Clarin town in Misamis Occidental declares climate emergency; commits to addressing the climate crisis

Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) lauds the local government unit (LGU) of Clarin, Misamis Occidental, for doing its part in addressing the global climate crisis by declaring a climate emergency through a resolution. 

This was made possible through the coordination of Gitib, Inc., Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) Misamis Occidental, the Children and Youth Movement in Misamis Occidental, PMCJ Western Mindanao Chapter, and the Clarin LGU.

"Tukma sa panahon ang deklarasyon sa climate emergency aron epektibong maatubang sa katawhan ug sa nga LGU ang maong hulga. Angayang suportahan ang kasamtangang deklarasyon for climate emergency sa LGU Clarin, Misamis Occidental ug naga commit ang PMCJ chapter sa pakigtinabangay sa LGU ug ubang mga grupo para mahimong epektibo ug beneficial sa mga katawhan ug kabataan sa Clarin ang maong lakang. Hagit usab kini sa ubang LGU sa tibuok probinsya sa Misamis Occidental sa paghimo og susamang deklarasyon," said Roldan Gonzales, chairperson of PMCJ Western Mindanao Chapter. [The declaration of a climate emergency is timely and necessary so that the people and local governments can respond effectively to this growing threat. We strongly support the current Climate Emergency Declaration of the LGU of Clarin, Misamis Occidental, and the PMCJ chapter commits to working in solidarity with the LGU and other sectors to ensure that this declaration becomes effective and truly beneficial for the people—especially the children and youth of Clarin. This also serves as a challenge to other LGUs across the province of Misamis Occidental to adopt similar declarations and take urgent climate action.]

The resolution aims to develop a climate emergency plan and advocates for policy reforms, among other measures. It stated that “there is no better time than now to recognize the interconnectedness” of protecting the environment and its people.

"Kini nga deklarasyon dili lang usa ka pulong — apan usa ka panawagan nga magkahiusa kita sa pagpanalipod sa atong mga lasang, katubigan, ug katawhan nga pinaka-apektado sa epekto sa klima. Salamat sa pag-apil sa panaw sa kabatan-onan, sa pagdungog sa among tingog, ug sa paghatag ug prioridad sa kaluwasan sa umaabot nga henerasyon. [...] Padayon ta sa Clarin nga magpakita sa tibuok nasud nga posible ang kausaban kung kita magtinabangay," Y4CJ Misamis Occidental President Michael Lague said. [This declaration is more than a statement. It is a call to protect our forests, our waters, and our most vulnerable communities who are already experiencing the harsh impacts of climate change. Thank you for listening to the voices of the youth, for walking alongside us, and for prioritizing the safety and well-being of future generations. [...] Let Clarin inspire other communities across the country—showing that change is possible when we act together.]

The people of Misamis Occidental have staunchly fought against fossil fuels. In 2021, the province was one of the areas that had confirmed derailed coal projects in the pipeline.

“In 2022, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) canceled the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) of Ozamiz Power Generation Inc. (OPGI) for its proposed 300-megawatt facility in Ozamiz City. Over the years, Misamis Occidental has actively participated in and initiated discussions, forums, and other activities to sustain its commitment to advancing the global fight for climate justice. Just last March 2025, PMCJ, Gitib, Inc., and other local organizations successfully hosted a forum in Sinacban, focusing on the just transition to renewable energy,” PMCJ National Coordinator Ian Rivera said.

Rivera emphasized the importance of these types of advancements undertaken by subnational governments in our push for a national declaration of a climate emergency. “The communities in the provinces are experiencing the worst climate crisis impacts. We welcome and commend the LGUs that actively protect and fight alongside their constituents in attaining climate and social justice. Together, we challenge the national government to look at the efforts of the LGUs and try to keep up,” he stressed. ###

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FOR INQUIRIES:

Sheila Abarra

Senior Media and Communications Officer

Philippine Movement for Climate Justice

mediacommunications@climatejustice.ph