2 SK councils, youth group declare climate emergency in Opol, Misamis Oriental
- Media Communications
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Opol, Misamis Oriental — Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) councils of barangays Igpit and Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, and the youth group Hirang na Hiraya declared a climate emergency through a coastal clean-up on July 20, 2025.
Project B.L.U.E. (Balik Limpyo: a Unified Environmental initiative) Coastal Clean-up Festival is a collaboration between the mentioned youth group and SK councils. Their stated goal is “to share a vision of protecting, restoring, and reimaging their coastal communities through environmental stewardship”. Hirang na Hiraya is a member of Misamis Oriental-Cagayan De Oro Movement for Climate Justice (MOCDOMCJ).
“This is a very welcome development where the youth, on their initiative, decided to take action and start the first step in securing their future,” said Rara Ada, Mindanao Coordinator of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ). “By declaring a climate emergency, the youth have demonstrated courage, clarity, and commitment. They recognize that this crisis demands not only awareness, but sustained action—grounded in science, guided by justice, and powered by community,” Ada added.
The festival also featured three stations where participants stopped to listen to resource speakers discussing topics such as Solid Waste Management, the Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights (UDOR), and Plastic Waste Recycling and Management. At the culmination of the activity, the SK Chairpersons of Igpit and Barra joined the Hirang Na Hiraya in declaring a Climate Emergency for their respective barangays.
The Municipality of Opol is renowned for its beach resorts, where people from neighboring Cagayan de Oro City flock on weekends and holidays, being just under 10 kilometers from the city. Municipalities and cities of the province of Misamis Oriental are host to fossil-fueled power plants. Their people have been active in fighting against these dirty projects.
“We laud the efforts of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils of barangays Igpit and Barra of Opol, Misamis Oriental, for their bold and urgent declaration of a climate emergency,” said Ian Rivera, National Coordinator of PMCJ.
“The declaration could not have come at a more opportune time. Opol’s coastline is under threat from various forms of pollution, as the municipality has become home to several industries and an increase in subdivisions. Adding to the issue is the receding coastline, which residents claimed used to be farther ashore and is now nearer their residences, which makes their community face the threat of sea level rise,” Rivera stressed.
“The impacts of climate change are no longer distant or abstract—they are already felt in our coastal communities, farms, homes, and lives. The youth, who will inherit the consequences of today’s actions, are leading the way in demanding real solutions and climate justice,” Rivera concluded. ###
For Mindanao-based media, contact:
Pat Pangantihon
Policy and Communications Officer for Mindanao
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
For Metro Manila-based media, contact:
Sheila Abarra
Senior Media and Communications Officer
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
Viber: +639916692356
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