STATEMENT OF CONCERN
On the Extreme Heat index and impacts
We,
Sibagatnon residents and organizations from different sectors and
communities are extremely worried about extreme heat index in the
country and the world these days of which is described by the government
agencies and experts as “danger index.”
The Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration of
the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PAGASA) last March 22,
2024 in a press conference announced the official start of the dry
season in the country.
Temperatures in various areas in the
country are extremely hot (40 degrees above) as the dry season or known
to be the summer season comes while the Philippines still faces the
impact of El Niรฑo, which began in June 2023 and gradually intensified.
PAGASA on March 17 said that El Nino has started to weaken but the
bureau also still expects that the effects will be felt until May.
According
to reports, El Nino triggered drought in 37 areas and a dry spell in 12
areas in the Philippines as of March 17, 2024.
The adverse
effect to water resources, agriculture, energy, health, forests,
education and other key sectors are already felt and expected to suffer
more. The Department of Agriculture recorded an estimate of P1.75
billion cost damage from eight regions as of March 14, 2024 with at
least 29,437 farmers being affected..
Cases of wildfires
happened in South Cotabato province (Koronadal City and Banga,
Tantangan, Polomolok towns); General Santos City in Sarangani province;
Sta Cruz in Davao del Sur; and community reported wildfires in Upi,
Maguindanao del Norte. These incidents happened in March and this early
of April 2024. Reports also documented cases of grassfire in Bacolod
City, and in Baguio and Tuba, Benguet. The Cordillera region alone
recorded more than a hundred fires (These comprised forest fires, grass
fires, structural fires, and other types).
In a report, the
Department of Education on April 3, 2024 said that as of April 2, all
classroom instructions had been defaulted to alternative delivery mode
(ADM) in Quezon City, Caloocan City and Navotas City in Metro Manila;
General Santos City; Polangui, Albay; Polomolok, South Cotabato; Maasim,
Sarangani and the province of Sultan Kudarat.
Other schools in
different provinces, cities, municipalities nationwide followed the same
arrangement. DepEd announced that 4,769 schools nationwide are
implementing ADM due to the hot weather with 2,482,507 affected
students.
Low supply of water has also been reported nationwide and power outages. Earthquakes have become more intense and threatening.
These
mentioned incidents and effects of the intensifying climate crisis
would only continue if humans and the authorities concerned continue to
deny that we are in the climate emergency now and continue the neglect
of the environment.
Policies and programs of the government
pertaining to the environment, energy, natural resource management and
utilization, emergency response and proactive mechanisms, people’s
participation, economic priorities, etc must be reviewed and improved.
One
certain thing is that the poor, women, children, elders, workers,
persons with disability and special needs and other marginalized sectors
are to suffer most with the continuing and fast-intensifying climate
crisis.
While the ADM arrangement is helpful to arrest the
situation, DepEd and the whole government must also strategically assess
its facilities improvement and care services for the teaching and
non-teaching personnel in public and private schools. Supports the food
producing and the service sectors must be well-defined especially the
family-based, and the workers.
Substantially, the dominant
destructive and profit-driven orientation and framework of development
have worsened the situation. On the contrary, development must be
democratic, empowering, sustainable and ecological.
We believe
that life above earth cannot be sustained with a destroyed and
imbalanced environment. Thus, as stewards of the creation we are more
than obliged to take on the challenge.
We call on all
stakeholders to actively and proactively engage in the restoration of
the forests, restoration of human solidarity and compassion with each
other and towards nature, strengthen the movements and capacities, and
collectively journey in consciousness building for the environment at
homes, neighborhoods, churches, schools and all halls of influence.
Climate Crisis is not a prank, it is real and it is here.
Mabuhay ang mga Magigiting!
Signed,
ORGANIZATIONS
1. SECA - Sibagat Ecumenical Churches Association
2. PALASANG - Panaghiusa sa Katawhan alang sa Pagpahiuli sa Lasang
3. KTYO - Kalye Trese Youth Organization
4. NAMAO - Nagkahiusang Mag-uumang Organiko
5. KKK - Kahugpungan sa Kababayen-an alang sa Kalambuan
6. TMPC - Tag-oyango Multi-Purpose Cooperative
7. SIABGA - San Isidro II, Afga Banana Growers Association
8. SNHSHI YES-O -
9. Flora Tilapia Hatchery
10. Alpha Kappa Rho - Sibagat
11. EUPATRIDS FACTION EPSILON CHAPTER (EFAC)
12. ALCOTHANS in Sibagat
INDIVIDUALS
1 Pastor VICTOR A. PACULLO, Church Leader
2. Bishop Pedro P. Fenis, Jr., Church Leader
3 Alyza Baรฑez Bebis, Youth Leader
4. Manelyn Herbolingo, Youth Leader
5. Val Fenis, Worker
6. Reynand Pajaganas Flora, Fish Farmer
7. Ronaldo Cubillas, Farmer
8. Toribio Bernadas, Farmer
9. Nilda Barcelona, Municipal NCIP Officer - Sibagat
10. Ricardo Butao, Community Leader, Government Worker
11. Mark Bryan Alban, Self-Employed
12. Norie Garces, Community Leader, Brgy Secretary
13. Manuel Jade Manaya, Young Farmer, Youth Leader
14. Arlene Baquilid, Farmer
15. Junel Gozo, Educator
16. Rose Ann Aquilam, Educator
17. Levie Jane B. Seno, Educator
Reference Persons:
Robert Morcillos
PALASANG Secretary
Most Rev Pedro P. Fenis, Jr
PALASANG Chairperson
April 9, 2024
Araw ng Kagitingan
Pilipinas
Comments
Post a Comment