOVE – which emanates from justice and peace.

FAMINE is the absence of a sense of a harmonious family in the whole world living in Love, Justice and Peace. The FAMily of nations are being conquered by a powerful few: they will say, ‘This FAMily shall be MINE’. 104 105

What is important for me is my cooperation in the continuous processes of nature and development in harmony with the very Creation God created out of Love.

Your Excellency, the sole solution for Famine is LOVE – which emanates from justice and peace.

106

In 2008, Presidential Proclamation No. 1482 was signed declaring Year 2013’s Earth Day challenge is to reflect on the theme: The year 2008 as Year of Planet Earth and the month of April every Face of Climate Change. Earth Day Network stresses that ‘climate year thereafter as the Month of Planet Earth in the Philippines. The change can seem like a remote problem for our leaders, but the following year, the United Nations adopted a resolution fact is that it’s already impacting real people, animals, and designating April 22 as International Mother Earth Day. beloved places. These Faces of Climate Change are multiplying every day. Fortunately, other Faces of Climate Change are Originally, Earth Day was conceptualized in 1969 at a global multiplying too: those stepping up to do something about it.’ conference in the United States and proposed March 21, 1970, the first day of spring – the equinox, which was then adopted by the We are asked: How has climate change impacted you? What are United Nations. The following month, another Earth Day movement you doing to be part of the solution? was founded by American senator Gaylord Nelson after witnessing the Sta. Barbara oil spill environmental disaster. With the aim of The Philippines is the most vulnerable to typhoons and Manila is the teaching students and communities environmental conservation second most at risk city from climate change. We have the senator is ‘convinced that all we need to do to bring an experienced series of catastrophes due to irresponsible overwhelming insistence of the new generation that we stem the environmental management largely induced by climate-risk tide of environmental disaster is to present the facts clearly and industries implemented by the government. dramatically.’ Earth Day was then celebrated April 22, 1970 with over 20 million people participating. With Earth Day Network What are the problems? What is the state of the Philippine leading the global activity, Earth Day has been observed by many environment? national governments and civil society movements.

Is there a need to celebrate? Celebrating the existence of our Philippine environment planet is recognizing our dependence on its abundance. Participation in this annual activity means acceptance of the full For a year, I sat as the youngest trustee of Green Convergence for responsibility and accountability to bring back the original role of Safe Food, Healthy Environment, and Sustainable Economy (Green human beings in the grand preservation of harmony and order in Convergence) which includes organizations, coalitions, and nature. But how can we celebrate if Mother Earth weeps? networks that aim for a development paradigm that would 108 109 address the need for social and economic upliftment, but at the Soil and land quality is number three. Soil degradation and acidity same time preserve life-supporting water, air and land for have been imminent due to pesticides and fertilizers in sugar and generations to come. Its members are each working on broad rice plantations. Sand quarry and mining were also mentioned themes or specific issues that either promote or are stumbling especially massive and illegal black sand mining. Rich top soil has blocks to the attainment of its vision. Every year for the past six been affected because of erosion and heavy rains. Waste years, Green Convergence, led by its president Dr. Angelina P. management has been tracked as problematic. Galang, has held a Green SONA or State of the Nature Assessment where the performance of the government has been analyzed Next in rank is poor air quality due to vehicle pollution and other based on its governance in important environmental issues. urban sources. Other culprits are dust and chemicals from sugar central and mining areas. Unregulated piggeries and poultries To assess the year that was, we have conducted a survey close to communities posed health risks. Garbage and plastic throughout the country and ranked main environmental problems incineration and burning have been observed. observed by communities, its impacts, and possible solutions. Mining has been identified as one of the main problems. Main Water quality ranked first. It has been indicated that water effect of bullish promotion of mining has been the destruction of contamination has been caused by cyanide and mercury from watersheds which eventually causes flooding. The environment mining, pesticides from palm oil and banana plantations, has been destroyed in the affected areas as large quantities of chemicals from sugar central and pig wastes; on top of the usual mineral ores are transported to other countries. Communities have plastic wastes and other garbage. been divided and social relationships destroyed. It has been found out that, indeed, mining induces climate-related disasters. Forest denudation came second because of illegal logging especially in watersheds. It has been identified that due to Next problem identified was the declining fish supply due to illegal poverty, small communities resort to log for livelihood including fishing, dynamite and cyanide fishing, ‘pangulong’ large charcoal making. Large and small scale mining and conversion of commercial fishing in municipal waters, and ‘buli-buli’ or fine-net forests to abaca plantations and agricultural farms cause further fishing. These fishing activities led to marine ecosystem destruction destruction. and overfishing. Additionally, conversion of mangrove forest to fishponds has been observed. 110 111 address the need for social and economic upliftment, but at the Soil and land quality is number three. Soil degradation and acidity same time preserve life-supporting water, air and land for have been imminent due to pesticides and fertilizers in sugar and generations to come. Its members are each working on broad rice plantations. Sand quarry and mining were also mentioned themes or specific issues that either promote or are stumbling especially massive and illegal black sand mining. Rich top soil has blocks to the attainment of its vision. Every year for the past six been affected because of erosion and heavy rains. Waste years, Green Convergence, led by its president Dr. Angelina P. management has been tracked as problematic. Galang, has held a Green SONA or State of the Nature Assessment where the performance of the government has been analyzed Next in rank is poor air quality due to vehicle pollution and other based on its governance in important environmental issues. urban sources. Other culprits are dust and chemicals from sugar central and mining areas. Unregulated piggeries and poultries To assess the year that was, we have conducted a survey close to communities posed health risks. Garbage and plastic throughout the country and ranked main environmental problems incineration and burning have been observed. observed by communities, its impacts, and possible solutions. Mining has been identified as one of the main problems. Main Water quality ranked first. It has been indicated that water effect of bullish promotion of mining has been the destruction of contamination has been caused by cyanide and mercury from watersheds which eventually causes flooding. The environment mining, pesticides from palm oil and banana plantations, has been destroyed in the affected areas as large quantities of chemicals from sugar central and pig wastes; on top of the usual mineral ores are transported to other countries. Communities have plastic wastes and other garbage. been divided and social relationships destroyed. It has been found out that, indeed, mining induces climate-related disasters. Forest denudation came second because of illegal logging especially in watersheds. It has been identified that due to Next problem identified was the declining fish supply due to illegal poverty, small communities resort to log for livelihood including fishing, dynamite and cyanide fishing, ‘pangulong’ large charcoal making. Large and small scale mining and conversion of commercial fishing in municipal waters, and ‘buli-buli’ or fine-net forests to abaca plantations and agricultural farms cause further fishing. These fishing activities led to marine ecosystem destruction destruction. and overfishing. Additionally, conversion of mangrove forest to fishponds has been observed. 110 111

