By Xander Ledesma
Bacolod City joined a global movement on November 16, 2024, as it took part in the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice, a worldwide initiative aimed at addressing the urgent need for climate action. The event, organized by the Caritas Bacolod Social Action Foundation, Inc., brought together local activists, community leaders, students, and citizens to advocate for a sustainable future and hold governments and corporations accountable for their role in the ongoing climate crisis.
The Global Day of Action for Climate Justice saw participation from over 100 countries, all focused on urging immediate action to tackle climate change. In Bacolod, the event highlighted the significance of both raising awareness and finding local solutions to global climate challenges. The rally emphasized the importance of collective action at all societal levels to address the immediate and long-term effects of climate change.
Held at the Caritas Bacolod Social Action Foundation, the event included speeches, community discussions, and performances. The focus was on the vulnerability of the Philippines, a nation heavily impacted by climate change, experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. While Bacolod has not faced the same severity of effects as coastal regions, the city still grapples with issues such as altered weather patterns affecting agriculture and rising air pollution in urban areas.
Father Sarra’s call for justice echoed through the rally, with speakers highlighting that climate change is not only an environmental issue but a human rights issue. The most vulnerable communities, who are least responsible for the crisis, continue to bear the brunt of its consequences.
While the event aligned with the global movement, it also focused on local issues. Caritas Bacolod, recognized for its long-standing commitment to social action, encouraged the community to actively engage in the fight for climate justice. The organization’s work in poverty alleviation, disaster response, and community development has made it a key player in addressing climate change-related challenges in the region.
The Caritas Bacolod Social Action Foundation facilitated workshops, educational booths, and discussion panels throughout the day, offering residents the tools and knowledge needed to address climate change at personal and community levels. Topics included sustainable farming practices, waste reduction, renewable energy alternatives, and disaster preparedness.
One of the event’s key highlights was a presentation on resilient agricultural practices. Agriculture is a vital sector in Bacolod, but local farmers face growing challenges due to shifting rainfall patterns and increasingly severe typhoons. The workshop introduced techniques such as agroforestry, organic farming, and water conservation to help farmers adapt to climate change and reduce their environmental impact.