100 (90) Days Until Copenhagen: A Filipino Stand Against Climate Change

On the 8th of September (Tuesday), GCCA-Philippines, Oxfam, Greenpeace, WWF-Philippines, GRIPP (Green Renewable Independent Power Producers), Christian Aid, and NGO Forum on the ADB and other groups had launched the 90 Days Until Copenhagen in line with its tcktcktck Campaign.

Brandished with a local flavor of tiktok tiktok, it was a day that not only marked a global urgency, but a stand for survival. GCCA-Philippines had called upon the voices of the embassies of the European Union and that of the United States to the Philippines for them to remember why their responsibilities for current and future generations could not be ignored. A reflection of a global movement that plays favor to organized national initiatives, GCCA-Philippines decided to make use of a caravan of bikers and electric jeepneys. They were our battalion of heroic individuals, cycling from one embassy stop to the next, amidst the logistical challenge and intense downpour.

Gathering at the Makati City Hall foyer enduring much precipitation, GCCA member organizations, bikers, and media representatives waited in anticipation for their send-off into the streets. Initially briefed by Francis dela Cruz of Greenpeace, the bikers listened intently as they were educated on the purpose of the event followed by briefing on tiktok tiktok demands by Yeb Sano of WWF-Philippines and Marie Nunez of Oxfam. The final step of the ceremony was a blessing from Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, who greeted the bikers and participated in a photo-op with the whole group. What followed was a column of bikers bearing tiktok tiktok tiktok documented by media, observed by GCCA organizers, escorted by local officials but witnessed by the public. You could say we caused traffic. :-)

Our first stop was to be the Embassy of the European Union to the Philippines or specifically the Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines. In spite of some mix-up as to the actual meeting point with the embassy's representatives, we were still received well. Accompanied by media personnel, GCCA had presented both our letter and miniature calendars counting down 90 Days to Copenhagen to Mr. Juan Echanove, Environment, Sustainable Development and Food Security Programme Officer and Mr. Gabriel Munuera ViC1als, European Commission Delegation Charge de Affaires as a token of the global mission for a New Climate Deal. While proper introductions with GCCA were done, the media had gathered their fair share of information from them as well. Upon our leave, we bid them farewell, not to mention a photo-op, and were off to the next stop.

Our second and final stop was to be the Embassy of the United States of America to the Philippines. Gathering in front of its main gates, we were immediately greeted by heavy security but with Mr. Dovas Saulys, Environment Officer. With the cyclists and electric jeepneys planted by embassy bounds, we surely had attracted some attention from car drivers, as this was during a busy time of the day. Presenting our letter as well as another miniature calendar, GCCA spokespersons had once again identified themselves with the proper introductions while shutters flicked simultaneously. To follow were media crews for the final interview with both GCCA representatives and that of the representative from the embassy. Before departing, we had decided to take one last official photo-op with Mr. Dovas Saulys and were off. He had left with the worry of getting our offering wet.

Feedback on the ground was generally good. Although the cyclists had had to endure heavy rains, this did not mar them from doing their share in the event. GCCA considers them as heroes for their obvious efforts. Though we have not yet been featured on televised news programs, the event was featured on media publishers such as inquire.net, the front page of Business World and that of the Manila Standard. Thus, media output still gave positive results. As cited by Jessica of Christian Aid, we had hit a very good note on this one, since embassies had responded to us, even enduring bad weather with us. Other participants were even exhilarated at the very thought of having been so close in proximity to the US Embassy, for many of us would never have imagined so. Another good note was that it had opened opportunities for future engagements with GCCA, as cited by Dante of Oxfam.

A few things to consider next time however, would be to include radio broadcasting as a medium to promote and distribute climate-consciousness to a wider range of audience. Also, we agreed that it was best not to cause too much traffic next time and to ensure that official escorts were clear on all details of the route.

Thus ends our launch with a renewed hope and incentive for pursuing greater efforts in pushing for a renewed Climate Deal on our side of the world in this global struggle. The strength of our activities is centered in the hope of being resonated to the global stage of Cop-15. We are most grateful for all who had participated as well as supported our endeavors locally and internationally and welcome so much more the challenge of building a formidable voice in this battle.