Poverty and environment Water supply has been declining according to the survey conducted especially for irrigating farms and gardens. Water More poor communities – many hungry mouths to feed; a rapid levels in deep wells are also decreasing. Planting water-depleting response is necessary. And what is the main solution of the Gmelina tree species in reforestation activities is alarming. government to address poverty? The conditional cash transfer or Generally, cutting trees in watersheds has been stressed as main CCT. problem. The yellow government’s thrust to address poverty is to eliminate These problems identified led to flooding, low crop yield and fish corruption as manifested in the campaign ‘Kung walang corrupt, catch, low income, hunger, sickness. All boils down to higher walang mahirap.’ The people must benefit from the very wealth of poverty incidence which will also affect access to education. the country not the big businessmen and corporation in connivance with greedy public officials who only think how to fatten their own pockets. What shall we do? In reality, however, we do not see CCT as a long-term solution for Political will is needed to implement laws. The voices of the poverty alleviation especially when the very source of livelihood grassroots must be heard first before any economic activity is and life has been destroyed and could not be regenerated and approved. There must be a mining moratorium until all concerns renewed anymore: the land, water, air; and when basic and issues are settled. The government must maximize funding commodities become expensive due to low harvest and catch. assistance to environment friendly livelihoods and education. Stop And we ask: is it not the law of supply and demand? If only the rich corruption and more efforts to educate the communities on affords to buy primary needs, the gap between the rich and the environmental laws and policies. poor increases.

Apparently, it has been discovered that industries destroying our The poor become poorer as air becomes dirtier and medicine ecosystems lead to poor quality of life. Poverty cannot now be becomes more expensive. It is the poor, especially the rural poor, separated to poor ecosystem management. first to become victims if the forests and mountains are gone due

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112 113 to mining. It is the poor, the rural poor, first to be affected by Department of Energy approves more coal mining and coal-fired landslides, floods, storm surges and debilitating disasters. power plants.

What is the value of large amounts of money allotted for agriculture and irrigations if there is no more water supply as Grassroots movements marching on watersheds have been destroyed? When heavy rain comes, farmlands are flooded. Civil society organizations and grassroots movements have been mobilizing themselves in different levels. It is now very alarming that we are now spending more on disaster response rather than disaster risk reduction; accepting more The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice or PMCJ stressed that disaster inducing industries promoted by local and foreign ‘this year, coal projects have once again been put under public corporations in the name of economic development rather than scrutiny. Last February, the Semirara landslide in the Semirara investing on genuine sustainable industries. Mining Corporations coal mine in the Municipality of Caluya that caused the death of at least 5 miners, brought to the fore the CCT is not the sole solution. The real solution is the adherence to safety and regulatory standard being enforced with the country’s the principles of sustainable development – the Rio Declaration coal mining industry.’ The movement discovered that ‘also early and our very own Philippine Agenda 21 which has been in this year the issue of putting up a 15MW coal-fired power plant in implementation limbo for years. There may be some programs on Narra, Palawan was thrown in the limelight due to opposition by CCT being conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and environmentalists and conservationists in the province, as this will Development but the holistic approach is to mobilize all agencies be put up 1.5 kilometers away from the island sanctuary of the to take the challenge seriously without sacrificing the environment. critically endangered Philippine Cockatoo.’ Further, the government pushes for coal-fired power plants to address the Yes, synergy among government agencies is a must. While the present Mindanao power crisis. other one faces the challenge of an environmental crisis such as the Climate Change Commission, the Department of Environment PMCJ suggests that ‘there are other immediate means to address and Natural Resources promotes massive mining and the the ‘fabricated’ power crisis in Mindanao, one of which is the rehabilitation of the Angus-Pulangi Dams, which could provide the 114 115 to mining. It is the poor, the rural poor, first to be affected by Department of Energy approves more coal mining and coal-fired landslides, floods, storm surges and debilitating disasters. power plants.

What is the value of large amounts of money allotted for agriculture and irrigations if there is no more water supply as Grassroots movements marching on watersheds have been destroyed? When heavy rain comes, farmlands are flooded. Civil society organizations and grassroots movements have been mobilizing themselves in different levels. It is now very alarming that we are now spending more on disaster response rather than disaster risk reduction; accepting more The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice or PMCJ stressed that disaster inducing industries promoted by local and foreign ‘this year, coal projects have once again been put under public corporations in the name of economic development rather than scrutiny. Last February, the Semirara landslide in the Semirara investing on genuine sustainable industries. Mining Corporations coal mine in the Municipality of Caluya that caused the death of at least 5 miners, brought to the fore the CCT is not the sole solution. The real solution is the adherence to safety and regulatory standard being enforced with the country’s the principles of sustainable development – the Rio Declaration coal mining industry.’ The movement discovered that ‘also early and our very own Philippine Agenda 21 which has been in this year the issue of putting up a 15MW coal-fired power plant in implementation limbo for years. There may be some programs on Narra, Palawan was thrown in the limelight due to opposition by CCT being conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and environmentalists and conservationists in the province, as this will Development but the holistic approach is to mobilize all agencies be put up 1.5 kilometers away from the island sanctuary of the to take the challenge seriously without sacrificing the environment. critically endangered Philippine Cockatoo.’ Further, the government pushes for coal-fired power plants to address the Yes, synergy among government agencies is a must. While the present Mindanao power crisis. other one faces the challenge of an environmental crisis such as the Climate Change Commission, the Department of Environment PMCJ suggests that ‘there are other immediate means to address and Natural Resources promotes massive mining and the the ‘fabricated’ power crisis in Mindanao, one of which is the rehabilitation of the Angus-Pulangi Dams, which could provide the 114 115 immediate necessary power supply. But in a more strategic and are launching a campaign dubbed ‘TAO MUNA HINDI MINA!’. It is sustainable manner, the government should push for more a campaign to assert that government as duty bearer should renewable energy sources in the island which is attuned to the uphold human rights and protect the environment, and should needs of those barangays located in remote areas of the island, conduct its affairs consistent with human rights standards and which still do not have access to modern energy services.’ principles.

