Pinoy youths bring fight vs climate change to Paris

MANILA, Philippines - The National Youth Commission (NYC) has turned over to the leaders of “countries vulnerable to climate change” the commitment of over 3.6 million young Filipinos to work toward climate action.

Actor Dingdong Dantes, NYC committee on the environment head, spoke before leaders of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) during the climate conference in Paris on Monday.

“On paper, I am a commissioner representing the youth of the Philippines, but in my heart I feel like I am really just representing my daughter Maria Letizia, who is seven days (and 20 hours) old today,” Dantes said, referring to his firstborn with actress Marian Rivera. “If any of you here are first time parents, you know that I really shouldn’t have left her nor her mother’s side at this time, even for a single minute. Yet here I am.”

Dantes talked about the NYC initiative NOW (Not on Our Watch), which seeks to engage the Filipino youth in committing to act against the effects of climate change.

“The movement used online and offline platforms to engage young people across the Philippines. Different initiatives were implemented such as group discussion, training, media promotions, workshops and roadshows to encourage youth participation. Social media interactions were also put in place to gather and collate expressions of support and commitment from the different sectors,” he said.

Dantes urged the leaders, including President Aquino, to listen to the voices of the Filipino youth and work for an ambitious climate agreement.

“Today, on behalf of the Filipino youth, we would like to formally turn over the output of the campaign, proof that we are committed to working together towards climate action with one voice and one call. You have the Filipino people at your side; we hope to have you fight with us,” Dantes said.