Earth Day: DENR pushes shift to renewable energy

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April 23, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — As the country observed Earth Day, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga underscored the urgency of a unified, multi-sectoral approach to combat climate change and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

Stressing that sustainability must be rooted in shared responsibility, Loyzaga called for the responsible use of the country’s abundant natural resources as the nation embraces clean energy.

“Earth Day offers a moment to reflect on the responsibilities we share – as Filipinos and as stewards of a fragile planet,” she said. “The journey to clean energy must be grounded on collective action.”

This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the crucial role of individuals and communities in shaping a low-carbon future.

Loyzaga acknowledged the complexities of transitioning to renewable sources, such as solar, hydro, wind and geothermal, and emphasized that this shift must be accompanied by social and environmental justice, including responsible management of critical minerals like nickel and cobalt.

“No one and no ecosystem should be left behind,” Loyzaga said, adding that a just transition is essential to inclusive and sustainable development.

Engage children

Echoing the call for shared responsibility, environmental watchdog BAN Toxics encouraged families to take part in climate action by engaging children in eco-friendly practices during the summer break.

“Summer vacation offers the perfect opportunity to introduce children to meaningful, toxics-free and waste-free activities,” said Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics Advocacy and Campaign Officer. “It’s a great way to reduce screen time, too.”

Among the suggested activities are gardening, which allows kids to connect with nature, understand where food comes from and learn the basics of organic growing while avoiding harmful chemicals.

Eco walks, whether around the neighborhood or in parks, provide light exercise and can be turned into mini clean-up drives that teach environmental responsibility.

Nature treks and bird watching give children opportunities to observe wildlife, understand ecosystems and develop a deeper appreciation for biodiversity.

Beach clean-ups is another practical way to combine recreation and learning, showing young participants the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.

DIY upcycled crafts, such as creating planters from plastic bottles or bird feeders from used cardboard, stimulate creativity while reinforcing the importance of reusing materials.

Lastly, community toy and book exchanges promote sharing and reduce waste by giving old items new life through trade.

“These are just a few examples of how families can make summer both enjoyable and environmentally meaningful,” Dizon said. “By choosing eco-friendly activities, parents not only create lasting memories with their children but also help instill values of responsibility, creativity and care for the planet – one small action at a time.”

‘Pass green deal’

In observance of Earth Day, the Kabataan party-list renewed its call for Congress to pass the People’s Green New Deal, filed as House Resolution No. 8.

The measure, introduced in 2022 by Rep. Raoul Manuel in collaboration with environmental groups, seeks to provide a framework for a green and just economic recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Renee Co, Kabataan national spokesperson and first nominee, criticized the government’s current climate efforts as insufficient, citing the slow shift away from fossil fuels and the Marcos administration’s modest target of 50 percent renewable energy by 2040.

She emphasized that implementing the resolution’s policy recommendations would be a timely response to this year’s Earth Day theme, which underscores the global push for a renewable energy transition.

“The promotion of windmills in Ilocos is not enough to show that the government is truly addressing the climate crisis. How many more disasters do we need before we look beyond flood control projects? A nation can achieve progress if it takes care of its environment. If the government has the political will, then pass the People’s Green New Deal,” Co said.

In its 2021 submission to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Philippines committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent within the decade, targeting peak emissions by 2030 before transitioning to more sustainable development pathways.

Despite this ambitious pledge, the current administration’s energy roadmap aims for only 50 percent reliance on renewable sources by 2040 – a target environmental groups say falls short of the urgency required.

Advocates argue that achieving full transition to clean energy by 2030 remains within reach if backed by strong political will.

“What we need are leaders who will stand up to corporations that exploit the environment for profit – not those with business interests or ties to the powerful. In this election, it’s time for ordinary citizens – those who have felt the harsh consequences of disasters – to take seats in the Senate and Congress,” Co concluded. — Cecille Suerte Felipe, Jose Rodel Clapano