On mineral extraction, the SOS Yamang Bayan Network said that According to the organizers, ‘the State has the fundamental mining is an extractive industry that has irreversible impacts to the obligation to respect, protect and fulfill human rights not only for Philippine ecology – mining operations encroach in forestlands, the current generation but for future generations. These trinitarian literally allows the cutting of old growth trees, affecting key obligations govern the conduct of the State in relation to its biodiversity areas, watersheds and agriculture lands, especially in peoples and it is by these that States are weighed and judged for lowland communities. As a water-intensive industry, mining will their sins of commission and omission.’ further aggravate problems of water insecurity, and eventually food insecurity, the network stressed – calling for the repeal of the The campaign is highlighted by a 10 point Human Rights Agenda Mining Act of 1995 and the enactment of an Alternative Minerals on Mining which will be popularized online and offline in order to Management Bill pending in the House of Representatives. generate the broadest possible support and endorsement by different sectors at the national and local levels. Among the 10 SOS Yamang Bayan Network added that more than mining’s points is the protection our environment and right to safe sound environmental impacts, mining activities further makes upland and and balance ecology; and the protection the right to food, water, lowland communities susceptible to geo-hazards such as housing and access to means of subsistence. landslides, mudslides, even breakage of mine tailing ponds. Further, large-scale mining, as a contributor to deforestation and To understand more the reality of climate crisis and its solutions, greenhouse gas emissions, will definitely aggravate the impacts of Aksyon Klima - Pilipinas was formed. It is a dynamic and fast- climate change. evolving network of civil society organizations (CSO’s) in the Philippines that banded together to grapple more effectively with Members of civil society, faith based organizations and Human the serious threats posed by the global climate crisis on our highly Rights Defenders working against destructive mining in the country vulnerable country and people. The network carries its agenda for 116 117 communities and governments to consider: prioritization of climate The President’s perspective adaptation, climate-proof budget and development planning, implementation of the Peoples Survival Fund Act, review of all In 2012, we have heard the president of the republic telling us midnight mining agreements, Shift to a renewable and low-carbon about his views on natural resources in the context of a recent energy system, generate a million green jobs out of saving the executive order on mining: environment, lobby developed countries to reduce their GHG emissions, push for immediate-priority technology transfer and its ‘The idea behind our consensus we reached: that we be able to financing, and halt all carbon trading until safeguards are in utilize our natural resources to uplift the living conditions of the place. Filipinos not just of today, but also of the following generations. We will not reap the rewards of this industry if the cost is the destruction Environmental defenders at the grassroots level are also of nature. The idea behind our consensus we reached: that we be threatened. For years, leaders opposing big projects are harassed, able to utilize our natural resources to uplift the living conditions of and worst, killed. They have become themselves endangered the Filipinos not just of today, but also of the following generations. species. We will not reap the rewards of this industry if the cost is the destruction of nature.’ According to Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, ‘environmentalists are fast becoming an endangered species. The ‘These natural resources are yours; it shouldn’t happen that all Aquino government has at present failed to assuage threats on that’s left to you is a tip after they’re extracted. We are hoping the lives of environmental defenders, and must meet the efforts of that Congress will work with us and pass a law that will ensure that environmental and rights advocates to uphold the democratic the environment is cared for, and that the public and private rights of ecologists halfway through if it genuinely intends to do so. sectors will receive just benefits from this industry.’ On reforestation, the president said: To reclaim their environmental rights and claim social justice, the members of Barug Katawhan who are victims of Typhoon Pablo in ‘There have always been tree planting programs in government— Mindanao mobilized themselves to show people power. but after the trees have been planted, they were left alone. Communities that needed livelihood would cut these down and turn them into charcoal.’ 118 119 communities and governments to consider: prioritization of climate The President’s perspective adaptation, climate-proof budget and development planning, implementation of the Peoples Survival Fund Act, review of all In 2012, we have heard the president of the republic telling us midnight mining agreements, Shift to a renewable and low-carbon about his views on natural resources in the context of a recent energy system, generate a million green jobs out of saving the executive order on mining: environment, lobby developed countries to reduce their GHG emissions, push for immediate-priority technology transfer and its ‘The idea behind our consensus we reached: that we be able to financing, and halt all carbon trading until safeguards are in utilize our natural resources to uplift the living conditions of the place. Filipinos not just of today, but also of the following generations. We will not reap the rewards of this industry if the cost is the destruction Environmental defenders at the grassroots level are also of nature. The idea behind our consensus we reached: that we be threatened. For years, leaders opposing big projects are harassed, able to utilize our natural resources to uplift the living conditions of and worst, killed. They have become themselves endangered the Filipinos not just of today, but also of the following generations. species. We will not reap the rewards of this industry if the cost is the destruction of nature.’ According to Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, ‘environmentalists are fast becoming an endangered species. The ‘These natural resources are yours; it shouldn’t happen that all Aquino government has at present failed to assuage threats on that’s left to you is a tip after they’re extracted. We are hoping the lives of environmental defenders, and must meet the efforts of that Congress will work with us and pass a law that will ensure that environmental and rights advocates to uphold the democratic the environment is cared for, and that the public and private rights of ecologists halfway through if it genuinely intends to do so. sectors will receive just benefits from this industry.’ On reforestation, the president said: To reclaim their environmental rights and claim social justice, the members of Barug Katawhan who are victims of Typhoon Pablo in ‘There have always been tree planting programs in government— Mindanao mobilized themselves to show people power. but after the trees have been planted, they were left alone. Communities that needed livelihood would cut these down and turn them into charcoal.’ 118 119

‘We have the solution for this. 128,558 hectares of forest have ‘The timber confiscated by DENR are handed over to TESDA, been planted across the country; this is only a fraction of the 1.5 which then gives the timber to communities they train in carpentry. million-hectare farmlands to be laid out before we step down. This From this, DepEd gets chairs for our public schools. Consider this: covers the communities under the National Convergence What was once the product of destruction has been crafted into Initiative. The process: When a tree is planted, the DWSD will an instrument for the realization of a better future. This was coordinate with communities. In exchange for a conditional cash impossible then—impossible so long as the government turned a transfer, communities would take care of the trees; some would blind eye to illegal activities.’ help nurture seeds in a nursery. 335,078 individuals now earn their livelihood from these activities.’ ‘To those of you without a conscience; those of you who repeatedly gamble the lives of your fellow Filipinos—your days are ‘The private sector has likewise taken part in a program that hands numbered. We’ve already sanctioned thirty-four DENR officials, out special coffee and cacao beans to communities, and trains one PNP provincial director, and seven chiefs of police. We are the townsfolk, too, to nurture those seeds into a bountiful harvest. asking a regional director of the PNP to explain why he seemed The coffee is planted in the shade of the trees that in turn help deaf to our directives and blind to the colossal logs that were prevent flooding and protect the people. The company that being transported before his very eyes. If you do not shape up, hands out the seeds are sure buyers of the yield. It’s a win-win you will be next. Even if you tremble beneath the skirts of your situation—for the private sector, the communities with their extra patrons, we will find you. I suggest that you start doing your jobs, income, and the succeeding generations that will benefit from the before it’s too late.’ trees.’

