News in Pictures | Fashion show against fascism and fossil fuels held

MANILA – A group of young environmental defenders held a “Fashion Against Fascism and Fossil Fuels. Empire of the Son: Drought and Deluge,” where ready-to-wear pieces were featured in a catwalk to highlight how the Marcos Jr.’s first year in office contributed to the worsening of the climate crisis on September 15.

Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines Inc. (YACAP) said this is part of a larger initiative to raise awareness of the Global Day Against Fossil Fuels and the Global Climate Strike, a crucial part of the multi-sectoral effort against the historical distortion by the Marcos administration.

“As the 51st anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s Martial Law approaches, it is necessary to remember that the impacts of the dictator’s rule are being felt today, and are echoed by his son Marcos Jr.’s first year in office,” said Mitzi Jonelle Tan, international spokesperson for YACAP.

The show coincides with a recent global report, where Philippines was named as one of the deadliest places for environmental defenders.

This is the 10th consecutive year since the Philippines became part of the list by Global Witness.

Karl Castro, the show’s creative director, pointed out that the show reveals the continuity between the environmental degradation from the Marcos Sr. administration up to now, under his son, Marcos Jr. “I guess there are two main messages of the show: one is that there can be no climate change justice without social justice, and second, it concentrates on Marcos’ first year in office and reflects how obviously he doesn’t know anything about climate and agriculture.”

In the event, organizers linked fashion and music to six critical climate action issues of the day— displacement, environmental plunder, mental health, food hunger, disinformation, and human rights violations.

Event organizers, along with producers, designers, and models also carried with them placards.

This is significant in light of the recent ranking of the Philippines as Asia’s most deadliest nation for environmental activists over the past decade by Global Witness.

“We hope to call on this generation to take up the endeavor of fighting for climate and social justice. Through fashion or any other method, let us continue to hold Marcos Jr. accountable for his anti-people and anti-environment policies. Let this be a rallying cry for a better future, one where our leaders prioritize the well-being of both the planet and its people,” said Tan. (JJE)