Conference of the Parties (COP28) December 1, 2023

A message from civil society on the opening day of the Philippine Pavilion and commencement of the World Climate Action Summit at COP 28

We, representatives of climate vulnerable communities, members of the church and faith-based organization, youth, and members of civic movements – including Philippine civil society present in Dubai, UAE – express our grave disappointment at the Philippine Delegation’s failure to uphold meaningful participation of communities and civil society in the first-ever Philippine Pavilion at COP 28.

More than two decades of COPs have proven that the collaborative efforts of governments and non-governmental organizations is pivotal in achieving progress in the climate conversation. The Filipino community has notably been one of the strongest voices both inside and outside of the negotiation halls, contributing to landmark climate agreements and developments in Paris, Warsaw, Glasgow, and others.

For the first time, the Philippine government will be opening its own pavilion, signaling the country’s high stakes for this year’s climate negotiations. It is a space that has potential to facilitate critical intersectoral discussions for our people’s climate survival and to exhibit the Filipino solidarity for climate justice and action – especially against the backdrop of the tenth year anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda. Unfortunately, it is clear that the inclusion of vulnerable communities and civil society is not a priority of the delegation, and the pavilion’s execution.

As the pavilion opens and the World Climate Action Summit starts today, we decry the lack of transparency and absence of a genuine attitude toward collaboration from the Philippine Pavilion Committee led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.. Despite compliance with the changing requirements from the Pavilion Committee, civil society groups without pre-existing ties with the Philippine delegation head were unable to receive formal and consistent communication regarding applications for pavilion events, including their eventual denial. We are gravely concerned that this illustrates a prejudice against civil society raising critical discussions both at our home country and in annual climate negotiations. This exclusion will only mean that difficult but crucial conversations meant to sharpen positions and raise ambitions will be buried under flashy pronouncements meant to paint the COP participation of the Philippine government a success. Ultimately, it also reveals a government unwilling to listen and to be held to account. Whether the delegation represents the best interest of the people also becomes a question.

COP 28 entails a crucial opportunity for the world to take decisive action to protect the 1.5°C climate goal and uphold climate justice through the delivery of reparation and resources to accelerate both mitigation and adaptation in climate-vulnerable countries like the Philippines. We are a country that is rich in potential climate solutions – particularly renewable energy: in fact, a recent groundbreaking report from a global think-tank found that a full renewable energy transition aligned to 1.5°C is feasible for the country by no later than 2040. Such findings can enable government and civil society alike to demand bolder action in global spaces like COP 28. This is crucial in the Philippines’ struggle to break free from “development” pathways that only exacerbate our climate vulnerability. In a 1.5°C future for the Philippines, coal, gas, and other destructive energy like nuclear and thermal waste-to-energy can no longer wreak destruction; meanwhile, socio-economic benefits like the empowerment of communities, access to energy,  more affordable power prices, jobs, and others are made available to Filipinos.

Plans from the Philippine government are currently far from aligned to this – be it in its Philippine Energy Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions, and others. The imperative of enabling a 1.5°C compatible future for the country must therefore be its guiding light at spaces like COP 28 both in negotiations and public endeavors. Civil society, whose dedication to strive for climate justice and action is rooted in a history of confrontation with the realities of climate impacts, is more than capable of amplifying this. The Philippine delegation must recognize this. At the same time, it must not live out an agenda that will further the climate crisis.

We challenge the Philippine delegation and government to move forward with the spirit of solidarity that the Filipino community has always brought to the table. Our country’s voice holds huge weight when given due space and brought to light, both within and outside of the negotiation halls. Climate justice and genuine sustainable development will only be achieved when grounded in current realities, while ramping up a just energy transition and climate action that put people and our voices at the center. The COP 28 presidency had earlier in the year said that COP 28 seeks to be ‘the most inclusive COP ever’; it is outrageous to see a country most impacted by the raging climate crisis to be the one excluding its own people.
 