On illegal logging, he said: Path to sustainability

‘Illegal logging has long been a problem. From the time we signed The Green Convergence summarizes that path to environmental Executive Order No. 23, Mayor Jun Amante has confiscated sustainability achieving a Philippine society enjoying safe food, lumber amounting to more than six million pesos. He has our healthy environment and equitable economy as the cornerstones gratitude. This is just in Butuan; what more if all our LGUs of sustainable development, we all must adhere to the following demonstrated the same kind of political will?’ principles: 120 121

On illegal logging, he said: Path to sustainability

The country’s food production should be based on organic Economic development should not sacrifice environmental farming, shift away from conventional chemical agriculture and quality, that the national industrialization program should be reject genetically engineered crops, that agriculture must prioritize directed at stimulating local enterprises and generation of jobs for food security for Filipinos above the global market; Filipinos;

The energy needs of the country should be obtained from Mining be accorded least priority among the many options for renewable sources, phasing out dependence on fossil fuels and land use and generation of revenue; that the minerals totally rejecting nuclear power; management regime ensure appropriate income for the government as well as equitable sharing of benefits and We should strive for forest cover that maintains our watersheds and responsibility among all stakeholders while prioritizing local conserves biodiversity while yielding forest products which community development; contribute to the national economy; Indigenous peoples be given due recognition of their stewardship Waste should be managed ecologically to maximally turn waste of nature, appreciation of their knowledge in caring for the earth, into resources, that dumpsites and giant landfills should be closed and accorded their right to preserve their ancestral domains, and the ban on incinerators be upheld languages and cultures

Toxic substances should be banned in household, industrial and We recognize the reality of climate change endangering agricultural products and disallowed to be manufactured or biodiversity and the gains of cultural evolution, that its root causes imported must be addressed with resolve on the global, national and local levels and that our country’s developmental goals must include Use of Philippine land and waterways should be assigned along not only adaptation for the survival of our race but also mitigation ecological principles and for optimum social and economic as we are a member of the family of nations and among the most benefits for Filipinos, that the quantity and quality of land and soil vulnerable to this crisis; should be protected from degradation and exportation Whenever science is unable to fully explain or predict the impact of human activities on the environment, we follow the 122 123

precautionary principle and be guided by bias for the environment in order to prevent unintended long-term damage. New Year Acts and Thoughts

Protecting Earth, a choice

Such a challenge for all of us! Celebrating Earth Day is just another day as it calls us to fulfill our roles as stewards of this natural world.

A reminder: never vote for leaders who do not have any environment agenda. Those who wanted to be chosen as public servants who are unable to understand the urgency to the current environment crisis are not worthy to be elected.

Seriously.

When New Year enters, careless human beings unconsciously declare war with Mother Earth. Smile Romblon, Philippines 124 Rodne R. Galicha (2014) 125

precautionary principle and be guided by bias for the environment in order to prevent unintended long-term damage. New Year Acts and Thoughts

Protecting Earth, a choice

Such a challenge for all of us! Celebrating Earth Day is just another day as it calls us to fulfill our roles as stewards of this natural world.

Seriously.

When New Year enters, careless human beings unconsciously declare war with Mother Earth. Smile Romblon, Philippines 124 Rodne R. Galicha (2014) 125

In the first minutes of 2014, Mother Earth wept. Human beings suffocated their very life system. How many tons of greenhouse But what happened, really, beyond the merrymaking? gases were transported to the atmosphere? How many bodies were injured? How many lungs suffered from the smoke? I did not hesitate to join the first global act of the year led by Philippine climate negotiator Naderev ‘Yeb’ Saño of the Climate When New Year enters, careless human beings unconsciously Change Commission. This is called #FastForTheClimate. declare war with Mother Earth. The Fasting for the Climate movement started at the United Here’s the first irony of 2014. While hundreds of Zamboanga Nations climate negotiations in Warsaw in November 2013. The fast evacuees take shelter in makeshift tents, earthquake victims do was started by Kuya Yeb, as I call him, after Typhoon their best to make ends meet and Yolanda survivors face the Haiyan/Yolanda had just devastated the Philippines. greatest challenge of their lives - though they can still smile and laugh at life’s reality, deep in their hearts and souls are sadness The movement “seeks to send a message to governments that and pain. people from all walks of life, from all corners of the globe, expect climate action. We will fast on the first day of every month, until On our part, we can still afford to enjoy the fireworks which we countries agree a comprehensive, fair climate action plan that burn – as we literally set our money on fire. Around the world, puts the world on a pathway to phase out carbon pollution.” billions of dollars are burned for fireworks. Such staggering amounts can feed the hungry, bring kids to school, rehabilitate calamity- As Kuya Yeb puts it, as posted on his Facebook page: “People and war-affected areas, enable countries to shift to clean source from all walks of life are fasting to stand in solidarity with vulnerable of energy and invest in sustainable businesses, and generally make people who are most affected by dangerous climate impacts. By this world a better place to live in. choosing not to eat on the first day of every month, a growing movement of fasters including many youth groups, In 2002, a city ordinance was passed banning the manufacture, environmentalists and faith communities, is calling for world sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic leaders to act to confront the climate crisis.” devices. Indeed, political will matters! This is why I commend Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

