SAN JUAN CITY, PHILIPPINES – Young climate leaders energized the push for a just energy transition in the Philippines at ELECTRIFY: Powering the Future with Good Energy. Held at The Villa Studios, the event convened youth advocates, NGOs, and experts to emphasize the transformative potential of renewable energy to create jobs, combat climate change, and build a sustainable energy system for the Philippines.
“Renewable energy is not just about clean power—it’s about justice,” said Aya Tamayo, Campaign Project Manager at Good Energy. She highlighted how renewable energy intersects with broader social issues, setting the tone for the discussion.
Building on this, Krishna Ariola, Climate Activist and Convenor of Youth for Climate Hope, emphasized the systemic change required for a just energy transition: “This isn’t just an energy shift; it’s a system overhaul. We need to center the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis and ensure that no one is left behind in this transition.”
The panel discussion featured leading voices in the climate and energy space, including:
- ● Cheng Pagulayan, Climate Justice Portfolio Manager, Oxfam Pilipinas
- ● Krishna Ariola, Climate Activist & Convenor, Youth for Climate Hope
- ● Jen Horn, Co-founder, Ugnayan
- ● Hya Bendaña, Solar Advocate, Good Energy
“What is equality on a dead planet?” asked Cheng Pagulayan, Climate Justice Portfolio Manager at Oxfam Pilipinas. “Hindi magkakaiba ang laban ng LGBT, ng kababaihan, ng manggagawa sa laban ng kalikasan” (“The fight for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and labor rights is no different from the fight for the environment.”) “We can’t separate climate action from addressing systemic inequalities—it’s all part of the same struggle.”
Storytelling and connection also took center stage as essential tools for climate advocacy. “Narratives shape movements,” said Tamayo. “The way we tell our stories can inspire action, dismantle misinformation, and help us build a coalition strong enough to drive the just energy transition.”
ELECTRIFY underscored the importance of collaboration and creativity in sustaining momentum for climate action. “We’re not just fighting for renewable energy; we’re fighting for a world where everyone thrives,” added Tamayo. “The time to act is now.”
The event concluded with a resounding call to action for all attendees to advocate for renewable energy within their own communities and networks, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for systemic change.
