MANILA-– During the past few days, several parts of the country have reached a certain point where the heat index is so high and unbearable that even school classes were suspended.
With this phenomenon, the most vulnerable sectors of our society, especially the poor households, are no match and have no way to address the excessive heat brought about by global warming. Moreso, that the Philippines is currently experiencing El Nino which is believed to last until May. This compounded the situation where the greater number of the population’s health and livelihood are at stake. According to the World bank report: Philippines Country Climate and Development Report estimates show that the economic damages in the Philippines could reach up to 7.6 percent of GDP by 2030 and 13.6 percent of GDP by 2040.
According to the reports, if we do not act to mitigate the effects of climate change, it “will impose substantial economic and human costs,” affecting the poorest of the poor (farmers, fisherfolks, and ordinary households) the most.
“We are in a climate emergency, and it is imperative that we must act fast together with the government and other institutions at the national and international levels in seriously finding ways and solutions in mitigating the ill effects of climate change.”, as expressed by Mr. Noel D. Raboy, Chief Executive Officer and President of CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative (CLIMBS).
However, decisions reached in Conference of Parties (COP 28) have not been fully implemented due to the limited commitment of the rich nations on their obligations in the climate convention particularly in addressing the use of fossil fuels, the issue on greenhouse gases, carbon offsetting among others, creating a situation that the world is still in imminent danger.
In this dire situation, developing countries can only do so much. However, at the national level, the cooperative movement must be constant in its campaign on climate justice. The Coop Chamber, CLIMBS, NaFeCoop and the cooperative movement must continue to contribute in mitigating the effects of global warming and climate change through programs such as advocacy on climate justice, creating programs and services to keep cooperatives and communities prepared for any climate crisis, catastrophe or any unforeseen event.
Related to this, the National Federation of Cooperative Primary in the Philippines (NaFeCOOP is an advocacy-driven federation of primary cooperatives duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority) together with CLIMBS and Coop Chamber, vowed to continue to cooperate and assist the government and the international community through cooperation among cooperatives and solidarity with other movements that are calling for Climate Justice.
During the board meeting of NaFeCOOP held yesterday at the Baseline Center in CLIMBS office in Cebu City, NaFeCOOP, Chairperson Romulo Amarado, together with the Board of Directors reiterated their commitment to advocating policies for the betterment of the cooperative sector, their members and the communities where they operate, including the campaign on climate justice, by donating (an advocacy fund) to the Coop Chamber. The check was endorsed to Edwin Bustillos, Executive Director of Coop Chamber in a simple ceremony during the meeting.
“The cooperative movement, said NaFeCOOP Chairperson Romulo Amarado, should step up and be in the forefront of this campaign.”
As further stated by Mr. Noel Raboy,” We care not only for the community, but the society as whole. The 6th and 7th principles of cooperativism, the cooperation among cooperatives and care for the community are exactly the reasons why cooperatives should continue to create a better world to live in.”
The Coop Chamber, CLIMBS, and NaFeCOOP are expected to do a more relentless campaign drive for the dissemination of information and awareness and understanding of the people about climate emergency, including the holding of training and seminars, and other environmental programs and projects for the cooperative members in particular aimed to prepare each one for the climate and environment emergencies.
#ClimateActionNow.
Contact Person:
Edwin A. Bustillos
Executive Director
CP# 0917801730