Signed,
 

Power for People Coalition | Youth for Climate Hope Philippines

Philippine Movement for Climate Justice | Caritas Philippines | Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development | Freedom from Debt Coalition | Sanlakas | Greenpeace Philippines | Laudato Si’ Movement Pilipinas | Stewards and Volunteers for the Earth – SAVE Ph | SPARK – Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan | Alyansa Tigil Mina | Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Inc. | Kabiling Lunhaw | Students’ Movement for Climate Action | Sipaway Seagrass Guardians

ILPS Commission 10 Secretariat

Papua Merdeka! On this momentous day marking the first raising of the Morning Star flag as a symbol of West Papua’s independence, the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) Commission 10 reaffirm its commitment and support for West Papuans’ cause for liberation, self-determination, and justice. 

We honor the West Papuans courage and steadfastness amidst struggle against settler fascism and imperialist plunder.

On 1^st of December 1961, the Bintang Kejora or Morning Star flag was first raised to symbolize the independence of West Papua from the colonial rule of the Netherlands, it embodies the foundational moment of West Papuans as sovereign peoples. The years that followed, however, unfolds how their will as peoples are deliberately sidelined by colonial forces—the Dutch colonial administration, the imperialist United States, and the settler-colonial regime of Indonesia. 

The 1969 sham “Act of Free Choice”, brokered by the United Nations, betrayed the self-determination promised to the peoples of West Papua, it legally sealed off the possibility of a liberated West Papuans within the framework of diplomatic decolonization. 

The settler-colonial regime of Indonesia has since then brutally ruled West Papuans, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, almost all of whom are indigenous peoples. 

However, just as the Morning Star flag represents the vision and destination of West Papua, where after the dark of the night, there will be sunrise in the morning. The Morning Star will rise up. The West Papuans through generations have continuously been rising up against extreme human rights violations, ethnic cleansing, criminalization of dissent, systemic racism and weaponized Indonesian laws against activists and civilians, land grabbing and displacement of indigenous populations for palm oil plantations. 

Amidst the current wave of global movement against settler-colonialism and the decolonization of nations and peoples, the international community is challenged to heed the calls of West Papuans and support their struggle for liberation and self-determination. 

Oppressed nations and peoples must link up together to advance anti-imperialist struggle at the global stage and should support each other’s domestic anti-fascist struggles. Only by defeating these colonizing forces can we truly realize liberation and self-determination.

Papua Merdeka! Long live international solidarity!

International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation

Peaceful and Solidarity Greetings,

The International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation extends heartfelt and resolute greetings to the Peoples of West Papua as you commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the raising of the Morning Star flag.

This symbolic declaration of independence is a significant milestone in the West Papuan struggle for self-determination. Reflecting on this pivotal event is crucial, emphasizing the profound ability of a community of peoples to determine their path—an integral aspect of the right to self-determination.

Throughout the year, Indonesian military forces have relentlessly perpetrated a range of attacks against West Papua, spanning from abductions and torture to the tragic killing of children. These acts, orchestrated by oppressive forces, aim to suppress West Papua’s liberation. However, the steadfast determination of the West Papuan movement persists, unwavering in its commitment to achieve freedom. Whether through armed or unarmed means, the just resistance of the West Papuan people endures.

As part of IPMSDL, we pledge to champion your cause and let-know to the world know of the ongoing struggle and progress in West Papua. On this day, we urge all our members, allies, friends, and advocates of freedom to stand in solidarity with West Papua. From Palestine to West Papua, to Kurdistan and the Philippines – a triumph for liberation and self-determination is on the horizon.

Papua! Merdeka!

Atty. Daphne Marcelo, (fourth from left) and Atty. Anna Bueno (first from right), of ImagineLaw, an advocate and policy law firm which focuses on solutions to public health concerns, was joined by Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Operations Dr. Dexter Galban (third from right); Mr. Armund Arguelles, OIC Division Chief, Health Promotion Bureau of the Department of Health (third from left); Dr. Tina Langit-Bagro, (second from right), a pediatrics food  nutrition advocate and Emmanuel Matela, (utmost left) from Taytay Municipal Nutrition Office advocating the “Bawas Patalastas para sa Malusog at Masayang Bata” campaign during the Children’s Month Media Roundtable and Fellows’ Peer Review Session on November 22 at B Hotel in Quezon City.

