Another hope-filled year

By: Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos January 04,2016 - 05:36 AM

Advocates for reforms, of whatever causes, are well aware that when they take on steps leading to the goals that they aim to see happen, there is always the uncertainty of the result. But the expectation that they are fulfilled remains a constant.

Hope-filled activists are, in fact, not unlike many of the Filipinos.

The Social Weather Station (SWS) surveys have consistently showed that hope is widespread in all areas from the time SWS conducted its survey in 2000, with 87% registered as such. It has even increased to 92% with the latest finding showing that nine out of 10 Filipinos are hopeful as they welcome the coming 2016.

But what makes campaigners a unique breed is their unwavering hope, which is a formidable strength by itself. But they are not contented being stuck on this psychological frame of mind. They engage and look beyond issues to find solutions. The courage to pursue the longed-for mission is something that many hopeful Filipinos should imbibe, and not just on a personal level.

If this citizenry’s positivism at the start of the year is unleashed and transformed into actual engagement and participation in decision-making with the government and other stakeholders from year to year, then there is a good chance for  our nation to reach its zenith — yes, even in our lifetime.

The good news is we are happily beginning to see the fruits of the seeds of hard work, dedication and determination planted  by women and men from all sectors. For the advocacy to protect our natural life support systems and our rights to a healthful and balanced ecology, the past year brought in milestones that should be celebrated and could, as it should, provide the foundation for a strengthened pro-people and pro-planet policies and more vigorous engagements in protecting environmental and health rights.

2015 had its share of challenges, of course, but over-all, it was a good year.

The management body of a unique natural heritage dividing Cebu and Negros provinces and the biggest marine-protected area in the country, Tañon Strait, was finally convened in Cebu, almost 17 years after its proclamation as a protected seascape. Its General Management Plan was approved and its enhanced version crafted after listening to the views and comments of the stakeholders, will hopefully be signed soon as a concrete roadmap for the conservation and protection of this key biodiversity area. There is now inter-agency patrolling of the threatened seas to stop illegal commercial and destructive fishing and protect the small fisherfolk. Thanks to our dedicated public servants and citizens who would want the  future generations not to be further compromised.  A fisheries agency official also declared that the intervention by political authorities in the implementation of laws and policies has been reduced.

Who would have thought these would have happened without sectors committed to pushing for their realization?

Our Constitution and laws are without any doubt on our side. These include the Supreme Court rulings that declared the supremacy of the right to a healthy environment. Citizens’ environmental rights are once more reaffirmed with two landmark cases in 2015.

No one can question the right to sue the destroyers of environment to protect nature, as the Supreme Court has so recognized that we are all Mother Nature’s stewards. The offshore oil drilling in Tañon Strait Protected Seascape was rendered invalid as the project defied our Constitution and the laws meant to protect our environment.

In December, another decision of the Supreme Court banned the field testing of the BT talong (eggplant) and suspended other trials on genetically modified organisms (GMO) based on the precautionary principle. The Court ruled that the administrative agency did not provide adequate guidelines to ensure that our rights to health and environment are safeguarded. This is indeed a victory for our people and the planet. It is a recognition that public consultation is indispensable, and that we still lack the facilities, and for the most part, the political will by the executive department to fight and minimize the impacts of the so-called “technological advances” to our health and the quality of life of the people.

It is also of public knowledge that regular monitoring and evaluating impacts of “developmental projects” are almost always the exception rather than the rule.

Now that the 2016 national budget of P3 trillion has been signed by the President, let us take this opportunity to make sure its implementation is effective. This year’s budget is a breakthrough as it provides the biggest chunks of the pie to education and social services.  There are huge funds allotted for education, coral restoration,  national greening program, implementation of the solid waste management law and energy efficiency program, and climate resiliency that are also intended to benefit our farmers and fisherfolk. Looking at the serious challenges we are facing, from environmental degradation, the climate crisis, to the insane political bickering, there may be not much time left for just ranting, and not acting.

Our contribution to build this nation is much needed now. The late American singer-songwriter-activist Peter Seeger aptly mouthed it: “Participation—that’s what’s gonna save the  human race.”

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TAGS: 2015, 2016, Social Weather Station, survey

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