ORION, Bataan: The Bataan youth, members of the Young Bataeños for Environmental Advocacy Network (YoungBEAN), led the coastal cleanup in a mangrove sanctuary in Barangay Camachile here Wednesday in commemoration of World Environment Day.
The activity was in partnership with Nuclear/Coal- Free Bataan Movement, PANGISDA Bataan and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Camachile.
The group launched the environmental awareness activity thru the coastal cleanup drive to raise public consciousness on the many challenges that confront the environment, urging fishers, frontline communities and other sectors to take a stand to preserve the environment.
“We, young Bataeṅos, are compelled to take it as our role and responsibility to protect Mother Nature and consequently, to contribute to the common good for the protection of our future,” stated Eric Beren, YoungBEAN secretary general.
The young leader urged government to listen to the plight of the marginalized sectors that included the youth whom he said are bearing the effects of environmental destruction and the crisis caused by climate change.
“Kaming mga kabataan ay apektado ng pagkasira ng kalikasan. Marami sa aming pamilya ay umaasa sa biyaya ng kalikasan tulad ng karagatan. Kung nalalason na ang karagatan dahil sa polusyon at direktang pagkawasak, saan pa kukuha ng kabuhayan ang aming mga magulang, paano na ang aming pagkain, pag-aaral at ang aming kinabukasan? ” Beren lamented.
The group called on government to act without delay to protect the lives, livelihood, and future of their families.
Derek Cabe, coordinator of Nuclear/Coal- Free Bataan Movement, urged every one to stand up for environmental justice not just for Bataeños but for all Filipino youth.
“We do not want to leave an uncertain future for our youth. We believe that the environmental and climate crisis can be addressed but only if we start doing what is good for the environment – that is to stop the destructive activities and to hold the polluters responsible and liable for the damage they are causing,” Cabe said.