In partnership with Gugma PR, ImagineLaw launched a Media Fellowship and selected seven media members in the country to produce stories to help create public awareness on the ill effect on health of unhealthy foods for children being marketed and advertised in televisions, radio, newspaper and online platforms including social media.

Obesity, diabetes, urinary tract infection are just among the very common types of ailments children would incur due to accumulated intake of unhealthy foods, from frozen goods to butter, snacks and even biscuits. Contributed photo

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS– Pinangunahan ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando ang panunumpa sa tungkulin ni Casey Tyrone Estrella Howard mula sa Lungsod ng Baliwag bilang bagong Pangulo ng Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) ng Lalawigan ng Bulacan sa EDSA Shangri-La, Lungsod ng Mandaluyong kahapon.

Hinikayat ng bagong lider ng kabataan sa lalawigan ang kanyang kapwa opisyal ng SK upang samantalahin ang maikling panahon ng katungkulan upang gumawa ng epekto sa buhay ng kabataan na kanilang mahahawakan at mapagbabago.

“Dalawang taon at ilang buwan na mandato lamang pero wala po iyan sa iksi o haba ng panunungkulan. Let us be more excited to make this short period a really genuinely memorable one for us and our young constituents,” ani Howard.

Pinaalalahanan ni Fernando ang mga lider kabataan na ang kapangyarihan ng mga lingkod bayan ay pahiram lamang ng mga mamamayan at dapat ibalik sa pamamagitan ng matapat at mapagkalingang serbisyo.

“Isang panawagan ang nais kong ipaabot, sana ay simula pa lamang ito ng pag-alab ng inyong pusong makabayan at makatao. Simula pa lamang ito ng inyong pagyakap sa tawag ng serbisyo,” anang gobernador.

Sa kanyang bahagi, binati ni Bise Gob. Alexis C. Castro ang bagong ex-officio member ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan at hiniling na mapagtagumpayan at malampasan niya ang mga inaasahan at pagsubok na kaakibat ng posisyon.

Samantala, ipinarating ni outgoing SK Federation President Robert John Myron Nicolas ang kanyang pagbati sa kanyang kapalit at sinabi na bukas palagi ang kanyang pintuan kung kailangan nila ng tulong at payo.

Kabilang sa iba pang nahalal na mga opisyal ng SK sina Marco Trajano mula sa Santa Maria bilang Pangalawang Pangulo, Jin Marie Mizuse mula sa Lungsod ng Meycauayan bilang Kalihim, Louie Marvin Tomacruz mula sa Paombong bilang Ingat-Yaman, Shaine Trisha Baltazar mula sa Bulakan bilang Tagasuri, Marcuz Gutierrez mula sa Plaridel bilang PRO, at Charles Mananghaya mula sa San Ildefonso at John Lei Delos Reyes mula sa Obando bilang Sergeant-at-Arms.

Your wishes are about to come true at SM Cinema as Asha (voiced by the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award – winning actress Ariana DeBose) and her friends Valentino and Star take you on an enthralling musical journey to the magical kingdom of Rosas in the much-awaited Disney film Wish. Unveil the magic at SM Cinema Marilao and SM Cinema Baliwag as you step into a magical realm like no other.

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CITY OF MALOLOS – Environment protection and conservation should not be neglected, thus the barangays who participated in the 22nd Gawad Galing Barangay submitted entries that push for the preservation not only of the environment but of nature as well.

Five outstanding barangays were chosen and awarded the Natatanging Gawaing Pambarangay including “Barangay Tarcan! Sagip Kalikasan #TodoTodongKitaNgMamamayan” of Tarcan, City of Baliwag; “Bantay/Linis Sapa Program of Lolomboy, Bocaue; “Community Garden/Gulayan Sa Barangay (Balai Luntian)” of Bulihan, Plaridel; “MRF Noon, MRF Ngayon, Mala-Paraiso Sa Tanawin” of Caingin, City of Malolos; and “Pagtalima sa Responsableng Pamamahala sa Basura” of San Isidro II, Paombong. Each received P200,000 and a plaque of recognition.

