by Miguel Philip Dael
On 6 May 2024, the Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) Cagayan De Oro City Chapter representatives from the Xavier University National Service Training Program 2, section CCE took a significant step for Climate Justice. They visited the office of Vice-Mayor Jocelyn "Bebot" Rodriguez at Cagayan De Oro City Hall to seek her strong support in bringing their advocacies and dreams to life.
With over 3,000 signatures backing their cause, they presented a petition urging the declaration of a climate emergency in Cagayan de Oro City and echoed the urgent need for action against the looming threat of climate change. Furthermore, they emphasized the crucial role of youth in advocating for climate justice, performing their role in nation-building, and highlighting their commitment to being catalysts for change.
The campaign is in partnership with the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) and participated by Golden Heritage Polytechnic State College, Pilgrim Christian College, Southern Philippines College, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Capitol University, Xavier University, and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.
The students requested the Vice-Mayor to raise their campaign in the city council under her leadership. The results of a declaration for climate emergency are to raise public awareness of the issue and change behaviors toward how one treats the environment, formulate new policies or strengthen existing ones that respond to the climate crisis, especially the regulations on carbon emissions and the adoption of, renewable energy, and use of coal and liquified natural gas (LNG), allocate more funds for climate-related research, mitigation, and adaptation efforts, encourage more initiatives for sustainable development.
This campaign has marked their journey towards limiting the global temperature to 1.5 °C. The youth call on everyone to stand united, driven by passion and fueled by purpose to mitigate climate change and build a greener, brighter tomorrow.