Children in the Philippines respond to disaster risks: Three films produced by children on the action they are taking
November 2009
Children in the Philippines are already facing the impact of climate change through recurring typhoons causing devastating floods and landslides. But beyond climate victims, children are taking action to ensure their safety and that of their communities, offering practical solutions and calling for greater commitments from their leaders to ensure their safety. These films were produced by children in the Philippines who are facing the realities of climate risks in their day-to-day lives.
The Pock-marked Face of Barangay Caga-ut
In the Cagaut Barangay (Salcedo municipality in Eastern Samar), children were successful in mobilising their community leaders to engage in tree planting and challenge the malpractices of the chromite mining industry which was increasing disaster risks during the occurrence of heavy rains. In response to the children's call for action, the local barangay council agreed to put out an ordinance prohibiting mining excavation near the river's vicinity as well as stipulating that mining companies must cover up unutilised mining pits and engage in reforestation of extraction areas.
Barobo, The sinking Barangay
In Barobo Barangauy (Llorente municipality in Eastern Samar), children recall the February 17th 2008 flood disaster that caused many to lose their homes and livelihoods and closed down their school for weeks. In their video, children outline the key factors which are making their community vulnerable to floods, including: illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming practices and sand quarrying. They are also aware that their community is vulnerable due to its location on a valley next to a river. They challenged their local authorities to address these harmful practices and succeeded in mobilising their community in a tree planting campaign.
Flood: Menace to Education
In the municipality Oras in Eastern Samar children's education is being continuously disrupted by the recurring typhoons. Floods have destroyed their schools including their learning materials and books. These children have asked experts what is causing the growing trend in disasters, and based on the greater understanding of climate risks gained they have come up with solutions to safeguard their right to education. This includes their challenging wishes for relocating schools from at risk sites and building two-storage schools, to more practical suggestions of high-storage cabinets to be built to protect books and school supplies from rising flood waters.
The films will be screened at the film festival as part of the IIED Development and Climate Days during the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
