Young people in the Philippines demand more involvement and support for child and youth-led programmes in DRR

Save the Children Philippines/2024/Jane Paola Sison

MANILA, 14 October 2024—Over 50 children and youth, 10 to 24 years old, and representing various organizations, call for increased investment and support for child and youth-led community and school safety initiatives.

In a collective statement, the children and youth declare: “We, children and youth of the Philippines, are not at fault for the climate crisis but suffer disproportionately from disasters. Nonetheless, we have demonstrated our capacity to become agents and catalysts of resilience and climate justice in support of the Sendai Framework and the Paris Agreement, and have enumerated our commitments and recommendations. We call on duty bearers to take decisive actions for and with children and youth and vulnerable groups towards resilient communities, schools, public infrastructure, and climate justice.”

Their statements, gathered from the National Children and Youth Consultation on Disaster Risk Reduction, will be presented to disaster risk reduction and climate change decisionmakers for the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), happening now, 14-17 October, in Manila.

Need for children’s voices

“Children and the youth are often seen merely as ‘victims’ of climate-induced disasters. However, when given the space to participate in addressing the climate crisis, we can actively contribute and identify solutions. The future belongs to young people, and our voices deserve a place in shaping it today,” says Paul Daniel Serrano, 20, of Kabataang Resilient Network, a platform supported by UNICEF.

"We have the right to be informed and the responsibility to inform other children," states Justin, 14, from the Batang Empowered and Resilient Team (BERT) of Save the Children Philippines. "Lahat tayo ay may karapatang marinig, ma[kapag]voice-out ng ating mga suhestiyon sa pagtugon sa mga sakuna at sa climate crisis. Adults, youth, and children, valid ang ating opinion. (We all have the right to be heard and voice out our thoughts on disaster management and climate crisis. Adults, youth, and children: our opinions are valid.) We must be heard, and no one should be left behind."

Datu Aimann, 16, from World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., adds, “We are children, but we are not just children. We commit to participating in activities that provide accurate information on disaster risk reduction and climate change.”

Rinoa Dela Cruz, 20, from Plan International Pilipinas, underscores the importance of youth leadership in demanding climate justice: “Today's youth have the power to shape the environment that we want to live in. As the next generation of leaders, we should take the lead in demanding climate justice for our fellow youth and children.”

Rey Anthony Soco, 24, champion and leader of an organization for persons with disabilities from Brgy. Burgos, Talibon, Bohol, and partner of Humanity & Inclusion, says, "Climate change impacts us all, regardless of who we are. We must come together to tackle this issue as a unified force. All vulnerable people and persons with disabilities deserve to be heard and included in our efforts to reduce disaster risks and take action against climate change."

Ready to get involved

According to the results of the U-Report Philippines poll by UNICEF, young people in the Philippines want to actively engage in resilience efforts.

Over 700 respondents identified increased risks of injury (25%), physical and mental health issues (20%), and educational disruption and difficulty in learning (18%) as the main disaster impacts on children and youth. Young people also want more access to information (34%), training (26%), and opportunities to volunteer (10%).

Despite challenges to youth participation in DRR—such as lack of information (27%), limited opportunities (26%), and lack of support from adults (8%)—young people are still eager to contribute by educating peers and their communities (40%), volunteering in preparedness activities (15%), and participating in community planning (11%).

The findings highlight the vulnerability of the youth in the Philippines, the urgent need for better disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures, and increased engagement.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay recognizes their eagerness and contributions: “Your voices are the driving force behind the change we seek. [The youth] will shape the national agenda and resonate at the [APMCDRR]. You are not just participants; you are leaders.” #