Philippines: Legarda invites Filipinos to participate in 'Summit of Conscience for the Climate' in Manila
Senator Loren Legarda today invited Filipinos to participate in the Summit of Conscience for the Climate in Manila and reflect on what they can do to contribute to protecting the planet.
"I encourage our citizens to take part in the call to conscience by watching the Summit online or sharing their comments, suggestions and personal reflections through social media. We want to show the world that we are united in the fight against climate change and its impacts," said Legarda.
"Moreover, following the Philippine government's submission of its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) to the United Nations, we now reflect on how, individually, we can contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation," she added noting that a survey by the Pew Research Center showed that climate change is a top concern among Filipinos, with 72% saying they are 'very concerned' with the issue.
The Senator said that citizens can participate in the event that will be held at the Philippine Senate on October 9, 2015, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon through social media and livestreaming.
Everyone is encouraged to join the "Why do I care?" campaign and share their personal reflections through the website in the related links below or through social media by using #whydoicarePH. The whole event can be watched live through the related link below.
The Summit is being organized by the Senate Committee on Climate Change, which Legarda chairs, in partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the French Embassy in Manila.
The activity will gather leaders and representatives across sectors, i.e. faith-based organizations, civil society, the academe and national government agencies, to ponder on the questions "Why do I care?" and "How do I show that I care"? It will elicit personal stories, beliefs and commitments in protecting and saving our planet. Participants will be encouraged to sign the Call to Conscience for the Climate.
Speakers include H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France; Secretary Lucille Sering of CCC; DENR Secretary Ramon Paje; Cong. Terry Ridon, Representative, Kabataan Partylist; Commissioner Jose Sixto Dantes III of the National Youth Commission; Councilor Alfredo Arquillano, Jr., UN Sasakawa Awardee for Disaster Risk Reduction; Rebecca Ortega of the Brahma Kumaris Philippines; Dr. Julian Meimban III of Iglesia ni Cristo; Venerable Miao Jing Shih, International Buddhist Progress Society; Imam Norodin Nawal of the Bangsamoro Religious Coordinating Council; and Grace Balawag, Deputy Coordinator, Indigenous People Partnership on Climate Change, Tebtebba Foundation.
Also expected to attend and speak are Dr. Alfredo Pascual, President of the University of the Philippines System; Dr. Antonio G.M. La Vina, Dean of Ateneo de Manila School of Government; Sonia Mendoza, Chairperson of Mother Earth Foundation; Rodne Galicha, Philippine District Manager, The Climate Reality Project; environmental lawyer Atty. Ipat Luna; and Filipino artist Kidlat Tahimik, among others.
The event will include a short program to cite the Ifugao community as Champions of Resilience in line with the celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (observed every October 13). Ifugao Province Governor Denis Habawel; Cong. Teddy Brawner Baguilat; Dr. Serafin Ngohayon, President of Ifugao State University; and Marlon Martin of the Save the Rice Terraces Movement, will receive the citation from Dr. Jerry Velasquez, Chief of Advocacy of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). The awarding will be followed by a performance of the Hudhud Chants.
A photo exhibit, "60 SOLUTIONS against climate change" by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, will also be launched on the day of the Summit and will be displayed until October 23, 2015 at the 2nd Floor Hallway, Senate of the Philippines.
The Summit of Conscience for the Climate in Manila will be the first of a series of similar summits to be held in different parts of the country--particularly in schools, universities, cities and municipalities.
The Summit of Conscience for the Climate in Manila is an adaptation of the first Summit held on July 21, 2015 in Paris, France where religious, political and cultural leaders, Nobel Peace laureates, former UN leaders, humanitarian and environmental activists gathered to influence everyone involved in the climate negotiations to decide and act for the sake of the planet and its inhabitants.
Legarda was the lone Philippine representative to the said Summit in Paris where she expressed her commitment to launch a Summit of Conscience for the Climate in the Philippines.