Rodne Galicha
Rodne Galicha, 2011.
Born (1979-06-02) 2 June 1979
San Fernando, Romblon, Sibuyan Island, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Alma materUniversity of Santo Tomas
Occupation(s)environment activist, community organizer, Non-governmental organization, Conservationist
AwardsNational Individual Award Recipient, 2013 Heroes for Environment Awards; 2018 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM)
Websitehttp://rodgalicha.com

Rodne Rodiño Galicha (born 2 June 1979, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines, eldest son of government employee Nenita Rodiño y Romero of San Fernando, Romblon, and postman Rodrigo Galicha y Galindez of Alcantara, Romblon) is a Filipino environmentalist[1] and human rights activist currently involved in climate justice,[2][3] biodiversity conservation and natural resources conflict management.[4] He is the author of a pocket-sized book on emerging environment issues: We Are Nature.[5] On 5 December 2013, he received the 2013 Hero for the Environment national individual award from the Center for Environmental Concerns in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Republic of the Philippines.[6] He was Philippine Manager for The Climate Reality Project and currently doing his voluntary work for ecological and cultural organization called Bayay Sibuyanon[7] in his home-island of Sibuyan. In 2018, the Philippine Tatler included him in the Generation T list as one of the 50 brightest connectors, creative visionaries, influential innovators and disruptive talents in the Philippines. He is also one of the recipients of the 2018 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines.[8] Stepping-up climate and environmental action, he heads Living Laudato Si movement in the Philippines;[9] and national convener of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas. He co-founded OeconoMedia, a faith-based news platform that produces and distributes original reporting about the environment, the climate crisis, and the global Laudato si' campaign of the Catholic Church.

Education

Galicha studied elementary at San Fernando Central School and finished his secondary education at Sibuyan Polytechnic College (now Romblon State University). Desiring to become a priest someday, he took up preparatory college courses at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Seminary in Romblon, Romblon. He was then admitted to the Royal and Pontifical Interdiocesan Seminary of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas - Central Seminary where he stayed as resident seminarian for four years.

A graduate of Baccalaureate in Philosophy and Bachelor of Arts Classical from the Faculties of Ecclesiastical Studies,[10] Galicha taught[11] environmental ethics, sociology, Philippine history and philosophy at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila, from 2002 to 2005. He became a visiting scholar at the Catholic University of Louvain in 2009 and obtained a Joint Diploma in Integral Ecology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2022.

Environment work

Protecting the biodiversity and natural resources of Sibuyan Island (known as the Galapagos of Asia) through sustainable programs and social media, Galicha served as executive director[12] of Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment Inc. (Sibuyan ISLE) since 2007. His group, Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM) successfully campaigned against nickel mining giant BHP Billiton and lobbied for the suspension of mineral extraction of a Canada-based mining company being operated by a Filipino corporation.[13][14] He also helped the Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) in a successful campaign against a Canada-based mining giant Ivanhoe.[15]

In June 2008, when typhoon Frank hit the Philippines, passenger ship MV Princess of the Stars sank near Sibuyan Island and toxic materials including pesticide endosulfan were feared to contaminate the sea. In a statement with Ecowaste Coalition, Galicha lamented that the possible contamination of Sibuyan Island and its marine environment with endosulfan, tamaron and other chemical cargoes, and bunker fuel from the sunken vessel is already affecting the life and livelihood of our people who depend mainly on the abundance of the sea.[16] Together with various environment organizations affiliated with Ecowaste Coalition, they called for a ban on all uses of endosulfan (and successfully banned by COP5)[17] and return it to its Israel-based manufacturer, and to immediately resolve all problems brought about by the maritime tragedy.[18]

As a young environment conservationist, Galicha sees that:[19]

Threats are challenges. If I yield to threats, fear comes... The risks involved in this advocacy are inevitable. Being an environment advocate is a lifelong commitment. We are all called to discover for ourselves the amazing link of our lives to nature. Unless we are unable to accept that we are part of the totality of nature, we will continue to look at it as a mere subject (for utilization). This we do to learn from the past, address the abuses of the present and pay for our ecological debts for the next.

