The Bohol Climate Justice Summit, held in Tubigon on November 13, called for
urgent action to address the impacts of the climate crisis, especially on the most
vulnerable countries and communities.
The summit was hosted by LGU Tubigon, led by Mayor William Jao, and organized
by Greenpeace Philippines, which brought its Rainbow Warrior ship to Bohol as part
of its Philippine #ClimateJustice tour.
In his keynote speech, Bohol First District Rep. Edgar M. Chatto, chair of the House
Committee on Climate Change, said: “Our objective is simple, we call to action. We
join the communities in calling for loss and damage (finance) in as much as Bohol is
one of the frontline communities in climate impacts as we experience extreme
weather events.”
Loss and damage refers to the negative consequences that arise from the
unavoidable risks of climate change, such as rising sea levels, prolonged heat waves
and extreme weather events. Climate finance is money paid by developed countries
to help developing countries invest in renewable energy and address climate
impacts.
Chatto highlighted the significance of Tubigon as a stop, where the small islands are
facing sea level rise, a clear sign of the climate crisis.
He said that the Tubigon small islands were the focus of the Bohol Climate
Emergency Response Roadmap for Small Islands, which he collaborated on with
Greenpeace Philippines and Rice Watch Action Network.
Chatto said he would secure funding in the 2024 budget for the relocation of
residents affected by sea level rise in Tubigon, in close coordination with the LGU,
the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development chaired by Cong. Kiko
Benitez, and housing agencies National Housing Authority and the Department of
Human Settlements and Urban Development.
The Boholano lawmaker further said he was promoting climate initiatives at the
grassroots level, by declaring a climate emergency and encouraging the creation of
climate change committees in every sanggunian.
During their three-day stay in Bohol, Greenpeace also installed nine 2.8-kilowatt
solar panels for the residents of Sitio Inanuran of Brgy. Matabao, an island
community in Tubigon.