Alyansa Tigil Mina Statement on Earth Day 2025
- Alyansa Tigil Mina
- May 1
- 2 min read
Every celebration of Earth Day puts the planet at center stage as the international community the importance of environmental protection and the need for climate action. Unfortunately, the world’s major polluters – which include nations and corporations - have also taken advantage of this occasion to mouth rhetoric for the environment, but which ultimately advances their interests and further causes the destruction of nature and the communities.
Here in the Philippines, the government and mining corporations have been incessantly promoting “responsible mining” and the need for “transition minerals” in order to justify rampant large-scale mining. Forests are razed, water sources polluted and human rights violated while big business profits from the extraction and use of minerals that serve mainly the needs of rich nations and affluent families.
Also, business interests are deeply embedded in the political system as political dynasties have close links to mining companies, if not owners or beneficiaries themselves of these corporations. The question that desperately begs to be answered is: Mining for whom?
In a few weeks, we are going to elect a new set of leaders during the midterm elections. It is an opportune time to put the environment and communities at the center of our political decisions.
In the run-up to the elections, let us pressure electoral candidates to support the Green Agenda 2025 crafted by environmental and human rights organizations, church groups and grassroots communities.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟭-𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:
1. Preserve Biodiversity, Protect Nature’s Rights – Prevent destruction of ecosystems by recognizing the rights of nature and upholding ecological integrity.
2. Secure Land, Uphold Justice – Advance just, ecologically sound land and resource governance with secure tenure and environmental justice.
3. Empower Food Sovereignty – Promote sustainable farming and fishing through agroecology and fair access to healthy food.
4. Promote Zero Waste Solutions – End pollution with ecological waste management and a just, circular economy.
5. Achieve Climate Justice – Hold major polluters accountable and ensure a just, rights-based climate transition.
6. Reject Destructive Extraction – End harmful mining practices and shift toward community-first resource use and restoration.
7. Advance Just Energy Transition – Move toward affordable, renewable, people-centered energy and end fossil fuel expansion.
8. Champion Equitable Development – Prioritize sustainability, local resilience, and participation over profit-driven growth.
9. Honor and Defend Indigenous Stewardship – Protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights to land, culture, and self-determination.
10. Enhance Community Resilience – Strengthen grassroots capacity to respond to disasters and adapt to climate change.
11. Advance Inclusive Climate Education – Guarantee education rooted in sustainability and ecological awareness at all levels.
Come election day, let us vote for leaders that will push for legislation and programs that uphold human rights and ensure our right to a safe and healthy environment. Let us reject politicians whose track record and platforms show a disregard for environmental concerns and human rights principles. Let us make our votes count.
Vote Green, Not Greed!
Vote for Nature, Secure our Future!
Ipamana, Huwag Ipamina!
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