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#FastForTheClimate encourages everyone to abstain from eating According to Worldwatch Institute, “reviewing both direct and food. For 24 hours on the first day of the New Year, one may opt indirect sources of GHG emissions from livestock, the study finds not to use a favorite gadget, forego watching TV or riding a car. If that previous calculations have both underestimated and one needs to eat, he or she may choose not to eat imported food. overlooked certain emissions sources as well as assigned emissions And of course, refrain from using firecrackers! they deem to be livestock-related to the wrong sectors. The authors locate these discrepancies in previous analyses of One way to join #FastForTheClimate is to abstain from eating livestock respiration, land use, and methane.” meat. In a study published by Washington-based Worldwatch Institute titled ‘Livestock and Climate Change’, it has been The study suggested that it is best to “replace livestock products discovered that “the environmental impact of the lifecycle and with soy-based and other alternatives” to address climate change. supply chain of animals raised for food has been vastly This approach, according to the study, has “more rapid effects on underestimated, and in fact accounts for at least half of all GHG emissions and their atmospheric concentrations” on top of human-caused greenhouse gases (GHGs).” the slow and gradual transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. One of the authors of the study is my mentor, Dr. Robert Goodland (I was just informed that he had passed away on 28 December This justifies meatless Mondays proposals, and even being vegan 2013), an environmental scientist who worked with the World Bank or vegetarian. Group for 23 years. When he retired, he started working with communities helping them to scientifically address and oppose as And what’s in store for 2014? dams and mining projects. He was fondly called “the conscience of the World Bank.” As typhoons and storms of high intensity hit our islands and devastate our lives and livelihoods, there is a need to put our land Together with Jeff Anhang, Robert concluded that “livestock and uses in place – a national land use plan is necessary. their by-products actually account for at least 32.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG The National Land Use Act (NLUA) or House Bill 108 was filed by emissions.” Dinagat Island Representative Kaka Bag-ao. This legislative proposal has been lobbied for almost 20 years but Congress has

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failed to pass this as a law despite its inclusion in Malacañang’s list of priority bills.

NLUA establishes No Build Zones, but beyond these zones are the principles applied to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas affected by extreme weather conditions such as Typhoon Yolanda. It seeks resiliency plans ensuring location of settlement sites outside geo-hazard and disaster risk areas; protection of the people and the environment; long-term solutions against disasters; the securing of lands for food security; and land use disaster management.

But why was it not passed in the Senate last year? A lobby group led by the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA) and the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) opposed NLUA’s significant position on protecting practically all agricultural lands from conversion to non-agricultural uses, including housing, industry and tourism.

I join the grassroots voice of the Campaign for Land Use Policy Now! (CLUP Now!) in saying that he bill does protect agricultural lands, for good reason. Each parcel of land is suitable for a specific purpose. Land suitable for agriculture must be devoted to agriculture.

This year, I hope for the passage of the National Land Use Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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failed to pass this as a law despite its inclusion in Malacañang’s list of priority bills.

This year, I hope for the passage of the National Land Use Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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In reality, the dirt of the earth is its nourishment. It has been said that cleanliness is next to godliness and in Rotten leaves and animals in a rainforest are transformed into a contemporary time, we opt to require ourselves to acquire rich top soil called humus, a natural predecessor of composting. different kinds of cleansers and cleaners for specific purposes. But Carbon dioxide may now be considered as ‘dirt’ or pollutant as why use all these synthetic cleaning products? greenhouse gas in this age of global warming but it has been the food of vegetation giving the animal kingdom particularly the We wanted to live a clean and healthy life so we apply a lot of human species oxygen to breathe and live. chemicals in our homes. Surely, we may feel clean, fragrant, safe and clean! This, of course, generally directs to our wish to take There was a time that almost all of us did not hesitate to touch the care of ourselves and specially our children who are mostly very soil of life, the dirt that is called the earth, to cultivate and vulnerable to ‘dirt’ and ‘germs’. nourish to produce food. We were not afraid because we knew such dirt gives life. The advertisement world easily entices us to use different kinds of cleaning products to make our home a better place to live in – When we were wounded and sick, we learned how to explore the germ and bacteria free. The more we use them with other natural pharmacy around us, stretching our hands to get some corresponding product for every level of cleaning, the better and leaves, vines, roots and barks. Cure was just anywhere, for free. cleaner our life will be.

When our surrounding seemed disorderly and not pleasing, we just According to Australia-based The Organic Institute, ‘the average pause for a moment and breathe in and out, get our broomsticks home today contains more toxic chemicals than the average and gather the dried leaves. Sometimes, we burn them under the chemistry laboratory at the turn of the century’. This is the hard mango tree with blossoming flowers ready to bear fruit, or fill in our truth. Most obvious are the labels on the products about its toxicity, compost pits. safety warnings and exposures: such as ‘irritant’, ‘corrosive’, ‘poison’, among others. When dust covered our floors and furniture, we grab pieces of wet cloth to wipe it off. Then squeeze out the water and rinse and use David Suzuki, a Japanese Canadian science broadcaster and it to water our plants. environmental activist, said that ‘cleaning is supposed to be about

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maintaininga healthy home, yet some common household environment in the real sense, they cannot even understand and cleaning products contain chemicals that can harm human explain what a simple natural symbiotic relationship meant. health and the environment.’ Ecologically friendly here means ecosystem-based and promotes environmental justice and human rights. In contrary, ‘green and What are these irritant and dangerous chemicals (some are eco-friendly’ becomes ‘greed and ego-friendly’, thus, are focusing carcinogenic)? According to Suzuki, here are the toxic elements more on profits. found in household cleaners: 2-Butoxyethanol; ammonia; coal tar dyes; MEA (monoethanalomine), DEA (diethanolamine), TEA A paradigm-shift may be necessary. Or shall I say, a little looking (triethanolamine); fragrance mixtures which uses more than 3000 back at what we had been before – living in harmony with nature chemicals, in addition to synthetic musks and phthalates; for whatever human beings need, nature provides. Take note, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs); phosphates; Quaternary things that we need, not what we want. Ammonium Compounds (Quats); silica powder; sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate; sodium hydroxide; sodium lauryl Granted, we need to cleanse the ‘dirt’, do we have the options to sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES); triclosan; and be seriously ‘green and eco-friendly’ instead of being ‘greedy and trisodium nitrilotriacetate. ego-friendly’ by using organic products? The answer is yes.

Additionally, the institute assessed that ‘most homes contain too First, we can go back to our acceptable traditions and practices many plastic bottles full of toxic, polluting cleaning products.’ within the prescribed ecological standards.

Furthermore, ‘these cleaners create packaging waste that is Second, we now have an emerging organic market which disposed of in our already, overloaded landfills. In addition, the produces genuine green and eco-friendly solutions to make our chemicals in cleaning products can damage our health and the home the best place to live in without sacrificing our health and environment.’ pockets.

