Nowadays, I still write documentaries for some projects that I have worked on but this new work—having a regular space to talk about climate change here in the region—is an exciting opportunity.

I am grateful to Climate Reality Philippines for giving space to Hisgutanang Klima sa Mindanao—a monthly column that will highlight climate-related issues and actions in Southern Philippines.

Mindanao is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, especially affecting the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Typhoons, droughts, and heavy rains causing floods and landslides are among the key climate hazards affecting the so-called food basket of the country.

While the region may be vulnerable, it does not lack climate advocates who are tirelessly pushing for risk-informed and science-based climate actions. We have a total of 148 Climate Reality Leaders in Mindanao.

At least 30 percent of them are in Davao Region, 22 percent and 17 percent are in the Soccsksargen and Caraga Regions, respectively. The rest are in Northern Mindanao (15 percent), Zamboanga Peninsula (9 percent), and BARMM (7 percent).  

Fifty-five (55) percent of the total Climate Reality Leaders in Mindanao are women. Some of them are involved in policymaking and have introduced meaningful ecological and environmental ordinances at the local level, while some are leading organizations working on the protection and preservation of natural resources and the mitigation of the impacts of climate change on human security—from livelihood and culture, food security, sustainable energy, and water sufficiency.

This column will feature the climate stories and initiatives of these Climate Reality Leaders. It will also highlight individuals, organizations, government agencies, local leaders, or private organizations who are taking the lead in climate action. We will also feature climate policies that have been institutionalized and are now making a difference on the ground.

In our future releases, we will also have a more in-depth discussion on the challenges and opportunities for raising awareness and pushing for appropriate climate solutions for our most vulnerable communities in the region.

By writing this column, I hope to inspire aspiring climate advocates in Mindanao to take that first monumental step towards climate action and to constantly engage in hisgutanang klima—which means real and honest climate discussions.

***