Klima Eskwela goes to Lapu-Lapu City, empowers youth to champion climate and waste solutions

August 30, 2024

As the popular Filipino adage goes, the youth is the hope of the country. Or, as they say in Cebu: ang kabataan ang paglaum sa nasud. When it comes to climate action, the youth have a crucial role to play as the Earth’s defenders.

To empower this generation of climate advocates in the Visayas region, The Climate Reality Project Philippines brought Klima Eskwela: Climate Science, Arts, and Action to Lapu-Lapu City College (LLCC) last August 15 and 16. This two-day workshop, co-organized with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Lapu-Lapu City Government, and LLCC, offered youth leaders an in-depth exploration of climate science and practical strategies for addressing the linked challenges of plastic pollution and climate change.

Turning to creative solutions to the plastic crisis

On the first day of Klima Eskwela, Climate Reality Leaders Roxanne Omega-Doron delved into the fundamentals of climate change. As residents of a region frequently battered by typhoons and flooding, youth leaders in attendance were all too familiar with the devastating impacts of the climate crisis.

However, one aspect of the climate crisis that surprised many was the significant contribution of the plastic industry to greenhouse gas emissions. The workshop shed light on the industry’s carbon-intensive manufacturing, distribution, and disposal processes.

Serving as activity facilitators, Climate Reality Leaders Jessryn Lim (far left) and Daphne Siega (far right) helped make the learning space conducive to exchanging of ideas between participants during the sensory mapping and campaign-building activities.

To address this pressing issue, a substantial portion of Klima Eskwela focused on innovative plastic solutions. Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera of the CCC highlighted some of the promising initiatives being explored by local scientists, including the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from agricultural residues.

According to researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, PHAs are 100% biodegradable but possess similar properties to synthetic plastics. To compare, single-use straws made from traditional plastics take 200 years to decompose, while straws made from PHA take just 90 days. That’s the potential within bioplastics like those made with PHA.

Atty. Rachel Anne Herrera, Commissioner at the Climate Change Commission, highlighted both new innovations and timeless solutions to reduce single-use plastics.

Commissioner Herrera also talked about the huge potential of refilling stations to curb Filipinos’ dependence on single-use plastics like sachets. Instead of repeatedly buying tiny packets of essentials, consumers can take huge containers to refilling stations and get what they need in bulk.

Environmental group Greenpeace recently leveraged this untapped power in their project, ‘Kuha sa Tingi.’ This initiative stations refilling hubs in community stores, offering household staples like multipurpose cleaners and detergent. This project yielded promising results in the pilot cities of Quezon City and San Juan, diverting more than 50,000 sachets in just eight (8) weeks.

Lapu-Lapu City’s single-use plastic regulation

Emeterio Bonghanoy, Officer-in-Charge of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office in Lapu-Lapu City, discussed the Environmental Friendly Ordinance of 2019 (City Ordinance No. 15-003-2019). This comprehensive ordinance aims to reduce plastic pollution by regulating the use of single-use plastics and prohibiting plastic drinking straws.

Emeterio Bonghanoy, Officer-in-Charge of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office in Lapu-Lapu City, highlighted the city’s fight against plastic pollution with Ordinance No. 15-003-2019, regulating single-use plastics and banning straws.

As the growing call for a national regulation and eventual phase-out of single-use plastics intensifies, Lapu-Lapu City’s ordinance serves as a significant step towards addressing this pressing environmental issue.

The ordinance applies to all businesses and individuals within the city, including department stores, markets, restaurants, and other establishments. It prohibits the use of single-use plastic packaging for grocery products, food items, and other commodities, with limited exceptions for small plastic packaging.

To encourage the use of sustainable alternatives, the ordinance requires businesses to use paper, rattan, net bags, or biodegradable packaging on specific days. Shoppers are also encouraged to bring their reusable containers.

The ordinance imposes penalties for violations, including fines and business permit suspensions. Repeat offenders may face indefinite closures or permit revocations.

Climate action-ready

The second day of Klima Eskwela focused on a campaigning workshop led by Engr. Elainne Lopez, Country Program Manager of AktivAsia Philippines. This hands-on session equipped students with the skills to identify pressing climate and waste management issues within their campus and communities.

Presentations by Climate Reality Leader Roxanne Omega-Doron (top left) on the basics of climate change; Light of Hope PH Founder Jovie Gil Montajes (top right) on his climate and environmental journey; and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Nagiel Bañacia (bottom left) on the climate vulnerability of Lapu-Lapu provided a strong foundation for the climate campaigning sessions facilitated by Aktiv Asia Country Program Manager Elainne Lopez (bottom right).

“You are all young. You might feel you have all the time in the world now [and you have other priorities, say, to graduate, to get a job, start a family business]. But my request and my call to action [for the youth is this]: alongside all the other aspects of your life, see if you could also bring with you this challenge of really helping our planet survive,” said Commissioner Herrera.

Participants represented a wide range of student and community organizations, such as the LLCC Supreme Student Government, Hospitality and Tourism Empowered LLCCians, Students for Community Extension Services, League of Computer Wizards, Society of Electronics Technologists, Educators’ Coven, The Emblem Publication, and Bisdak Pride.

Lapu-Lapu City College President Dr. Maria Noeleen Borbajo commends students for their commitment to climate action, emphasizing the school’s role in empowering them to understand and address the challenges of climate change.

Dr. Maria Noeleen Borbajo, LLCC President, commended the students’ enthusiasm and highlighted the school’s commitment to nurturing their passion for climate action. ‘Together, we can understand the complexities of climate change and drive solutions for a sustainable future,’ she said.

The diversity of participants contributed to a rich exchange of ideas during the campaigning workshops. Armed with valuable skills and knowledge, Klima Eskwela learners are now equipped to embark on their journey as youth climate advocates in Lapu-Lapu City and beyond.

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"To pursue the campaign to end the plastic crisis, our organization could focus on raising public awareness, advocating for stronger policies, promoting sustainable alternatives, and fostering community engagement through local initiatives and partnerships. Additionally, supporting innovation and research into eco-friendly alternatives and holding stakeholders accountable would drive meaningful progress toward reducing plastic pollution."

Mika Ella Dianne B. Gabuya Education Representative, Students for Community Extension Services (SCES)

"As a campaigner for climate action, I hope to be a role model by practicing eco-friendly habits and inspiring others. I want to be passionate and dedicated to the cause, effectively educating others about climate issues. I also aim to work well with others, bringing creative ideas to solve problems. Most importantly, I want to stay positive and resilient, overcoming challenges to make a real difference."

Liza Mae B. Illut Vice President (Internal), Students for Community Extension Services (SCES)

"What I appreciated the most about being invited to the workshop was the opportunity to develop new skills related to environmental awareness and action. These skills are invaluable, and I feel better prepared to contribute to environmental solutions both personally and within my community."

Jhoniel P. Casenillas President, Educators’ Coven

"I have always dreamed of becoming a part of organizations that campaigns for climate change, and of eco-literacy. With this seminar, I appreciate the hard work the organizers have made to make this workshop worthwhile. Despite only having two days for lectures and activity sessions, it was still full of knowledge gained and friends were made along the way. I also appreciate the administration of the institution as well as the city government for opening an avenue for this workshop to be possible. "

Jairah T. Alcuirez Editor-in-Chief, The Emblem Publication

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