However, companies would label their products as ‘green and Think of banana cue vendors who sell their ‘waste’ banana eco-friendly’. Truth is they divert to ‘green-washing’ tactic to peelings to be transformed into organic all-purpose cleaning encourage more buyers. If you ask them about taking care of the products. Think of the ‘dirty’ overripe fruits and vegetables: juices

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extracted and processed making a natural cleansing concoction purchasing, and serves as an efficient distribution channel for which is safe and non-toxic! Plantex household and homecare products.’

This breakthrough is a product of the first – of a childhood One of the active PGA groups is PGA Green Global Solutions Co. experience and memory – the wisdom of a great-grandmother. based in Iloilo City with the commitment ‘to advocate for the protection of the environment by providing safe and ecologically True enough, an article by the Center for International Trade friendly products and systems that will promote higher quality of Expositions and Missions (CITEM) stated that this was the inspiration life, advance environmental consciousness and care for the of Dinky Hementera of her great-grandmother who usually benefit of mankind, and in the process, build a financially sound prepared a special concoction made from banana and other enterprise for all its stakeholders.’ plant "wastes" which she would then use in dispelling unpleasant odors in rooms. If one wishes to peek at nature’s wonder in a nutshell, the flagship product called ‘Plantex All-In-One Solution’ plant extract enzyme Thus, Plantex was born – short for ‘plant’ and ‘extract’ - a concentrate can be used as odor eliminator and disinfectant, ‘collection of enzymes from plants and fruits with natural grease cutter, multi-purpose cleaner, wastewater treatment Gluthathione with active ingredients come from indigenous solution and compost activator. natural materials which are suppossedly garbage and of no value.’ After the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, an 8 million pesos worth of Plantex cleaning solution was donated intended to be sprayed Plantex can be considered as the first and only real organic upon decomposing bodies to eliminate odor and prevent cleaning solution as it has been certified by Green Choice pathogenic microorganisms from spreading. It may also serve as Philippines’ National Eco-Labelling Programme. surface water purifier.

Eventually, with their ‘belief that the Filipino household should be It is now high time to clean up our dirty minds. Let’s gradually bring actively involved in environmental advocacy and protection’, back the balance in nature disregarded by our greed and they launched the Plantex Green Advocates (PGA) composed of selfishness. Let’s stop addressing our invented needs brought ‘groups and individuals campaigning for green living and green about by our excessive and exaggerated wants.

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extracted and processed making a natural cleansing concoction purchasing, and serves as an efficient distribution channel for which is safe and non-toxic! Plantex household and homecare products.’

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The good thing about the New Year is that it presents another opportunity to start over and try to do things better. For this year, I’m proposing several resolutions for our planet— three of which most of you are familiar with and might even be practicing. The last five are various ideas that make perfect sense with the first three. The 8Rs put together make for a great list of green resolutions for the New Year. I heard the 8Rs first from my good friend Rodne Galicha, district manager of The Climate Reality Project-Philippine Presenters, when he shared it to the Asia-Pacific Climate Change Leadership Congress in November 2011.

Here are the 8Rs for green living:

Reuse. Avoid anything disposable. However, some disposables could have a longer lease in life with reuse. For instance, restaurants make food to go with throwaway containers, which can actually be reused. By reusing things, we keep more ‘stuff’ from entering the system, which almost always end up in dumps. Before throwing something away, ask yourself, can this be reused? You will be doing the planet, and your wallet, a lot of good.

Reduce. Are you cooking too much for the size of your family? Are you shopping for things that you don’t really need? Are you generating waste that could be reduced? Less is more. By reducing what you use and lessening the waste that you generate, you have less impact on the environment.

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Here are the 8Rs for green living:

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Check out wonderful waste reduction tips on the net that can be have impeccable taste. They keep me stylish while I refuse more immediately practiced at home and in the office. trips to the mall.

Recycle. If you cannot reuse something, ask yourself if it can be Rainforest. Are you aware of the country’s National Greening used for another purpose? By recycling, we are using less energy Program? The target is to plant 1.5 billion trees by 2016. needed to manufacture various products, thus we are helping mitigate climate change. Through recycling, less raw materials are Although some issues mar the NGP, you can always have a local used and less pollution is generated. initiative for greening. But make sure to plant only endemic and indigenous trees instead of exotic ones. And remember it is not Repair. Filipinos are great at this. I know, because my parents still enough to just plant trees. The new concept is tree growing, where have the two electric fans we had since I was eight or nine years you actually visit the trees again to make sure they are thriving old, and believe me, that was a long, long time ago. Those fans well. conked out probably twice, and my parents had them repaired. By repairing our stuff, we get a lot of savings as we prolong the Reconnect. Our indigenous brothers and sisters show us what we service life of our appliances and other things. have lost— our connection with nature and the entire family of creation. Modern living has brought about an aversion to nature or Rethink. New Year is the best time to reflect on our impact to the biophobia. Richard Louv notes that the younger generations have planet. Evaluate your lifestyle. What should be changed? What “nature deficit disorder.” One way this can be addressed is by should you do to be a better earth citizen? You’ll be surprised at well-planned nature trips that should be done regularly, whether your answers if you seriously take on this exercise. once a week, once a month, or once a year. It should be pleasant enough to look forward to, especially for those who are not the Refuse. Say no to things you don’t need. I have been blessed to adventurous types. Better to start them young, as children who have generous sisters who shower me with gifts. Sometimes it’s grow up without any connection to the environment could hardly hard to tell them I will have no use for their new gift, but I guess be expected to value or care for it when they grow up. they are starting to see how simple (probably even Spartan to their standards!) my lifestyle is. I always appreciate new gifts I could Reconnecting with nature is not as simple as reading books about really use and even decent hand-me-downs from my sisters who loving nature. Nothing compares with actually communing with

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Check out wonderful waste reduction tips on the net that can be have impeccable taste. They keep me stylish while I refuse more immediately practiced at home and in the office. trips to the mall.

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the environment. An hour on Facebook or in front of the TV cannot be as memorable as a nature walk, birding or spelunking. Reconnecting with nature is rejuvenating, even a spiritual experience!

By the way, my last date with nature was last November, I better plan for the next one.

What do you think of these green resolutions? Are you doing the 8Rs this year?

Shiela R. Castillo is a co-founder of the Movement of Imaginals for a Sustainable Society through Initiatives, Organizing, and Networking (MISSION) and is a trained presenter for Nobel Laureate and former US Vice President Al Gore’s The Climate Reality Project (TCRP). This article was published by the Manila Times on its Sunday Times Magazine on January 22, 2012.

