'Environmental constituency' eyed as a way to combat climate change

CEBU, Philippines - Environmentalists have called on the public to become a part of the “environmental constituency,” which they see as non-existent yet in the country even if the latter has been considered most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Vicky Smith of the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) said that with the number of forums and activities dedicated to inform and educate the people about the true condition of the planet and what they can do to it, they are now hoping that their initiatives are gaining what they termed as “environmental constituency” from the public.

She said this kind of constituency is important so the people will pick the right leaders who can effect change to the country, specially focusing on the “more pressing concern” which is the environment.

Smith’s observation was echoed by Fr. Tito Soquino, director of Santo Niño de Cebu Social Development Foundation Inc. and president of an environmental group Knights-Stewards of the Sea, Inc. (Seaknights), who said that while the country is in dire need of environmental leaders, it must also have “environment voters.”

Soquino officiated a “Mass for the Environment” last Monday at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño to call on the faithful to “become a part of this electorate.” The Mass was supported by several non-government and environmental groups.

Meanwhile, in an environmental forum last Tuesday held at the University of San Carlos, Alex Lacson, a senatorial candidate of the Liberal Party, said that he is running because he believes he can do some changes to the country.

Lacson said that part of his agenda is the environment and he intends to set up an independent environmental council that although subsidized by the government, works as prosecutor of all crimes involving nature.

He said that there are already a number of environmental laws but these are not fully implemented.

Lacson cited the toxic contamination in Clark and Subic, reportedly done by the US military during the time when they made these area their base and until now has still not been given justice.

“The crimes against the environment have become so big that they actually threaten the existence of our humanity,” he said. “My point is to promote a culture on motherland and stewardship. We as a people we are one as a family. Our creator wants us to belong to one another. And we are the stewards to our own country.”

During the same forum, Nicanor Perlas, who is eyeing the top post in the national government and an environmentalist since 1968, said that the world, the Philippines included, is in an “environmental emergency.”

He explained that scientists have already foreseen that in about 40 years, 60 to 70 percent of all life forms will go into “massive extinction” because of global warming.

“We need a new form of politics. We need people in that government who have a full experience, those who can handle environmental challenges,” he said.

Perlas has signified his intention to run for president in May, but was disqualified by the Commission on Elections reportedly for his incapacity to launch a national campaign.

Perlas has however a pending appeal with the Supreme Court, and he said, he is expecting that the decision would be released anytime soon. — Liv G. Campo/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)