The weather was gloomy, and a heavy downpour hit our heads as soon as we arrived at the line. In my several years of participating in the People’s SONA, rain gear has come in handy. Every year, the rain gets stronger, and the storms we experience on this day intensify. But even if it rains, the movement continues. Like the rain, solidarity with the people’s struggle flows on the roads.

Because it is the 25th year of the Clean Air Act, we from 350 Pilipinas joined the Panatang Luntian contingent to carry our calls amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address. This year, we are urging an update to the Air Quality Standards. It has been more than two decades, but implementations have been lacking and outdated.

Ara, the advocacy officer of 350 Pilipinas were among the thousands of Filipinos that marched at the Peoples’ SONA calling the Marcos’ administration to ensure proper implementation and update of the Air Quality Standards as set by the World Health Organization. [Photo: Nadia Cruz]

Air is closely linked to our daily lives; without air, we simply cannot live. Facing the impacts of air pollution, we quickly contract respiratory diseases, while it drastically accelerates the climate crisis. According to studies, respiratory diseases are worsening, and the most vulnerable to these illnesses are the commuting public, workers, students, and ordinary people who use public transport.

A large part of air pollution comes from ambient sources, with more than 80% coming from transportation. Therefore, one of our calls is to implement better air quality monitoring. This aims to closely monitor the worsening pollution on the roads and find immediate solutions.

Another part is to strengthen our public transportation and improve infrastructure for Active Transport. This will not only reduce air pollution but also decrease carbon emissions, which come from one of our largest fossil fuel consumptions.

350 Pilipinas held placards to call for updating the clean air act of 1999 and ensure that is implementation would prioritize the people deeply affected by air pollution. [Photo: Nadia Cruz]

Our participation in the People’s SONA is part of our broader campaign for clean air, including Bike Rides calling for Clean Air, and future activities to amplify and revive the call for cleaner air and a healthier future.

We strongly unite with the calls of all sectors that attended earlier because we know our calls are interconnected. To call for a future that prioritizes our people and our planet, we must recognize that the problem is systematic and needs to be changed

 

Read More: 350 Pilipinas’ Reaction on Marcos Jr. SONA

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