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the environment. An hour on Facebook or in front of the TV cannot be as memorable as a nature walk, birding or spelunking. Reconnecting with nature is rejuvenating, even a spiritual experience!

By the way, my last date with nature was last November, I better plan for the next one.

What do you think of these green resolutions? Are you doing the 8Rs this year?

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It’s global warming. study however does not address the causes of global warming or suggest ways of counteracting it. That term almost makes it sound anticlimactic. It’s such a benign way to refer to a planet in peril, to a threatened apocalypse, to Still, he said, the world would do well to reduce carbon emissions the making of a day devoted to visiting the dead redundant. caused by fossil fuels. “Greenhouse gases could have a disastrous impact on the world.” A news item came out Monday that drove home the point. Just how disastrous it could be, a group of scientists and Richard Muller, a prominent skeptic of global warming, spent two environmental activists pointed out a month and a half ago. Led years studying the data to prove the doomsayers wrong only to by Al Gore, the best president the United States never had who discover that they were right. The earth is heating up, its land mass gained fame with “An Inconvenient Truth,” they held a day-long in particular now being 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than it was in marathon show called “24 Hours of Reality,” which was streamed the 1950s. Muller is set to deliver his findings this week. worldwide via Internet. The event drew in representatives from 24 locations across the globe whose job was to “connect the dots The community that has been warning about climate change is between the changing climate and extreme weather.” It featured unimpressed though it welcomes his corroboration. “After lots of our very own Rodne Galicha, a 32-year-old environmental activist work he found exactly what was already known and accepted in from Sibuyan Island, Romblon. He held his own in the distinguished the climate community,” says Jerry North, the atmospheric company. sciences professor who headed a National Academy of Sciences climate science review in 2006. “I am hoping his study will have a He began by drawing attention to the humongous catastrophes positive impact. But some folks will never change.” that have beset the world of late: massive floods in Pakistan, Australia, even Mississippi and North Dakota; mudslides in Korea; There’s no longer any reason to be skeptical about rising droughts in Brazil, Mexico and Syria; unrelenting rains in China, Fiji, temperatures, Muller wrote in the Wall Street Journal, a bastion of Colombia and the Philippines; rising temperatures, increasing skeptical thinking about global warming. Which is the reason his water vapor over the oceans, and growing intensity of rainstorms study is making waves, if not exactly whipping up a tsunami. His and snow storms.

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He ended by saying: “If we are unable to act, with this Can we stop the complacency, the indifference, the cynicism that phenomenon, we are committing suicide; for the next generation, are pushing humankind to the brink? we are committing homicide. Homo sapiens has now become the most critically endangered species of all time.” Yes.

All this merely confirms what our senses have been telling us for But unfortunately that is not just something we can do on our own, some time now. even if we had the will to do it. It takes global effort of the kind Gore and company are spearheading. It is no small irony that the There’s no denying global warming, there’s no denying climate rich countries continue to preach the infinite wonders of globalism change, there’s no denying a dying planet. Monumental while being the very obstacle to real globalism, the kind where the catastrophes have happened in the past, some more peoples of the world unite to take global action to save the catastrophic than the ones we see today. But not as plentifully, not planet. They’re the ones who insist that even if the planet is as frequently, not as universally harshly. Quakes and tsunamis warming, they have nothing to do with it, it’s a natural cycle of life, violently rocking various parts of the world, laying low even a the earth has immense powers of recuperation, left to itself it will powerful country like Japan; hurricanes and tornadoes howling in right things in the end. An argument unfortunately that nobody the American heartland and elsewhere; super storms and floods can win: You prove them wrong, you still lose. devastating countries in Southeast Asia, the Philippines at the frontline of them: You don’t have to believe in the Mayan Galicha is right, it’s time we added our voices to those protesting prediction of an apocalyptic event ravaging the earth next the complacency, the indifference, the cynicism of the greedy— Christmas to be very, very afraid. yes, the greedy, as Occupy Wall Street so rightly puts it—before we end up being merely the voices of the damned. Like Galicha, it’s As it is, we’re already thanking heaven a storm did not waylay our time we told countries like the United States that have remained visit to the cemeteries today. A thing we may not count on in years stumbling blocks to global accords to fight off global warming: to come. Galicha himself contends that it’s the poor countries like “From the Pacific islands, from the global South, we don’t need ours that are taking the brunt of the effects of global warming. your money. What we need is climate justice. Decrease your emissions.”

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Homo sapiens is the one species now most threatened with extinction. We don’t act to reverse this, we blur the line between the living and the dead.

Conrado de Quiros is a prominent and respected Filipino columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. This article was published on November 1, 2011, under the author’s column ‘There’s the Rub’.

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Homo sapiens is the one species now most threatened with extinction. We don’t act to reverse this, we blur the line between the living and the dead.

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Too bad many of us in the Philippines missed “24 Hours of Reality,” Climate justice a day-long live-streamed event highlighting the reality of climate change in 24 locations around the world. “From the Pacific islands, from the global South, we don’t need your money. What we need is climate justice. Decrease your If you had tuned in to the live broadcast on the Internet on Sept. emissions,” he said. 14 and 15, you would have caught Filipino climate change activist Rodne Galicha’s presentation on the Solomon Islands from New Galicha came online at around 4 a.m. on Sept. 15 in New York (4 York City, where he shared the limelight with former United States p.m. in Manila), hours before Gore capped the 24-hour program Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore. with his own presentation on the same stage. His presentation as well as the rest can still be viewed at Galicha sent a powerful message to the world’s top carbon www.climaterealityproject.org. emitters: Climate change is real but something can be done about it. “I had goose bumps just thinking about the number of viewers,” said Galicha, 32, who was informed he’d be addressing 2.6 million Galicha went through the catastrophes that struck the world in the global online viewers. Otherwise, it was an exhilarating experience past year or so. There were massive floods in Pakistan, Australia, for the activist from Sibuyan Island, which is often compared to even Mississippi and North Dakota; mudslides in Korea; droughts in Galapagos Island. Brazil, Mexico and Syria; intense rains in China, Fiji, Colombia and the Philippines; rising temperatures, increasing water vapor over After the presentation, Gore complimented Galicha for “doing a the oceans, and growing intensity of rainstorms and snow storms. great job.” 24 Hours of Reality was the launch pad of Climate Reality Project’s Later in the panel discussion with Climate Reality Project leader new global campaign to warn the world of the climate crisis. The Maggie Fox, TreeHugger.com founder Graham Hill and American Climate Reality Project was founded and chaired by Gore. Meteorological Society associate director Paul Higgins, Galicha said Third World countries were bearing the brunt of climate The online event was held in 24 different locations and different change, and fired off a strong message to the United States. time zones, and 23 activists, including Galicha, were picked by the

