Photos by: Nukes Coal-Free Bataan
ORION, BATAAN — In celebration of Global Earth Month, the Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement (NFBM), together with the Young Bataeños for Environmental Advocacy Network (YoungBEAN), officially launched a series of environmental initiatives with a mangrove planting activity and sanctuary cleanup in Barangay Balut, Orion.
The kickoff activity highlighted the critical role of coastal ecosystems in strengthening climate resilience, advancing environmental justice, and promoting sustainable development in the province.
YoungBEAN emphasized the active role of youth in environmental protection, stressing that young people are not just beneficiaries but key drivers of change.
“We, young Bataeños, are compelled to take on the responsibility of protecting Mother Nature and contributing to the common good to secure our future,” said YoungBEAN Secretary General Eric Beren during the event.
For its part, NFBM underscored that environmental protection must go beyond rhetoric.
“Saving the environment is not just a slogan—it is a daily practice of choosing sustainability over exploitation, and responsibility over apathy,” the group said.
Call for Collective Action
Both groups raised concern over the continued threats to Bataan’s remaining mangrove forests, citing pressures from land reclamation, industrial expansion, and unsustainable development. They stressed that grassroots stewardship is more urgent than ever.
The organizations called on local government units, educational institutions, businesses, and communities to actively participate in Earth Month activities and adopt sustainable practices such as mangrove conservation and waste reduction in their daily lives.
They also urged the government to prioritize environmental protection and uphold the rights and welfare of communities over the interests of polluting and destructive industries that contribute to environmental degradation and the worsening climate crisis.
“We call on the government to act with urgency—without further delay—to protect the lives, livelihoods, and future of our communities,” the groups said.
The event gathered around 100 participants, including employees from Concentrix Alabang, students, and members of the Boy and Girl Scouts from JEAG, the Young Environmental School Organization (YES-O) of JEAG and MNHS Camaya, as well as students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Mariveles and Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU).
The activity was conducted in coordination with the Sangguniang Barangay of Balut and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Orion.
“Young people will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions,” YoungBEAN added. “Environmental protection is a shared responsibility across generations.”
NFBM reiterated the urgency of collective action, stressing that the environmental and climate crisis can still be addressed through decisive steps.
“We must put an end to destructive activities and hold polluters accountable for the damage they cause. We refuse to leave the youth with an uncertain future,” the group said. (Nukes Coal-Free Bataan)