This year let us remember that hope is greater than fear, our communities can overcome the crises we face and that people power is a renewable resource we can harness by standing together and acting together to build a better normal.

It is in these uncertain times that we are forced to contend with holding on to the contradicting feelings of despair and hope while we gather ourselves to persevere in this protracted uphill work for climate action that is grounded on science and justice.

Asia hosts 60% of the world’s population which represents the majority of the most vulnerable communities to the impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mutual aid directly meets people’s survival needs, and is based on a shared understanding that the conditions in which we are made to live are unjust.

Go out and cast your ballots with the lives of the future generations – and people in vulnerable countries like us in the Philippines – in mind.