Earth Day in the Philippines

By Rachel Evans and Ray Fulcher

MANILA -- Earth Day was organised by the Philippines Environmental Action Network (PEAN) around the theme of ``Defend and Reclaim the Commons''. Other organisations aiding the campaign included the Ecumenical Forum for Church Response and the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates.

PEAN and other organisations involved want to highlight the Ramos government's drive to privatise at the expense of the public's land, water, air and forests.

They see the commons as being ``the social and political space of people which provides them with sustenance, livelihood, security and independence''. The main demand aims to provide solidarity for the people fighting the conversion of their arable lands into industrial estates.

Activities during Earth Day week (April 15-24) included forums, roving pickets and a march from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to Mendiola in Central Manila.

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