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Project to make the multimedia presentations to “connect the Suicide, homicide dots between the changing climate and extreme weather.” He ended with the stern warning: “If we are unable to act, with this phenomenon, we are committing suicide for the next generation; First time we are committing homicide. Homo sapiens have now become the most critically endangered species of all time.” It was the first time Galicha shared a stage with Gore. But they met back in 2009 when Galicha became a volunteer of Climate Galicha began his advocacy in his hometown. Reality Project. Since then he has been criss-crossing the archipelago to spread Gore’s gospel in “Inconvenient Truth” to A Philosophy major from the University of Santo Tomas (2001), he audiences in the Philippines. experienced the adverse impact of mining, and of powerful storms right on Sibuyan, an island of Romblon province which, like Galicha, along with three other Filipinos, were trained by scientists Solomon Islands in the Pacific, is a biodiversity hotspot. On the at the Project’s summit in Melbourne, Australia, in 2009 to “dissect” map, it’s at the heart of the archipelago. the highly acclaimed 2006 documentary. He became the Project’s country district manager in the Philippines. He grew up near Mt. Guiting-Guiting, a dense, lush forest that is home to many endangered species, and one of the country’s It was natural then that the Project would pick him to do the cleanest rivers. segment on the Solomon Islands from New York City. One could imagine his outrage when the government allowed “It was an opportunity of a lifetime. We had to maximize that companies to bring in heavy equipment to mine ore and nickel, opportunity, and tell the people what we wanted to tell them,” and to cut a path of destruction through the pristine island. Out of said Galicha, who opened with a tribute to indigenous peoples. this the Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment Inc. was born, and Galicha became its executive director.

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Before long, he linked up with Alyansa Tigil Mina (Alliance to Stop “Sure the Philippines has a very low carbon emission, but the thing Mining) and led protests against mining operations on Sibuyan and is, we need to change attitudes. If you want to solve the climate elsewhere. crisis, you will not say ‘let’s open more coal-fired power plants’ or ‘let’s cut trees in order to mine.’ That’s hypocrisy.” The killing of an anti-mining activist by a mining company guard on Sibuyan in 2007 fired his activism further. In 2008, Galicha flew to But the Philippines, which has passed laws such as the Climate Australia, the headquarters of one of the largest mining Change Act and formed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and companies in the Philippines, to argue his case. Management Council to deal with the effects of a warming climate, can only do so much. First World countries can have a The same year, in June 2008, Typhoon “Frank” sank the interisland bigger impact, Galicha said. M/V Princess of the Stars off Sibuyan, leaving 800 of its crew and passengers dead and missing and spilling oil and possibly toxic “In a way the solution for this global problem is global. We should pesticides into the sea. That was about the time he was invited to make large countries accountable,” he said. volunteer for the Climate Reality Project. He did not have any TJ Burgonio is a news writer and correspondent of Philippine Daily Inquirer. This article was second thoughts. published on October 31, 2011.

After their training in Melbourne in 2009, Galicha and his Filipino colleagues have been active on the ground, educating students, farmers, fisherfolk, and just about anybody about the effects of a warming climate. Bro. Jaazeal Jakosalem joined them as a presenter in 2010, and at least five more Filipinos came aboard in January this year after being trained by Gore in Jakarta.

“Filipinos are a resilient people,” and can easily adapt to extreme weather events,” he said, but conceded that this “adaptation capacity” was hardly enough to deal with extreme weather conditions.

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AFTERWORD

Atty. ANTONIO G.M. LA VIÑA, J.S.D.

Dean, Ateneo School of Government Ateneo de Manila University

The immemorial sentiment of this book reminds me of the words of the poet Horace who lived in the Sabine Hills above Rome, in his letter to his friend Fuscus who resided in the city: “Push our Nature

with a pitchfork, she’ll always come back; And our stupid contempt somehow falls on its face before her.” The poetic chastising was a reaction to the new environmental transformation

that resulted from the increasing forgetfulness of ancient Rome of the natural conscience that once regarded the coexistence of man and nature above the pursuit of interest.

Rodne, indeed, brought to us a refreshing take in tackling the oldest of moral problems – the balancing act of powers between

human and nature – while giving emphasis on the emerging environmental issues that are both globally significant and locally critical.

As you reach this portion of the book, I am confident that We Are Nature has moved you to think about your own experiences that

may, in one way or another, intersect or resonate with those shared by Rodne. It personally strikes me that his recollection of

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AFTERWORD

Atty. ANTONIO G.M. LA VIÑA, J.S.D.

Dean, Ateneo School of Government Ateneo de Manila University

with a pitchfork, she’ll always come back; And our stupid contempt somehow falls on its face before her.” The poetic chastising was a reaction to the new environmental transformation

that resulted from the increasing forgetfulness of ancient Rome of the natural conscience that once regarded the coexistence of man and nature above the pursuit of interest.

Rodne, indeed, brought to us a refreshing take in tackling the oldest of moral problems – the balancing act of powers between

human and nature – while giving emphasis on the emerging environmental issues that are both globally significant and locally critical.

As you reach this portion of the book, I am confident that We Are Nature has moved you to think about your own experiences that

may, in one way or another, intersect or resonate with those shared by Rodne. It personally strikes me that his recollection of

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experiences and thoughts on the issue of Climate Change and the international negotiations, the controversy on mining and the plight of indigenous peoples, and the concern on GMO’s and biodiversity conservation, is more than anything else a salute to those who have dedicated their lives to defend the long- desecrated relationship we have with our environment. It is also for those who have only begun to see.

I believe that the greatest value-added Rodne Galicha’s book brings into the literature of environmental concern is in fact that his reflections do not stop as mere recollections and reminders. His voice and the motivation that has pushed him to complete this book is a call to action. It is a call to reconciliation.

It is said that protecting the Earth is a choice - Rodne joins the multitude of voices that urges us to make it our only choice.

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It is said that protecting the Earth is a choice - Rodne joins the multitude of voices that urges us to make it our only choice.

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