The Resilience of Filipinos Amidst Climate Change

In the Philippines, climate change isn’t a distant concept, it’s a daily struggle. From typhoons growing stronger to cities flooding after just a few hours of rain, it’s clear that the environment is changing rapidly. What’s causing these problems? Deforestation, plastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions play a major role. But for many Filipinos, the biggest challenge is how these disasters hit the most vulnerable communities which are those with fewer resources to recover.

But if there’s one thing Filipinos are known for, it’s our resilience. After every storm, we see neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping up, and communities coming together to rebuild. This spirit of "bayanihan" or as we call it working hand in hand, which shows that no matter how tough things get, we don’t back down. Still, we have to ask ourselves: How can we move beyond simply enduring these challenges? Is there a way to protect not just ourselves, but future generations, from the worsening impacts of climate change?

The good news is that solutions are within reach, and they start with the actions we take today. For example, planting trees in our own backyards or local parks not only helps fight climate change, but also improves air quality for everyone. In areas prone to flooding, simple steps like clearing drainage systems and planting vegetation along riverbanks can reduce damage during typhoons. While these may seem like small acts, when done together, they help create a long-lasting impact that helps future generations.

Education is another factor in dealing with climate change. When children grow up learning about climate change and its effects, they become knowledgeable on what to act. Parents and educators can teach not just the science of climate change, but also the value of protecting what we have. Because let’s face it the fight against climate change isn’t just about big policies or international agreements, it’s about the choices we make every day big or small.

In the end, resilience isn’t just about surviving the next storm. It’s about thriving in the face of uncertainty and ensuring a brighter, greener future for all. What role will you play in this fight for our planet and our people?

References:
www.blogger.com
https://www.afd.fr/sites/afd/files/styles/visuel_principal/public/2022-07-02-40-48/philippines-finance-climat.JPG?itok=WNlVLnZR
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Fvideo%2Fphilippines-requests-help-as-death-toll-rises%2FF456399E-83E7-4CB2-911A 970F1C097EC8%3FstartPosition%3D%257Bseek_to_second_number%257D&psig=AOvVaw2376PNyQrgryDRW66W1kQ&ust=1732201293991000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCOjY9OiW64kDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAg
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https://youthtoday.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/06/Latino-activism-leads-in-grassroot-efforts-on-climate-change-771x514.jpg

Breaking the Chains of the past for the future of our children

 

We celebrate National Children’s Month every November as it serves as a reminder to us all about the responsibility we possess regarding the children's welfare, Filipino children to be specific. In this year, the theme is “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines,” the message called for the daily violence that children live with to be brought into the limelight. Bullying in schools and various forms of emotional abuse are major issues that not only need to be addressed but are also growing problems that require immediate attention.

 For most of us, it is easy to forget that violence occurs in many other forms other than physical violence. What goes on inside the head of a child who feels hopeless to express what is going on in their life, be it shame or fear? These forms of abuse are often not visible but are present and may affect these children s lives forever, being reactive or inactive. 

This is why in this month’s theme reminds us of the responsibility we all share: that there’s work to be done. No matter the role, a parent, a teacher or even a student, every person has to play a part. It can even be as easy as listening, reporting, or teaching the children about the rights that they ought to have but don’t have due to ignorance. 

 Ending violence is not just stopping the violence, it is the creation of a society where every child is appreciated, every child is secured and every child is listened to. Schools can be at the forefront by initiating programs and campaigns on children’s rights, communities can foster safety, and parents can introduce or try positive disciplinary measures that foster respect and understanding. 

As we continue with National Children’s Month, it’s important to ask ourselves how we can help solve this problem. Everybody has a role in building the world where our children are safe from harm and free to grow up without fear. The responsibility is on us, for the future of all Filipino children. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and create a brighter, safer tomorrow for the next generation.

References:

www.blogger.com

https://depedsarangani.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/National-Childrens-Month-Cover-Photo-small-700x300.png

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