{"id":808,"date":"2010-11-23T18:33:00","date_gmt":"2010-11-23T10:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/master.k8s.p4.greenpeace.org\/southeastasia\/press\/808\/sarangani-stands-against-coal-calls-for-clean-energy-now\/"},"modified":"2024-05-28T19:58:13","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T12:58:13","slug":"sarangani-stands-against-coal-calls-for-clean-energy-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/southeastasia\/story\/808\/sarangani-stands-against-coal-calls-for-clean-energy-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Sarangani stands against coal, calls for “clean energy now!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The sight of more than a hundred fishing boats with \u201cClean, Sustainable, Peaceful Energy\u201d flags sailing at sunrise with the Rainbow Warrior in one of the most beautiful bays in the Philippines is really something to marvel about.\u00a0 It was an early start and while we were waiting for the RainbowWarrior to arrive in front of San Felipe, we saw several more hurrying to meet the ship and her crew.\u00a0 On shore were another group of fisherfolks trying to form the words \u201cClean Energy Now\u201d with their boats. Unfortunately, the tides were not cooperating and so the (fisherfolks) they made a quick decision to move their boats on land.\u00a0 Even with this slight hitch, I could feel the determination and commitment of this community to let their message be heard. They were only able to form the words \u201cClean Energy\u201d because unfortunately we ran out of space on shore even while there were still several boats ready to form the words \u201cNow.\u201d\u00a0 The RainbowWarrior was able to come close enough to the shore and the school, visible enough to sow inspiration, hope and courage to more than 1000 people who were waiting.<\/p>\n

Once the crew came down, the program started with a tribal dance from the T\u2019bolis.\u00a0 Capt. Mike of the Rainbow Warrior spoke about Sarangani\u2019s beautiful coastline, beautiful sea and very lush landscape. He said that Greenpeace, the Rainbow Warrior and her crew were there to stand for positive change.\u00a0 In the course of his travels all over the world, he has seen the destruction that\u2019s being done on our planet.\u00a0 But at the same time he has also seen communities who were victorious in their struggles against these destruction.\u00a0 That is why the Rainbow Warrior is here so that we can join them in solidarity in their continuing struggle against the proposed coal fired power plant.<\/p>\n

Two Provincial Board members also gave statements that they were personally asked by Sarangani Cong. Manny Pacquiao, to witness and listen to the sentiments of the people.\u00a0 Cong. Manny ran on a platform of anti-poverty and anti-coal and the Provincial Board is proud that there is now a resolution repealing an earlier provincial endorsement of the proposed power plant.\u00a0 The board has also demanded for an exhaustive investigation of other possible renewable energy sources in the province.<\/p>\n

There were a lot of inspiring speeches, mostly from the community leaders who demand development but not at the expense of the environment.\u00a0 They stand firm in their commitment and they said they are not afraid.<\/p>\n

The human banner which is probably the first of its kind in Mindanao and probably for the community was participated by people from all over Sarangani not just Maasim who went there to register their opposition.\u00a0 The human banner reading\u00a0 \u201cNO TO COAL\u201d stressed the importance of the images we took\u00a0 as a means of telling their story to the outside world. Now, people will know of this little town called Maasim standing up for their right to a clean environment.<\/p>\n

The thing that struck me most really was the sense of hope that Greenpeace was able to bring to the community.\u00a0 There was a very tangible sense of euphoria and I think the experience sort of liberated them from the feeling of uncertainty and doubt, perhaps also a feeling of hopelessness.\u00a0 I know that with our visit, the people of Sarangani have started to awaken to the very real dangers that this coal plant project will cause.\u00a0 And I know they will even be stronger in their fight against coal long after Greenpeace has left.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m quite emotional because they too have inspired me and many of the Greenpeace volunteers and staff.\u00a0 Truly the experience yesterday was about ordinary people taking extraordinary stand, bound by their common love to protect our environment.\u00a0 Sarangani has made a decision to say no to coal and the proponents will do very well to accept that decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


\nAmalie Obusan is the Regional Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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