The only way out is through: How Filipinos are handling the climate crisis
Sometimes, when you think about what’s going on in the world, it can send you into a deep dark spiral. Some problems seem too inevitable, too big, and too scary. Where do you start? What can you do? With something as widespread as the climate crisis, it can be difficult to see where exactly you fit into the picture. We asked two environmentalists to weigh in.
Alyssa Belda is a mobility advocate who promotes inclusive public transport and lobbies for the revitalization of the Pasig River. She is a member of Move As One Coalition where she’s involved in the Ilog Pasiglahin campaign.
Alab Mirasol Ayroso is a full-time climate justice and human rights activist. With a family background in activism, she is the current convenor and national coordinator of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP).
Localizing the climate crisis
Alyssa says that we’ve historically inherited the practices, and thus the effects, of our colonizers.
“Na-carry over ‘yung urban planning practices since we were colonized by the Americans. We keep prioritizing infrastructure or cars, and we’re so fossil-fuel dependent.
“Biodiversity hotspot din ang Philippines; there are different types of species of trees and plants yet no importance is given (to them). We keep prioritizing profit over the planet.” Alyssa cites incidents like the oil spill in Verde Island Passage and the construction of the Kaliwa Dam. “There are the struggles of indigenous peoples in protecting their ancestral land.”
Alab outlines three major issues that compound the hardships we experience as Filipinos. “First is large-scale and open pit mining in Visayas and Mindanao. These displace communities and are destructive.
“Second are projects on reclamation that affect the major source of livelihood of fisherfolk and worsen the impact of climate change like rising sea levels, typhoons, and storm surges.
“Third is the attack on environmental defenders. These are human rights issues since they are red-tagged, (put under) surveillance, and are targeted to be silenced.”
She finds a common denominator in all three problems: the plight of the people and the environment are not considered.
Social media and science literacy
Alyssa recalls a recent event that showcased how Filipinos’ preconceptions affected an environmental issue. “Nung July (2023), may Korean actor na pumunta dito at nagpa-picture sa Guadalupe. Maraming nan-dogshow sa Pasig River (on social media). But there really are times na brown or green siya especially since it’s an urban river,” she recounts.
“They don’t mean harm but it influences the status quo na patay na ang Pasig River. Kaya may reputation siya na madumi at mabaho.” Alyssa then cites groups and offices that arrange events such as heritage walks and rowing experiences. She and others want to help change the stigma around Pasig River and show people that it’s not as bad as before, like in the ‘90s before efforts were made to rehabilitate it.
“Our generation’s attention span is so small. It’s a challenge to get them interested,” Alab remarks. The challenge lies in the framing of the climate crisis. It’s usually very technical and scientific, which only draws in a small amount of people to read more about it. If we want to engage with others, Alab suggests being creative. “Make TikTok videos and nice Instagram posts, and go with the trends.”
It’s all about meeting people where they are, whether that’s K-pop, anime, or Pokemon. “Once you have their attention, that’s when you send them articles.”
In terms of science literacy, Alab feels that there is a lack of financial support in the education system overall. “We can see it in the sudden change in curriculum: the government is making it shorter and taking focus away from certain things.” Things such as school laboratories not having enough microscopes or supplies can deal a great blow to how kids perceive science growing up.
Are our lawmakers stepping up?
All is not lost though in our government, as Alab says there are some left who advocate for us. “Lawmakers, senators, congressman, and those in the LGUs, I do like to believe try their best. A lot of the time they’re alone in a room full of others, so we have to support them so they can champion for us responsibly.”
Alyssa echos this. “There is a minority, particularly in the congress. Some congressmen support pro-people mining bills or green bills but hindi na-prioritize. Currently, the majority don't see it as a priority.” She talks about other laws pulling focus such as the Maharlika Investment Fund and the SIM Registration Act. “I believe there will be some who will push for climate policies if they see it's beneficial for them, but they do not see it as beneficial,” she continues. “There’s no profit (so these laws) won’t be (enacted) as fast like SIM Registration or Maharlika.”
The Filipino’s general attitude
We’ve lost our relationship with nature due to the inaccessibility of green spaces, says Alyssa. “Mahirap magka-relationship with something you don't see, especially if you’re living in Metro Manila. Hopefully, we can rekindle it soon.”
When we grow up around hostile streets, concrete structures, and asphalt, it can be a little difficult for us to make that connection naturally. “Filipinos do care, but we don’t have that lived experience.” She adds that working with indigenous people is important in fighting the climate crisis. “In Australia, they recognize the traditional knowledge of the Aboriginals and use it to influence decision-making. Can we implement that here? Sila ang may knowledge about the environment.”
Alab sees hope in the youth of today, especially with the growing number of young people wanting to take action. She also sees anger in them. “It’s their future na mawawala if nothing changes soon. There’s a general sense of, ‘Walang ginagawa ang world leaders natin.’”
So, back to that spiraling doom
“There are a lot of youth groups, so you won’t have to start from scratch. It’s a process,” Alyssa reassures. “There’s only so much you can do individually. What matters is that you try.” This thinking led Alyssa to have a more holistic view of what it means to advocate for the environment.
She has some advice for those starting their journey. “Keep an open mind. Be open to all types of knowledge and be prepared to learn and unlearn your preconceived notions about everything.” Her most important tip: “Keep showing up.”
“For certain individuals, reading more (about the climate crisis) may make them want to do something about it. But there are others that will feel dismayed or sad,” Alab says. “Start where you are comfortable with. Bring yourself into a community. When you’re in a group with like-minded people, mas may magagawa ka.”
“Even if it’s just online, the accumulation of small actions makes a huge impact. Do certain things that will make you more educated.”
Alyssa emphasizes the human aspect of this crisis. “People tend to think about the climate crisis as a scientific thing, with purely facts or figures. We have to invite people to listen to whoever has (direct) experience of the effects of the climate crisis, and we don’t actually need to look far.” She mentions the huge amounts of people who were affected by supertyphoons. “We have to remember there are people who lost their homes and families. That's what we mean by the climate crisis. It’s not just the planet heating up, it’s families getting uprooted and torn apart.”