Incoming senators told to prioritize climate response and marine protection following midterm elections

Environmental advocates and fisherfolk communities called on newly elected senators to prioritize climate response and marine protection as the country grapples with record-breaking heat and food security emergency.

“As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, the Philippines must place climate response at the forefront of its legislative priorities. We call on our newly elected senators to act with urgency and commit to laying out comprehensive plans for climate adaptation. Failure to do so is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Filipino people, especially the vulnerable communities who are already bearing the brunt of the climate crisis,” said Gerry Arances, executive director of Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED).

Several areas in the country reported ‘danger level’ heat index forecasts on election day, adding to the growing concerns about the Philippines’ climate vulnerability.

“We are already experiencing dangerous heat index levels and increasing threats to food security. Just last year, we were battered by multiple typhoons. We are running out of time as we breach the 1.5°C climate threshold. We can no longer afford to hear of more food security emergencies, health crises, and environmental destruction due to climate change,” Arances added.

Fish remains the most consumed source of animal protein in the Philippines. Amid the worsening climate crisis and mounting threats from industrialization, advocates are raising urgent concerns over the need to strengthen ocean protection. 

“As an archipelagic nation, the oceans serve as a vital lifeline for millions of Filipinos. Our newly elected lawmakers must recognize the critical importance of protecting our oceans, not only in combating the worsening impacts of the climate crisis but also in ensuring food and livelihoods for our people,” said Fr. Edwin Gariguez, lead convenor of Protect VIP.

“The VIP is one of the most important marine ecosystems on the planet, yet it remains unprotected. We are hopeful that our new lawmakers will finally deliver the long-overdue protection that the Verde Island Passage and its communities deserve,” he added.

Fisherfolk groups from the five provinces spanning the VIP demand electoral candidates to champion marine conservation and fisherfolk rights in a unified fisherfolk agenda days ahead of the elections.

“Sawa na kami na hindi nabibigyan ng puwang ang mga hinaing naming mga mangingisda. Umaasa kami na ang mga bagong halal na senador ay bigyan ng prayoridad ang kapakanan ng mga mangingisda at suportahan ang aming itinakdang fisherfolk agenda. Para sa mga lokal na opisyal na nagbigay suporta, inaasahan naming tutuparin ninyo ang inyong mga salita,” said Rodrigo De Jesus, president of Bukluran ng Mangingisda ng Batangas.

[“We are tired of our voices as fisherfolk being ignored and pushed aside. We hope that the newly elected senators will finally prioritize the welfare of small-scale fishers and support the Fisherfolk Agenda we laid out. To those in local office who supported us, we are counting on you to stay true to your word.”]