lawyer | teacher | leader | thinker
TONY LA VIÑA, KALOI ZARATE, JAYVY GAMBOA ‘Does climate action really have to be at odds with the livelihood and economic security of those affected by the shift?’ The impending weeklong jeepney strike on March 6 to 12 has resurfaced the heated and spirited debate on the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and the issues …
Continue reading “Wanted: A just transition for the jeepney sector amid the climate crisis”
‘The threats against Masungi might be strong, but we believe that its innate importance as well as its defenders are even stronger’ Masungi’s past struggles Masungi, a national park of geological and ecological importance, is known for its beautiful landscape and healthy geotourism practices. However, it has also become known because it is constantly attacked …
Continue reading “Save Masungi: A park constantly under threat”
TONY LA VIÑA, BERNARDINE DE BELEN ‘Sibuyan residents also exhibit how deep people’s concern for their environment can go’ Sibuyan Island, located in Romblon Province, is deemed the Galapagos of Asia. It is a hotspot of biodiversity and home to various endemic species such as the Philippine Hanging Parrot, the Philippine Pygmy-woodpecker, and the Orange-bellied …
Continue reading “[OPINION] An epic sustainability battle in Sibuyan Island”
“It would be ideal if the conflicting claims and findings of these groups were harmonized before the project pushes through, but boring activities have already started” October 27 saw the groundbreaking for the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector project, which would link by bridge the city of Davao to the neighboring Island Garden City of …
Continue reading “Precautionary approach on Davao-Samal bridge”
“How wonderful it is to witness young people join the fight against the worsening climate crisis” This week, we celebrate Bonifacio Day as we do every November 30. Time was when it was also celebrated as National Heroes Day – which has been moved to the last Sunday of August since 1987. Andres Bonifacio is …
“We must now pay attention to the global stocktake to be finalized by 2025 where the next generation of mitigation commitments will probably be made” The Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan, adopted last Sunday by the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) of the Framework Convention on Climate Change made history. After 30 years, COP …
Continue reading “Finally, a win on climate loss and damage”
“I echo the call of civil society to enlist the help of non-government colleagues who have proven expertise and solid reputations in the climate process.” As I write this column, the 27th meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is concluding. Issues are still being negotiated …
“Despite the differences in circumstances and representations, one overarching goal remains – one that will benefit all the Parties involved” The first week of the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change has now passed. The world awaits the decisions that will be made here. The challenge …
“The Masungi Georeserve is not just one of the international leaders in sustainable tourism and home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, it has also been fundamental in ensuring the reforestation of the southern Sierra Madre range…“ “This is how the DENR should do it.” Then Environment Secretary Gina Lopez declared these words …
What Marcos’ election means for the environmental movement In February 1986, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in major regions of the Philippines to call for the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos. Widely known as a non-violent revolt, the so-called EDSA People Power Revolution struck the final blow to two decades of authoritarian …
Continue reading “The Future of Climate Justice in the Philippines”
Tony La Viña