Quezon City, Philippines – Amid escalating environmental crises and the urgent need for climate action, Rights of Nature PH has launched the “Rescue Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans” This groundbreaking initiative, supported by over 28 organizations, a good mix of both individual organizations and coalitions; spanning nongovernmental organizations, youth advocates, and faith-based groups, emerged from the recent General Assembly to advocate for the protection and restoration of the country’s critical water ecosystems and resources.

Leading the campaign are notable organizations, including the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), Caritas Philippines, Diocesan Social Action Center Calapan, Katutubo Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre, Silang Sagip Kalikasan, and Renacimiento Manila. Together, they call for the urgent passage of the Rights of Nature Bill, a proposed law that seeks to recognize ecosystems’ intrinsic rights, ensuring their protection for future generations.

Voices for the Environment

Retired Major General Arnold Mancita of Silang Sagip Kalikasan expressed alarm over large-scale Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects threatening the Silang River system. “Protecting nature is inseparable from providing sustainable shelter and livelihoods for families along riverbanks,” he emphasized.

Ms. Bea Dolores of Renacimiento Manila highlighted the importance of opposing destructive projects in Pasig and Manila Bay. “Sama-sama nating tutulan ang PAREX, SALEX, mga reklamasyon at anumang mapanirang proyekto sa Ilog Pasig at Manila Bay. Ang kailangan natin ay nature-based solutions na makatao, akma sa klima’t babawas ng epektong dulot nito at may pangangalaga sa ating pamana,” she stated. (“Together, let us oppose PAREX, SALEX, reclamations and any destructive project in the Pasig River and Manila Bay. What we need are nature-based solutions that are humane, fit the climate and reduce the impact caused by it and protect our heritage,”)

Indigenous youth advocate Ms. Kristel C. Quierrez of Katutubo Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre condemned development aggression in indigenous territories. “Nagkakagulo sa komunidad ng mga katutubo dahil sa mga hindi katutubo o dayuhang nagpupunta sa kanila dahil sa mga proyektong kanilang pinapasok. Kung ano ang makikita at nakapaloob sa Sierra Madre ay makikita din sa pagkakakilanlan ng mga katutubo. Malaki na ang naapektuhan ng Kaliwa Dam sa kasalukuyan.” (“There is trouble in the indigenous community because of non-indigenous or foreigners who come to them because of the projects they enter. What can be seen and contained in the Sierra Madre can also be seen in the identity of the natives. The Kaliwa Dam has been affected a lot at the moment.”)

Fr. Edu Gariguez, Chairperson of PMPI and representative of the Diocesan Social Action Center of Calapan, stressed the importance of protecting the Verde Island Passage—dubbed the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity. “The sinking of the gas tanker in Oriental Mindoro caused damage valued at 41.2 billion pesos, 97% of which is environmental. We urge the government to halt gas proliferation in this biodiverse hotspot and prioritize renewable energy targets.”

Unified Action and Accountability

During the General Assembly, PMPI National Coordinator Yolanda Esguerra unveiled plans to file legal cases recognizing the rights of the Sierra Madre and Verde Island Passage. She also called for an investigation into environmental regulation violations by government officials and the adoption of local legislation to protect nature. “Rights of Nature Philippines is committed to fostering a future where nature’s rights are respected and upheld,” she stated.

The assembly’s panelists emphasized the need for sustained dialogue with government agencies and the pursuit of accountability for environmental destruction by both corporate entities and public officials. They also called out DENR Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga for her continued refusal to engage directly with environmental advocates, underscoring the need for transparent leadership, including relevant committees of Congress to prioritize the Rights of Nature Bill as an important and necessary response to the climate emergency.

The Call to Action

The “Rescue Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans” campaign is more than just a movement; it is a collective call to protect the environment for the survival and well-being of all communities. Rights of Nature PH urges policymakers to prioritize environmental legislation and calls on every Filipino to join the fight for ecological justice. In addition to continued awareness raising, researcher and intersectoral collaboration, these environmental decrees are pivotal to the movement:

Local and national declarations of “State of Climate Emergency;”
>     Urgent passage of the Rights of Nature Bill at both Congress and Senate;
>     Systemic protection of environmental human rights defenders through local and national legislation; and,
>     Signing and ratification of the Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights