CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines— On November 28, 2024, the urgent call for climate action reverberated at the First Mindanao Climate Justice and Solidarity Conference. Held in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro, this historic event united grassroots leaders, Indigenous communities, Bangsamoro representatives, environmental defenders, faith-based organizations, and climate advocates to confront the escalating environmental and climate crises facing Mindanao. This first-of-its-kind interfaith and grassroots assembly was organized by the Mindanao Climate Justice (MCJ) Resource Facility, BALSA Mindanao, and the Sisters Association in Mindanao (SAMIN).
A Powerful Opening: Unity in Diversity
The conference began with a symbolic ecumenical prayer led by representatives of Mindanao’s Tri-People: Sr. Ma. Luz Mallo for Christians, Datu Sarip for Muslims, and Datu Ikan for the Lumad. This act of unity underscored the collective strength of Mindanao’s diverse communities in addressing the climate emergency. A rousing rendition of the Philippine national anthem followed, setting the tone for the day’s urgent and hopeful discussions.
Archbishop Jose Cabantan, a member of the MCJ Board of Trustees, welcomed participants with a heartfelt message. As Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro and President of the Episcopal Commission on Basic Ecclesial Communities, he emphasized the critical need for solidarity and shared action to address the climate crisis. “Our collective efforts are essential,” he said, “because the fight for climate justice is a fight for the survival of our communities.”
Mindanao: A Land of Promise in Crisis
Prof. Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa, Chairperson of MCJ, opened the conference with a stark yet inspiring message:
“Mindanao, our land of promise, is in peril. Declaring a climate emergency is not just a statement—it is an urgent alarm demanding bold, collective action.”
She highlighted the dual realities of Mindanao: rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage but burdened by poverty, environmental degradation, and systemic neglect. From mining and deforestation to the worsening impacts of climate change, Mindanao’s communities are at the forefront of intersecting crises, yet they remain a wellspring of resilience and action.
Voices of Resistance and Hope
The conference amplified the voices of Mindanao’s Tri-People communities, each offering powerful narratives of struggle, courage, and hope:
- Fr. Nathan Lerio (Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro) spoke about faith as a force for ecological conversion, urging communities to act as stewards of the earth. He emphasized, “Faith and stewardship go hand in hand. Our shared home must be protected with solidarity and justice.”
- Bai Eufemia Cullamat (Secretary-General, KALUMARAN) delivered her stirring talk, Hilak sa Yuta (Cry of the Land), highlighting the devastation caused by extractive industries, militarization, and the closure of Lumad schools. “The cry of the land is the cry of our people,” she said. “To fight for climate justice is to fight for the survival of our heritage and future.”
- Amirah Lidasan (Suara Bangsamoro) connected the environmental degradation in BARMM to the broader struggle for sovereignty. In her presentation, Our Bangsa is No Longer Green, she declared, “Climate justice cannot be separated from the fight for sovereignty. To protect our land is to claim our right to self-determination.”
- Prof. Notch M. Herrera emphasized the importance of reclaiming narratives, educating the public, and leveraging social media for climate advocacy.
- Fr. Raymond Ambray (Diocese of Tandag) called for moral clarity in responding to the climate crisis. Drawing from Laudato Si, he said, “The cry of the earth is a cry for shared humanity. The time to act is now—not tomorrow, not later, but now.”
This afternoon, Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente shared an inspiring message on the Church’s role in addressing the climate crisis. He reminded us that the Church is not just a place of worship but also a sanctuary—a refuge for those most affected by disasters. Bishop Calang reaffirmed the commitment of faith communities to respond to the climate emergency through compassion, solidarity, and decisive action.
His words emphasized the vital need for faith-based alliances to address the climate crisis, reminding us that collective action transcends sectors and unites us in a shared purpose. “We must work together,” he said, “not just to respond to the crisis, but to transform systems that perpetuate harm.”
- Regional workshops mapped out the specific challenges facing Lumad, Bangsamoro, peasant, and youth sectors, fostering collaboration across diverse communities.
- Thematic workshops laid the groundwork for transformative initiatives, including:
- The Laudato Si Relief Network, mobilizing interfaith disaster response to address the increasing frequency of extreme weather.
- Panalipdan! Mindanao Alliance, strengthening environmental advocacy across sectors.
- The Kinaiyahan Youth for Climate Justice Movement, empowering youth leadership in grassroots climate action.
These discussions culminated in the Mindanao Climate and Disaster Emergency Declaration, a call for systemic change rooted in grassroots perspectives and community-driven solutions.
Building a Legacy of Climate Justice
In her closing remarks, Victoria Nolasco, Executive Director of MCJ, reflected on the significance of the gathering:
“This is not a conclusion—it is a beginning. Our house is on fire, but we know who has stoked the flames. Today, we affirm that a united people can and will overcome.”
She celebrated Mindanao’s history of resilience and mobilization, from Typhoon Sendong to the Marawi Siege, while cautioning against complacency. “Fear must not silence us. Instead, it must fuel our resolve,” she urged.
Nolasco called on participants to act decisively, highlighting the courage required to stand against environmental and human rights abuses. “Together, we must protect our land, our communities, and our future,” she concluded.
Toward Justice, Solidarity, and Hope
The First Mindanao Climate Justice and Solidarity Conference did more than highlight a crisis—it charted a way forward. By amplifying the voices of Lumad, Moro, and Christian communities, the event underscored the transformative power of grassroots movements to confront systemic injustices.
As participants departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and a shared vision: a future where the cries of the land and its people are met with justice, solidarity, and hope. Mindanao’s story is no longer just one of resilience—it is a call to resistance, transformation, and triumph.
“Mabuhay ang Mindanao!” the room resounded. “Climate justice and social justice, NOW!”