Engaging with various environmental movements in the Philippines, Galicha became the youngest member of the first Board of Trustees of Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy (Green Convergence), one of the country's largest green alliances. He is currently board of trustee member of Greenpeace Philippines and Green Convergence.

Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park

Presently leading a local organization[20] in the island, Bayay Sibuyanon Inc. (BSI), Galicha and his colleagues successfully campaigned against the construction of a national road which was intended to traverse Mount Guiting-guiting Natural Park in 2018.[21][22]

Always vigilant of huge projects which will affect the mountain, listed as one of the declared protected areas in the Philippines, BSI has been reviewing available government documents and academic researches to ensure its protection. In 2020, it was discovered again that some excel files[23][24] from the Department of Budget and Management show the inclusion of the road project again. This prompted BSI to mobilize an online petition again against the project while engaging with relevant government agencies.[25][26]

Galicha, representing BSI, sits down as member of the Protected Area Management Board of the natural park.

Climate advocacy

Living Laudato Si' Philippines executive director Rodne Galicha makes a statement on how the Catholic Church and actors engage at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 27th Conference of Parties in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

As climate leader and advocate, Galicha served as Branch Manager for the Philippines of The Climate Reality Project, a global movement founded by Nobel Laureate and former United States Vice President Al Gore. He has been consistently trained in climate science by Mr. Gore and expert scientists of the project in Australia,[27] Indonesia[28] and the United States. Presenting the slideshow developed by experts and Gore himself, he has reached hundreds of thousands in the Philippines and overseas, informing the grassroots about the climate crisis and solutions. In September 2011, he participated in the 24 Hours of Reality online program in New York, USA, as one of the 24 speakers across 24 time zones worldwide.[29] He was watched by about 2.6 million online audience.[30][31] Recognizing his experience in climate education, he has been chosen to mentor in climate change trainings in Jakarta, Indonesia (2011), California (2012), Chicago (2013), Colorado (2017), USA,[32][33] Johannesburg, South Africa (2014), Melbourne, Australia (2014), and Manila, Philippines (2016).

When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, Galicha described the cataclysmic event as climate crime, thus, climate justice must be sought.[34][35][36]

Believing that climate action needs to be integrated in Philippine regional development, he has been lobbying for the membership of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in regional development councils across the country. MIMAROPA Regional Development Council (RDC) successfully confirmed CCC as special non-voting member of the RDC and regular member of the Economic Development Committee.[37] He is currently Convener of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, a national network of civil society organizations working on diverse climate and development-related issues. He has been to international climate negotiations as one of the technical advisers of the Philippine delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 22nd Conference of Parties (COP22) in Morocco and COP23 in Germany, respectively; and as civil society observer for COP24 (Poland), COP25 (Spain), COP26 (United Kingdom) and COP27 (Egypt).

Anti-mining Advocacy

On January 23, 2023, when a large international ship anchored[38] in Sibuyan Sea in front of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) nickel ore stockpile and port areas at Sitio Bato, Barangay España, San Fernando, Romblon, barangay officials and some environmental defenders started to monitor the development in situ until the next day to keep watch.

On January 24, Galicha formally called on islanders through social media[39] to gather and block the hauling of nickel ores. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) granted APMC an exploration permit that includes extraction of 50,000 wet metric tonnes of nickel ore for metallurgical bulk sampling overseas.

Environmental defenders demanded documents such as a foreshore lease agreement and Philippine Ports Authority to construct a private port which APMC failed to present during an informal negotiation facilitated by a Philippine National Police (PNP) officer on January 31, 2023, evening while deploying a full-gear riot police port allegedly to maintain peace and order.

The following day of February 1, the PNP anti-riot force, knowledgeable of the failure of the mining company to present papers, unsuccessfully ushered the mining trucks filled with nickel ore to pass through the human barricade.[40] On the same day, DENR issued a notice of violation (NoV) which was then received by APMC on February 2, 2023. The NoV highlights violations of Presidential Decree 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines and DENR Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2004-24 for lack of foreshore lease contract.[41]

Another NoV was issued for lack of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) in the construction of a private port, violating Presidential Decree 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System.

