In Davao, Philippines, MCJ recently initiated Collective Care and Wellbeing discussions for Environment Advocates through the Panalipod Program, aiming to promote mental health and collective care within our community. The event titled “Protecting Human Rights Defenders and Promoting Well-being Amidst the Climate Crisis in Mindanao” took place at Ateneo de Davao University in collaboration with their Social Work Department, represented by Ms. Maria Teresa dela Rosa.
On May 29, 2024, MCJ hosted a discussion led by Ms. Meg Yarcia (Psychologist and Resource Person on Collective Care) and Dr. Jean Lindo (Panalipdan Mindanao). Participants from various organizations across Mindanao—including Panalipdan, JSWAP, Missionaries of the Assumption, TAMBAYAN, ESU, Metsa Foundation, and SAMIN—came together to share insights and explore strategies to protect defenders and enhance wellbeing. This marks the first step towards establishing a network of service providers and a referral mechanism for defenders in Mindanao.
MCJ Chairperson Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for Ms. Meg Yarcia’s presentation on practical approaches to fostering mental health, wellbeing, and collective care within communities, organizations, and workplaces. Emphasis was placed on collaborative wellbeing practices that empower everyone, not just experts.
Dr. Jean Lindo further illustrated the impact of climate change on mental health and wellbeing, highlighting how climate crises such as droughts, storms, and flooding affect the ability of advocates to balance work responsibilities and personal wellbeing, such as adequate rest. The discussions underscored the importance of having emergency response protocols in place to facilitate orderly and effective responses during stressful events.
Mindanao faces dual challenges: escalating climate change impacts on health and wellbeing, and the critical role of human rights defenders in protecting communities amidst these challenges. MCJ, deeply embedded in community-led initiatives, acknowledges the need to address these intertwined issues for sustainable development. Climate crises not only threaten the environment but also undermine human rights, particularly in vulnerable regions like Mindanao. Extreme weather events exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, impacting fundamental rights such as life and dignity, especially amid shrinking civic spaces and political instability, which heighten risks for human rights defenders.
As climate impacts intensify, the urgency grows to support human rights defenders, organizations, and communities in Mindanao. By prioritizing the psychosocial wellbeing of defenders and raising awareness about the intersection of climate change, human rights, and mental health, MCJ aims to strengthen resilience within the human rights community amidst adversity.