Also, “Kalusugan ay Kayamanan, Haligi ng Pamayanan” of Loma de Gato, Marilao; “Bayanihan sa Kalinisan Tulay Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan” of Bagong Nayon, City of Baliwag; and “Luntiang Kapaligiran, Mag-recycle para sa Kalikasan” of Tambubong, San Rafael were granted with the Trailblazer Award and received P50,000 each and plaque of recognition.

In addition, Brgy. Captain Ariel F. Cabingao from Tarcan, Baliwag was hailed as the Natatanging Punong Barangay and took home P50,000 and a plaque of recognition; Eric A. Caratao of Pinaod, San Ildefonso for Natatanging Kagawad ng Barangay; Barangay Secretary Jessie P. Gata of Balatong A, Pulilan as the Natatanging Kalihim; and Jovito DJ. Calalang of Panducot, Calumpit for Natatanging Ingat-Yaman. They received P20,000 and plaque of recognition each.

For the Natatanging Volunteer Workers, the winners are as follows:  Jenalyn A. Serdeña of Caingin, City of Meycauayan – Natatanging Mother Leader; Imelda V. Lopez of San Jose, Paombong – Natatanging Lingkod Lingap sa Nayon; Myrna C. Borata of Paradise III, City of San Jose Del Monte – Natatanging Barangay Health Worker; and Rosalia A. Ortega of Pulong Gubat, Guiguinto – Natatanging Barangay Training and Employment Coordinator. Each of them received P20,000 and a plaque of recognition.

Meanwhile, the Pinagkaisang Lakas ng Kababaihan (PILAK) of Bunsuran 1st, Pandi was hailed as the Natatanging Volunteer Group and received the Hall of Fame Award with P50,000 and a plaque of recognition.

Also, Josefa P. Cruz of Pinagbarilan, City of Baliwag was given the certificate of appreciation for being the only one finalist for Natatanging Barangay Tanod.

The awarding ceremony held at The Pavilion in Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here was attended by Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro, Jr. represented by USec. Angelito de Leon, Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, Cong. Lorna C. Silverio, Obando Mayor Leonardo DC. Valeda, Guiguinto Mayor Agatha Paula A. Cruz, PCOL Relly B. Arnedo of Bulacan Police Provincial Office and Board Members Ramilito B. Capistrano, Cezar L. Mendoza, Romina D. Fermin, Raul Mariano, Renato DL. de Guzman, Jr., Allan Dale DC. Baluyut, Lee Edward V. Nicolas, Romeo V. Castro, Jr., and William R. Villarica.

In his message delivered by De Leon, Teodoro challenged the attendees specially the winners to continue to serve for the betterment of their constituents and of the province.

“Isa ang Bulacan sa mga natatanging probinsiya ng Pilipinas bilang tahanan ng unang republika ng Pilipinas at saksi sa mga mahahalagang yugto ng kasaysayan ng ating bansa, malaki ang kontribusyon ng mga Bulakenyo sa ating nakaraan ngunit lalo na sa ating tatahaking kinabukasan.  Kaya naman para sa mga nagwagi sa GGB ngayong taon, nawa’y patuloy ninyong ginamit ang kahusayan, serbisyo, pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa upang mas mapaunlad ang pinakamamahal nating Bulacan. Nawa’y ang parangal na ito ay maging binhi na inyo pang mapauusbong sa mga darating na panahon. Saludo kami sa inyong pagsusumikap na magbigay ng epektibong solusyon  sa mga suliranin  at hamon ng inyong komunidad,” the secretary of defense said.

GGB is a project under the Bulacan Awards Program for Barangay Innovation and Excellence (BAPBIE) of the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Planning and Development Office that aims to recognize the contribution of barangays in the development of the province.

