Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao marks Earth Day with climate justice forum

In celebration of Earth Day 2025, the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, hosted a climate justice forum on 25 April at Cagayan State University (CSU) Andrews Campus, bringing together nearly 80 students, educators and environmental advocates to explore the urgent intersection of climate change and gender equality.

Organized in line with Zonta International’s “Zonta Says NOW” campaign, the forum addressed how climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, with a focus on advocacy, environmental stewardship and sustainable action.

“We gather not only to celebrate Earth Day but to advance Zonta’s fight against climate injustice by equipping future educators with sustainable strategies to protect our planet,” said Club President Josefina Sedano.

Zontian Mira Minda R. Cabulisan-Callangan, representing Zonta International, emphasized the need for gender-responsive climate solutions, citing alarming statistics about the heightened risk of violence faced by women displaced by climate disasters. “One in five women who are refugees or who have been displaced because of a disaster has experienced sexual violence,” she noted.

Christine Jane M. Natividad from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) underscored the urgency of conservation efforts, warning that “we are using natural resources faster than the Earth can replenish them.” She urged attendees to adopt sustainable practices across areas such as waste management, biodiversity protection, and energy conservation.

The forum concluded with a digital Pledge of Commitment, led by Club Vice President Maria Milagros Cayosa, encouraging participants to take concrete action as future educators. “You are called to lead by example and put these principles into practice,” she said.

CSU Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Theresa B. Dimalanta reaffirmed the university’s environmental commitment through its “5,000 Trees Project,” while expressing full support for collaborative sustainability efforts like the club's.

The event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the club’s Environment Committee, chaired by Cheyenne Tang and co-chaired by Mira Minda Callangan, whose leadership ensured the success of the forum.