In the morning of February 3, 2023, the barricade was broken and PNP's anti-riot force successfully led four trucks to pass through and enter the port area.[42] Two persons were injured.[43] On the same day, a third NoV was issued informing APMC of the lack of special cutting of trees permit violating Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines as amended by Executive Order 277 and further amended by Republic Act 7161.

On February 6, 2023, DENR ordered APMC to cease and desist from utilizing the port, hauling nickel ores from the contract area to the port, suspending ore transport permits and denying the application for miscellaneous lease agreement.[44] The order also includes filing of relevant cases against APMC and an on the ground investigation.[45] Eventually, PPA admitted that the mining company has no permit to construct a private port.[46]

The barricade camp continues until now with the demand to cancel the mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) of APMC.[47]

Galicha now serves as spokesperson and secretary-general of Save Sibuyan, a consortium of more than twenty-five multi-sectoral local formations, organizations and institutions based in Sibuyan Island.

A Haribon Foundation member, Galicha was involved in Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) traveling to different mining-affected communities in the Philippines - exposing the struggles of indigenous peoples and the grassroots, including human rights violations and environmental degradation. He supports the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bills pending in the House of Representatives and calls for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995.[48]

Galicha was actively involved in the Save Palawan Movement aiming to save the Philippine's last ecological frontier, Palawan, from mining destruction. The movement has already gathered more than seven million signatures to halt mining in Palawan and other key biodiversity areas in the country, critical watersheds, agricultural areas, tourism sites and island ecosystems, among others.

8Rs

For sustainable living, Galicha developed and promoted the 8Rs (starting with the 3Rs) which can simply be done at home and in communities: reduce, reuse, recycle, repair, refuse, rethink, rainforest and recollect.[49]

Galicha has been invited to talk about youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, climate change, human rights and ecology in various events in countries in Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. He blogs at http://rodgalicha.com.

