By ILOILO CITY – Carrying the theme, “Defend the Environment: Uphold People’s Rights to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment”, various environmental groups and personalities from different sectors all over Panay gather in Iloilo City on Monday, April 22, during the Panay Environment Summit 2024. The activity was conducted in time for the global celebration of the Earth Day.
During the summit, discussions on the biggest environmental issues in the region were tackled.
John Ian Allenciaga of the Jalaur River for the People’s Movement discussed “How Energy and Infrastructure Projects Impact the People and the Environment”. He presented the social and environmental impacts of megaprojects like the Jalaur Megadam Project and the proposed Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge. Alenciaga stressed that these projects do not only affect the environment but the lives and livelihoods of the people. Meanwhile, Kervin Bonganciso, Regional Advocacy Officer of MASIPAG-Visayas, highlighted the health and ecological impact of the use of Glyphosate and the proliferation of genetically modified corn.
In the afternoon, Ymah Belle Beraye of the University Student Council of the University of the Philippines Visayas discussed the result of the pre-impact study they conducted last March, highlighting the history and impact on health, environment, and livelihood of the Mining Exploration in Pan De Azucar Island in Concepcion, Iloilo. Following the discussion, Helen Balajadia of the Save Pan De Azucar Movement shared her testimony and experiences as a resident of the said island.
To Atty. Ma. Geobelyn Lopez of the Save Our Lives SOS! – Panay and Guimaras, the participation of the youth in advocating for the environment is crucial as climate change continues to worsen caused by different projects done by multi-national companies and being allowed by the government itself.
The activity was also a venue for the re-activation of the Madia-as Ecological Movement (MEM), an environment-oriented group in the region. According to the organizers of the event, the re-activation of the MEM will further amplify the call to defend the environment and the environmental defenders./PT
