Lanao del Norte, Philippines — Local climate justice groups have formally called on the provincial government of Lanao del Norte to officially declare a state of climate emergency, urging immediate legislative action through a province-wide resolution or ordinance.
The Iligan Lanao Movement for Climate Justice (ILMCJ) and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) spearheaded the initiative, successfully delivering the formal request to the province’s top leadership on July 22, 2026. The offices of Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo, Vice Governor Allan Jagman Lim, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan officially received the communications.
Second District Board Member and former Vice Governor Maria Christina Navarro Atay personally received the document, welcoming the advocacy groups’ initiative. Atay committed to leading an initial discussion on the proposal with fellow Board Members and to establishing immediate communication lines with ILMCJ and PMCJ.
The urgent appeal stems from the Iligan–Lanao Climate Justice Conference held on April 23, 2026, where a broad coalition of citizens, civil society groups, community associations, and sectoral organizations united to ratify the People’s Climate Justice and Climate Emergency Declaration for Iligan City and Lanao del Norte.
“Citizens of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, represented by people’s organizations, civil society groups, community associations, and sectoral formations convened on 23 April 2026 during the Iligan–Lanao Climate Justice Conference,” said Tresito ‘Tito’ Fiel, PMCJ Iligan & Lanao del Norte team leader.
“They affirmed this People’s Climate Justice and Climate Emergency Declaration, highlighting that the climate crisis has already triggered severe flooding, water insecurity, ecosystem degradation, and loss of livelihood. The declaration stresses that these hazards disproportionately impact vulnerable sectors, including the urban poor, farmers, fisherfolk, women, youth, and the elderly,” Fiel added.
Advocates point to past catastrophes, such as Tropical Storm Sendong and Tropical Storm Basyang, as stark reminders of how degraded landscapes, weak watersheds, and mining activities amplify human casualties and environmental ruin.
Tropical Storm Sendong struck Northern Mindanao in December 2011, resulting in an immense humanitarian crisis. Sendong claimed 490 lives in Iligan City alone, with hundreds more recorded as permanently missing. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported over 1,200 deaths across Northern Mindanao.
Striking nearly 15 years later in February 2026, Tropical Storm Basyang subjected Iligan City and Lanao del Norte to rainfall volumes double those of Sendong, unleashing what locals described as some of the worst flooding in the city’s history. Basyang dumped more than 200mm of rain, causing the Tubod River to overflow instantly. Low-lying urban areas like Barangay Mahayahay were submerged in deep water, with flood levels rising to the second floor of some homes.
Beyond ecological threats, the declaration connects the climate emergency to an ongoing energy crisis. Advocates argue that rising electricity costs are inflating the prices of food and basic services, driving ordinary households deeper into poverty. The groups also voiced strong opposition to the proposed privatization of the Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complex (APHEC), warning that selling the public hydropower resource will inevitably spike utility rates, weaken accountability, and undermine the region’s climate-resilient energy foundation.
The request was submitted to key legislative committee chairs, including:
Hon. Abdany Condayo Buanding (Environmental Protection, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change)
Hon. Setty Deamila Macarambon (Energy)
Hon. Sidick Macabanding Dibaratun (Public Order and Safety, Rido, and Conflict Settlement)
Hon. Eleuterio Mariquit Obial Jr. (Justice and Human Rights)
Hon. Afsalur L. Malawani (Transportation and Communication)
Hon. Maida A. Tawantawan (Education, Culture, Science, Technology Transfer, and A.L.I.V.E. Program)
Hon. Lemuel Tadura (Inter-Parliamentary, Rules, and Legislative Relations)
Hon. Joseph A. Neri, Jr. (Provincial, Municipal, and Barangay Affairs)
Hon. Rheca Monteza R. Macabangon (Youth, Sports Development, Games, and Amusement)
Requests for Hon. Grecille Interone Matalines, Hon. Bob C. Andot, and Hon. Superman Bernas Usop Jr. were formally processed through the Office of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Mr. Joselito E. Quibranza, ensuring full legislative coverage of the petition.
