Young Filipinos gathered in Quezon City two Saturdays ago to promote renewable energy at the Solar Futures Community Market, a youth-led event organized by Good Energy. The event featured local food, fashion, and workshops centered on sustainability and the push for a transition away from fossil fuels.
Amid growing support for coal and other fossil fuels in the Philippines, advocates highlighted the urgency of renewable energy, citing the country’s vulnerability to climate change and rising energy costs. “Our dependence on coal makes us vulnerable. Regular consumers bear the brunt of fluctuating fuel prices,” said Angelika Marie David, energy policy manager at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).
David explained that the automatic fuel pass-through system allows price changes in global fuel markets to be passed on to consumers under existing contracts between generation companies and distribution utilities.
Krishna Ariola, co-founder of Youth for Climate Hope and a campaigner at the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), emphasized the need for a comprehensive energy transition.
“We are not just anti-coal, we are advocating for people-centered development. The shift to renewable energy must be systemic,” she said.
The event also featured creative activities and a community swap shop aimed at encouraging sustainable consumption. Small businesses, including local food vendors and eco-friendly clothing brands, showcased the younger generation’s commitment to sustainability and socially responsible practices.
Ariola stressed the importance of youth in driving renewable energy goals. “Our challenge is huge, but we have the advantage of time and energy. Trusting the youth is essential in this fight,” she said.
The Solar Futures Community Market underscored the growing role of young Filipinos in advocating for a clean energy future as the country faces increasing climate challenges.
