Caritas Philippines Calls for Urgent Ecological Action in Sona
MANILA, Philippines — As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) this Monday, Caritas Philippines has urged him to make the event a commitment to urgent ecological action. The country continues to face worsening environmental disasters, including severe flooding caused by recent tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon, locally known as the habagat.
Caritas Philippines emphasized that despite nearly P1.47 trillion spent on infrastructure and flood control over the past 15 years, the results remain disappointing. The worsening ecological crisis demands immediate and just solutions.
Ongoing Environmental Challenges Highlighted
The organization also highlighted ongoing issues such as massive reclamation projects, the encroachment on indigenous lands, and the continued harassment and killing of environmental defenders. These problems underscore the urgent need for decisive government action to protect the country’s natural resources and vulnerable communities.
Key Actions Urged for Ecological Integrity and Justice
Together with the Eco-Convergence network, Caritas Philippines outlined key priorities for President Marcos to address in his Sona. They called for the protection of ecological integrity and the strengthening of biodiversity conservation by safeguarding critical ecosystems and upholding both nature’s and people’s rights.
The group stressed the importance of establishing a transparent and coherent system for land tenure and rights at all government levels. Passing the National Land Use Act is essential to define land uses clearly and allocate areas properly for conservation and protection.
Promoting Sustainable Practices and Climate Justice
Caritas also urged the promotion of food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, and fisheries by improving policies and securing land and resource rights for farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous communities. They emphasized enforcing pollution control and adopting zero waste principles, calling for the strict implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act and banning single-use plastics nationwide.
Moreover, the organization demands holding polluting corporations accountable to pursue climate justice with integrity. They called for an end to destructive mining, harmful energy sources, and unchecked infrastructure projects that threaten forests and protected ecosystems.
Advocating for a Just Energy Transition and Sustainable Development
Caritas highlighted the need for the energy sector to transition fairly and democratically to renewable energy—clean, safe, affordable, and accessible for all. They recommended shifting away from a growth-at-all-costs development model toward one that prioritizes people and ecology.
Respecting Indigenous Peoples and their ancestral domains is critical, including honoring their Indigenous Knowledge, Systems, Practices, and Spirituality. Strengthening community-led responses to natural and human-made hazards also ranks high on their agenda.
Integrating Sustainability in Education
Finally, Caritas called for integrating sustainable development and the principles of Laudato Si’ (Praised be) into the education system to create a living framework that nurtures environmental awareness and responsibility.
As people of faith and citizens, Caritas declared, “Time is running out.” They urged President Marcos and national leaders to make this Sona a moment of truth, not empty promises—bold, moral, and transformative action grounded in justice and courage.
“Our common home is in crisis. May this be the year we choose to save it,” the group concluded.
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