19 Feb 2025 What is said, what is not said, and the danger in between

Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno

Amid the lush and vibrant landscape of the Philippines, where natural resources abound and the scenery become a perfect background for heartfelt narratives, one story is often overlooked: the story of its marginalized and indigenous peoples in the face of climate change. At the edge of the imminent climate catastrophe, the chasm between what is said and what remains unspoken grows ever more dangerous. In these times, where walls grow taller, gaps become wider, chains become heavier, the need for communication justice emerges as a hope to allow diverse voices to soar and be heard for the sake of our planet.

Climate change is not a neutral phenomenon; it exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities. Vulnerable communities, often marginalized and historically disadvantaged, bear the brunt of its devastating effects. In the Philippines, a nation highly susceptible to climate-related disasters, the disparities are stark. Coastal communities, indigenous peoples, and rural farmers are disproportionately affected by typhoons, floods, and droughts. 2024, a year marked by climate’s relentless assault, bore witness to the suffering of the nation’s most fragile. From the searing heat to the devastating floods and the fury of the typhoons, the poor and marginalized were left exposed, their resilience tested to the breaking point.

The relentless heat pushed the Heat Index to boiling point during the first two quarters, prompting school closures to safeguard children. Families struggling to cope without air conditioning resorted to desperate measures, such as creating makeshift pools in the morning and relying on multiple fans in the evening. However, these efforts were far from sufficient, leaving them to endure the sweltering heat in stark contrast to the comfortable environments of their wealthier neighbors. Super Typhoon Man-yi, the 16th to hit the country and the 6th major November storm, brought devastating storm surges, destroying homes, inundating towns, and upending the lives of those unable to seek refuge in safer places.

The discussion about Climate Change has been ongoing for decades. It is no secret that the main culprits are economies with the largest carbon footprints. Scientists, nonprofits, and advocates protest toxic emissions, unsustainable lifestyles, and the dumping of first-world waste in third-world countries, yet their voices are silenced by empty promises, greenwashing, and deliberate evasion of accountability.

As long as the disadvantaged and marginalized communities are lied to, as long as truth is manipulated to serve the chosen few, as long as dissenting voices are muted, the devastation of nature’s revenge will be ruthless.

Role of grassroots communities in articulating climate realities

While grassroots communities are the first to be severely affected by climate change, they are the ones who can also greatly contribute to its mitigation and adaptation. The IKSP (Indigenous Knowledge Skills and Practices) of the indigenous people and the practical experiences of the communities are uniquely valuable. They stand as vital architects, bridging the chasm between ancient wisdom and modern necessity. Their deep-rooted connection to the land is not merely a facet of their identity; it is a testament to a symbiotic relationship that has persisted for centuries.

Indigenous peoples possess an intimate understanding of local ecosystems, honed over generations. Their traditional ecological knowledge is a wellspring of practical and time-tested solutions that are inherently sustainable because they come from a principle that the earth is not a resource to be exploited but a partner to be respected. In their practices, we find the blueprints for reforestation efforts that mimic natural patterns, water management systems that harmonize with local hydrology, and agricultural methods that enhance biodiversity rather than diminish it. The Alangan-Mangyan tribe in Mindoro believes that nature provides for them and therefore they need not take more than what they need. The Talaandig tribe of Bukidnon considers Mount Kalatungan sacred and protects its water source. In doing so, it assured clean and continuous water for the low land communities.

Resilience and adaptability

Grassroots communities embody resilience and adaptability. Their lived experiences provide invaluable insights into the local manifestations of global phenomena. The women-led people’s organization in Coron, Palawan manages the mangrove nursery. They have discovered a better way of ensuring the optimum growth of these trees – which serve the dual purpose of a habitat for fingerlings and barricades against storm surges and tidal waves. The same community has also lobbied for strict policies for tourist visiting Siete Pecados – a diving site for coral reefs.

These are among the many community-led initiatives for climate mitigation or biodiversity conservation. They are uniquely positioned to articulate the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods, cultures, and ecosystems. By sharing their stories and experiences, these communities can challenge dominant narratives and advocate for climate justice.

However, collaboration is easier said than done. Dialogue between these groups and those in the know as well as acceptance of their methods are fraught with challenges, where the chasm of misunderstanding looms large. The dominant narrative often marginalizes these voices closest to the land overshadowing them with a singular focus on technological or academic solutions. The biases against ordinary voices ignore the profound insights that these communities offer. Without channels for these voices to be heard, without the bridges of communication that allow their wisdom to cross into mainstream discourse, we risk losing insights that could guide us toward more sustainable futures.

The wall of division can be torn down if we reimagine communication as a space for inclusive and equitable conversations of diverse voices. There had been several attempts to promote this principle through grassroot movements or civil society sponsored programs. Organizations like the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) or Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA)’s work amplify the voices of indigenous and local communities, advocating for policies that reflect their knowledge and experiences. Through storytelling and participatory governance, these groups challenge the dominant narratives, ensuring that the silence of marginalized voices is replaced with a chorus of collaboration.

In reflecting on the role of Indigenous and grassroots communities, we need to reconsider our approaches to environmental stewardship. Human beings are stewards with the singular role of ensuring that creation is respected and protected for all of society and for the future generation. We need to be reminded that the path to sustainability is not a solitary journey but a collective endeavour. Hence, the need to embrace the wisdom of those who have long walked in harmony with the earth, danced to its rhythm and lived in its bosom.

The sound of climate discourse

Real and productive human interaction begin with dialogue. This is the building block to connect us to one another. Words encapsulate experience; culture and perspective intersect at a common meaning so relationships are built, visions are formed, common goals are strengthened. However, words alone cannot sustain relationships, visions and goals. A real and sustained connection goes beyond exchange of ideas and enters the reality of participation.

