Tik Tok Pilipinas joins clamor for justice in climate debate

Before you step out with your recyclable bag, unplug your appliances and make sure all the lights are switched off. If you’re heading somewhere near, why not take a walk? Consider these seemingly small acts as your contribution to slowing down climate change ---the culprit behind the fatal super-typhoons, the unusually scorching heat and schizophrenic weather. Humans have abused the environment to the point of self-destruction and if people want to save Mother Earth, the time to act is now. Or, in the words of the Tik Tok Pilipinas anthem: “Let us make haste, before it’s too late. No time to waste... We can still reverse this human curse to save Mother Earth." Tik Tok Pilipinas A team up between Dakila Artists Collective and development agency Oxfam GB, the Tik Tok Pilipinas Campaign is part of the global tck tck tck campaign that calls for pro-environment action at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this month. The movement urges government leaders around the world to come up with an international treaty that will save the planet from the dangerous effects of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. “We want to make sure that our world leaders would sit up, take notice and be pressured into agreeing that we need a fair, ambitious and binding (climate) deal, and that they don’t back out because the world is watching," explained Kala Constantino, coordinator of Oxfam GB. Constantino emphasized that a fair and binding deal would require developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020, and financial aid will be given to poor countries so they can adapt to the climate crisis.

To spread the message in the Philippines, the Tik Tok campaign gathered more than 80 artists from various fields who are well-known environmental advocates. They include beauty queen Miriam Quiambao, models Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, actresses Alessandra de Rossi and Roxanne Barcelo, Kjwan vocalist Marc Abaya, rap group Gloc 9, writers Lourd De Veyra and Tara FT Sering, chefs Rolando Laudico and Steph Zubiri, film maker Jim Libiran and cinematographer Zach Sycip. Climate justice Since April, the group has been going around schools in Metro Manila to conduct awareness campaigns on climate change. They also traveled to the disaster-prone provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, Palawan, Iloilo and Nueva Ecija to discuss ways of reducing risk from disasters. Musician Noel Cabangon composed the campaign anthem “No Time to Waste" that issues an urgent plea and warning for people to protect the environment before the climate crisis causes more disasters. On December 12, Cabangon and 50 other celebrities will come together in Tik Tok Rok, a 12–hour concert that is part of simultaneous events worldwide for the international tck tck tck campaign. The free concert at the Marikina Riverbanks Amphitheater will run from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. and will also feature exhibits about the impact of climate change on people’s lives. Aside from promoting climate change awareness, Cabangon hopes the event will encourage more people to focus on the Copenhagen conference. He said Filipinos should call on President Arroyo to stand firm and defend the Philippines among developed countries that are mainly responsible for carbon emissions that cause climate change. “Climate change is already here. How do we reverse the impact? We have to tell the developed countries to reduce the emission of carbon para mabawasan ang pagbago ng panahon," he explained. “Naging mayaman silang mga bansa at the expense of the Third World countries. Kinuha nila ‘yung mga resources natin. We are seeking climate justice from the plunder that the developed countries have done to Third World countries."
Act now! For decades, Filipinos have been hearing messages like “Take care of Mother Earth" and "Preserve the environment." But very few really listened until Ondoy and Pepeng came along. Many people have seen and experienced how these merciless typhoons have ravaged people's lives --- nature’s stern warning on what will happen if climate change continues unabated. Because of its geographic location, the Philippines is prone to disasters, with almost 21 typhoons wreaking havoc on the islands each year. Climate change increases extreme weather events and worsens the damage and deaths from each tropical cyclone. "If we keep on delaying, more people will die," Constantino said. “There’s something we can do kahit na mahirap na bansa tayo. Even as we say na kailangan magbigay ng pera ang developed countries sa atin (to help us cope with climate change), we don’t have to wait for that. We can already do something here." Miss Universe beauty queen and TV host Miriam Quiambao said everyone can help avert the climate crisis by reducing their individual carbon footprint. Quiambao narrated how she converted her SUV to run on LPG because it is more carbon neutral. For short–distance trips, she takes a walk instead of bringing her car. At home, she uses energy–efficient appliances and biodegradable products. She has also reduced her plastic usage by using her own recyclable bag for shopping. “Small things do count. It not only contributes to preserving the environment, it also helps lessen your expenses," she said. “We have to make a decision to live more sustainably, otherwise, we could be the last generation." - YA/GMANews.tv To learn more about Tik Tok Pilipinas, visit http://tiktokpilipinas.com. The Tik Tok Rok concert and exhibit will be held on December 12 at the Marikina Riverbanks Amphitheater. Admission is free.