MANILA – In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, a network of advocates on Wednesday launched a media guide on HIV that will help Filipino journalists and media outlets produce ‘truthful, empowering, and human rights-based’ reporting on the issue. HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus. 

‘Empowered Stories: Media Guide on HIV Reporting’ contains up-to-date information about HIV in the Philippines as an effort to encourage members of the media to veer away from sensationalized reporting.

“Sensationalizing and assuming shame in HIV reporting prevent people from getting tested and availing treatment,” said Anastacio Marasigan, President of TLF SHARE Collective, Inc., one of the organizations behind the media guide. 

In the latest data released by the Department of Health- Epidemiology Bureau, the country posted the fastest growing HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific region with a 418% change in new infections between 2010 and 2022 and 518% change in AIDS-related deaths between the same period. There are now an estimated 164,400 people living with HIV in the country and 24,400 new infections are estimated to be added in 2022 alone, and nearly half (47%) are among the youth ages 15-24 years old. 

“Public conversations surrounding HIV should inform the public of the latest developments and equip them, especially the youth, with accurate information to protect themselves,” he added. 

‘Visibility is Key’

The media guide is part of the larger ‘Visibility is Key’ campaign, together with a series of videos featuring PLHIVs from different backgrounds. “The campaign seeks to break down barriers by putting a spotlight on the lives of courageous individuals who have been living with HIV and leading the country’s HIV response,” said Dr. Louie Ocampo, Country Director of UNAIDS Philippines. 

“Persons living with HIV can lead healthy and happy lives and can contribute to nation-building,” he added. “Highlighting their stories will dispel misconceptions, foster empathy, and create an environment of acceptance.” 

Letting communities be seen and lead

Mara Quesada, Executive Director of Action for Health Initiatives, Inc. (ACHIEVE), said that it will be difficult to address the rising incidence of HIV in the country without the meaningful participation of affected communities in decision-making processes, including in development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HIV programs and services. 

“Understanding the realities faced by affected communities helps ensure that the national HIV response is relevant and effective. It is time to let communities be seen and lead. It is time to change genres in storytelling about HIV from horror stories into stories of hope. We need a stronger stance against stigma and discrimination,” she added.

“Fostering a climate of openness for dialogue and education is the media’s unique contribution to achieving a world without AIDS by 2030,” Dr. Ocampo also said. 

The vibrant culinary landscape at SM City Grand Central has just become even more tantalizing with the grand opening of Yabu: House of Katsu. Since its much-anticipated launch, this haven for katsu aficionados has swiftly emerged as the go-to lunch and dinner destination, captivating palates with its mouthwatering offerings and delectable signature dishes.

Distinguishing itself from conventional katsu establishments, Yabu’s kitchen is helmed by Chef Kazuya Takeda, the maestro behind Tonkatsu Takeshin, one of Tokyo’s finest tonkatsu establishments. Chef Takeda has infused his expertise into every dish, ensuring that each bite of the juicy pork and beef cutlets, succulent prawns, and other seafood is a symphony of flavors and textures.

Yabu stands out not only for its expertly crafted katsu but also for the immersive dining experience it offers. The House of Katsu promises a complete culinary journey. Every katsu set is served with Japanese rice, hot miso soup, unlimited shredded cabbage, and a refreshing bowl of fruit.

But the experience doesn’t stop there. Yabu also invites diners to embark on a culinary adventure by crafting their own personalized katsu sauce. Each table is adorned with a mini mortar and pestle, allowing guests to grind toasted sesame seeds into Yabu’s signature katsu sauce, ensuring a dipping experience tailored to individual tastes.

Embracing a culinary partnership with Michelin-Bib Gourmand-starred Chef Kazuya Takeda, Yabu’s commitment to authenticity shines through. Yabu does not just promise a meal; it presents an authentic Japanese experience that transports diners to the bustling streets of Japan.

Yabu: House of Katsu invites Manila’s gastronomes to embark on a culinary escapade where tradition meets innovation and every dish is a celebration of flavor. Experience the culinary artistry of Yabu: House of Katsu at the upper ground of SM City Grand Central.