References

  1. ↑ Alave, Kristine (21 May 2011). "Asia's Galapagos: Sibuyan Island Under Threat". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  2. ↑ Editorial. "Climate Justice". Journal Online. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  3. ↑ de Quiros, Conrado (1 November 2011). "The Living and the Dead". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  4. ↑ "Session 7". 7th Global Conference. Inter-Disciplinary.Net. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  5. ↑ Cinco, Maricar (14 November 2013). "Little book with big thoughts on nature". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  6. ↑ Administrator (1 December 2013). "Filipino environment leaders, groups acclaimed in the Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan awards". Mindanao Examiner. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  7. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/BayaySibuyanon
  8. ↑ "Science Prominent in 2018 TOYM". DOST-ASTI. 2019-02-20. Retrieved 2019-03-21.
  9. ↑ "TOYM recognizes climate advocate". Manila Times. April 30, 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  10. ↑ "Verses 1002". Sanrokan (RDL Clear). Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  11. ↑ Staff. "CCD leads forum on climate change". Letran News. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  12. ↑ "BHP Billiton". Uranium News. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  13. ↑ "Filipinos, green groups demand halt to mining on Sibuyan after protest death". Philippine Daily Inquirer / IntelAsia. October 8, 2007. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  14. ↑ Saunders, Sakura; Jonathan Farbowitz; Richard Solly; Andy Whitmore (2009). "BHP Billiton: Undermining the future" (PDF). Alternative Annual Report 2009: 11. Retrieved 14 September 2012.
  15. ↑ "DILG, DENR to enforce mining ban in Romblon, Philippines". Intellasia / Philippine Information Agency. 21 June 2011. Retrieved 14 September 2012.
  16. ↑ Coalition, Ecowaste. "Citizens Press for Total Ban on Endosulfan to Put Off "Toxic Time Bomb"". Ecowaste Coalition. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  17. ↑ Coalition, Ecowaste. "Groups Praise UN Ban on Endosulfan, Urge P-Noy to Ensure Safe Disposal of Endosulfan". Ecowaste Coalition. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  18. ↑ Coalition, Ecowaste. "EcoWaste Coalition Urges P-Noy to Put Closure on Two-Year Old Maritime Tragedy". Ecowaste Coalition. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  19. ↑ Quilingling, Kim (September–October 2011). "A Sacrifice for Future Generations: the Plight of Environmental Conservationists in the Philippines". University of the Philippines Forum. 12 (5): 12. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  20. ↑ "Island switches on lights on Earth Hour". Manila Standard Today. March 30, 2015. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
  21. ↑ Cinco, Maricar (April 20, 2018). "DPWH stops road clearing within Romblon protected area". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  22. ↑ Mayuga, Jonathan (May 1, 2018). "DPWH aborts Sibuyan Island road project". Manila Standard Today.
  23. ↑ "General Appropriations Act FY 2020-Volume I-C". Department of Budget and Management.
  24. ↑ "National Expenditure Program FY 2020". Department of Budget and Management.
  25. ↑ Tupas, Emmanuel (June 18, 2020). "Stop road project in Romblon park". The Philippine Star.
  26. ↑ Standard, Manila (June 21, 2020). "NGO: Halt Romblon road project". Manila Standard Today.
  27. ↑ Garcia, Jose Mari (14 December 2011). "Environment advocate says climate change may lead to more dire consequences". Ugnayan / Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  28. ↑ "Al Gore trains Filipinos in Jakarta climate summit". The Manila Times. 12 January 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  29. ↑ Palmer, Avery. "Meet the presenter". The Climate Reality Project. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  30. ↑ Administrator (30 September 2011). "Filipino joins Gore in N.Y. to solve climate change crisis". Filipino Reporter. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  31. ↑ "Hour 9: Solomon Islands". Climate Reality / ustream.tv. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  32. ↑ Burgonio, TJ (31 October 2011). "Filipino climate change activist tells world: We can do something". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  33. ↑ Romulo, Michaela (6 August 2013). "Al Gore trains FilAm climate leaders". Rappler. Rappler. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  34. ↑ Danieles, Zeph. "Paying the Cost Carbon". 350.org. 350.org. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  35. ↑ Galicha, Rodne (15 November 2013). "Typhoon Haiyan: This is a climate crime". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  36. ↑ Climate Reality. "Typhoon Haiyan: "We fear this will not be the last"". The Climate Reality Project. The Climate Reality Project. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  37. ↑ "Q2 Joint RDC-RPOC Meeting in Oriental Mindoro held". NEDA MIMAROPA. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  38. ↑ Galicha, Rodne. "International Ship". Facebook. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  39. ↑ Galicha, Rodne. "Pangabay". Facebook.
  40. ↑ Gozum, Iya (February 1, 2023). "Sibuyan Island residents form human barricade to stop mining trucks". Rappler. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  41. ↑ "DENR orders temporary halt to mining company's Sibuyan operations". GMA News. February 5, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  42. ↑ Cabico, Gaea Katreena (February 3, 2023). "Police break up barricade of Sibuyan residents resisting mining ops". Philippine Star.
  43. ↑ Jean, Mangaluz (February 3, 2023). "Two injured as police dispersed anti-mining human barricade in Sibuyan". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  44. ↑ Virola, Madonna (February 6, 2023). "DENR cites mining firm for violations on Sibuyan Island". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  45. ↑ DENR (February 8, 2023). "DENR STATEMENT ON THE RECENT INCIDENT INVOLVING ALTAI PHILIPPINES MINING CORPORATION (APMC) IN THE ISLAND OF SIBUYAN, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON".
  46. ↑ Mantaring, Jelo Ritzhie (February 5, 2023). "PPA wants mining company to explain 'illegal' port on Sibuyan Island". CNN Philippines. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  47. ↑ Romero, Jasmin; Antonio, Josiah (February 8, 2023). "DENR orders probe into Altai mining firm's operations in Sibuyan over alleged". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  48. ↑ Carretero, Jose (17 March 2009). "Villagers protest Aussie firm's open-pit mining in Masbate". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 14 September 2012.
  49. ↑ Castillo, Shiela. "Green Resolutions for 2012". The Manila Times. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
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