Participation is the fertile soil wherein the seeds of dialogue may take root and flourish. It is an active engagement, a commitment not only to listen but to be present and involved. In this shared space of action and collaboration, we transform from passive observers to co-creators of a shared reality. It is through participation that we breathe life into our words, transforming them from fleeting whispers into enduring legacies of change.

Like dance, dialogue is the starter, inviting us to listen to the beat and sway to the rhythm. But unless participation happens, there will only be solitary and disjointed movements instead of a synchronized choreography. When we participate, we step into each other’s shoes, feeling the weight and consequence of every step, every misstep. In this dance, we learn to navigate the complexities of our shared humanity, bridging the gap between self and other.

Without participation, dialogue risks becoming an echo in an empty room, a conversation without consequence. Participation, however, turns conversation into collaboration, dialogue into action. It demands of us courage and vulnerability, a willingness to expose our biases and challenge our assumptions. It is an invitation to build bridges not only of understanding but of empathy and compassion.

In moving beyond dialogue to participation, we embrace the fullness of our potential as interconnected beings. It is through synodal participation that we journey together toward a future defined by shared purpose and collective growth.

Silence is not just the mere absence of communication but a profound presence of its own. It is the abyss where understanding falters and assumptions breed. The dangers of this silence are far reaching and deep seething. When the voices of those most affected by climate change are not amplified, the narratives that dominate tilt towards the interests and perspectives of those in power, often aligning with industrial and developmental agendas that may not prioritize ecological balance.

In the Philippines, this silence is seen in the numerous policies that favour short-term economic gains over long-term environmental health. It is reflected in the encroachment of mining operations into indigenous lands, where the extraction of resources takes precedence over the preservation of ecosystems. It is seen in infrastructures built at the expense of biodiversity loss. It is felt in tourist-centred decisions unconcerned about waste accumulation or disturbance of natural habitats. These actions, fuelled by the absence of communication justice, deepen the divide between those who bear the brunt of environmental degradation and those who dictate its terms.

No climate justice without communication justice

Climate change communication should significantly influence public perception, policy decisions, and individual actions. For the longest time, dominant narratives often frame climate change as a distant, future threat, obscuring the immediate and severe impacts on vulnerable communities. At times, climate change messaging centres on rhetorics, emotional marketing or publicity. These framings can lead to a lack of urgency and a failure to prioritize climate action.

Some paths that have proven to help promote a robust communication space include conducting learning exchange and spaces for multilogue with empowered grassroot communities: Indigenous peoples, fisherfolk, and farmers in the Philippines have long been stewards of the environment. Their traditional knowledge and practices offer valuable insights into sustainable living and climate adaptation. However, their voices are often silenced in policy-making processes. By amplifying their voices through community-based media, social media, and traditional storytelling, communication justice can ensure that their knowledge and perspectives are integrated into climate policies.

When we allow the stories from the ground to be heard by the majority, we not only contribute to a holistic education but also commit to empowering the communities with valuable knowledge, experience and culture. Creating safe spaces where people of different cultures, languages and perspectives can come together and create common understanding to scientific or technical discussions will promote collaboration.

Promoting critical thinking to counter information disorder: The phenomena of disinformation, misinformation and mal-information have crept into almost every aspect of Filipino society. Disinformation about climate change undermines public trust in science and hinders climate action. The proliferation of fake news and conspiracy theories on social media has contributed to climate change denial and scepticism. Polarization and a dismissive attitude towards the dangers of climate change has led to a lack of pro-active programs for mitigation then and adaptation now. There is an imperative need to counter this situation through fact-checking initiatives, media literacy campaigns, and the promotion of critical thinking skills.

Building climate literacy and fostering climate conversations: The ability to understand and respond to climate change is crucial for informed decision-making. By providing accessible and culturally relevant climate education, communication justice can empower individuals and communities to take action. Inclusive and participatory dialogue can facilitate the development of equitable and effective climate solutions. Community-based forums, town hall meetings, and online discussions can create spaces for diverse stakeholders to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. Materials and references about climate change need to be produced in the local languages understood by specific cultures. As the public understands what is at stake, they will find the courage and skills to demand accountability.

Advocating digital inclusion and digital literacy: Unequal access to digital technologies remains a reality in most countries. Voices must be raised so that the government is compelled to expand access to digital technologies and broadband internet in rural and marginalized communities.

Technology and media play a crucial role. As the world pivots towards digital transformation, digital equity needs to be realized in order to achieve democratized access to useful, timely and relevant information as well as assert the full, unhindered and inclusive participation of all stakeholders in the climate discourse.

The road to a just society where communication is equitable and stewardship for the environment is practice is the same road to a more compassionate and humane society. When walls of division are torn down by inclusion and empowerment, when bridges are built over chasms of silence and ignorance, and when chains of lies and oppression are broken by integrity and empathy, people and planet can live in harmony.

Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno is an AB Communication graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University and currently the Executive Director of the Communication Foundation for Asia and President of SIGNIS Philippines. She was the segment producer and writer of the Family Rosary Crusade’s TV program from 1990-1995 and the producer-director of Family Matters and several TV specials in 2009-2017. She has written and directed several docu-features and indie film including Weather-Weather (2012), Mga Pastol sa Sabsaban (2015), Aninag (2019), Sapot (2022) Reconnecting (2021, a 5-part web series), Unwrapping the Gift (2022, a 9-part series on the 500 Years of Christianity), Birtual (2022, 4-part web series) and Tight Spaces Trilogy (2023) with Ms. Boots Anson-Roa, Star Orjaliza, and Lance Raymundo.