In the face of increasing support for fossil fuels in the Philippines, young advocates are rising to the challenge with creativity and conviction. At the Solar Futures Community Market, a youth-led initiative organized by Good Energy, young Filipinos came together to celebrate renewable energy, sustainable living, and a brighter, fossil-free future.
The event, held on Saturday, September 21, at Friday Club Studios in Quezon City, brought together local food, fashion, and hands-on workshops–all while fostering serious conversations about the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy. Against the backdrop of worsening climate impacts and the resurgence of support for fossil fuels, the Solar Futures Community Market was a powerful reminder that young Filipinos are not only ready to take action–they’re pushing back against outdated energy systems through creativity, community, and sustainability advocacies.
Angelika Marie David, Manager for Energy Policy at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), a climate and energy policy group based in the Philippines advancing climate-resilient and low-carbon development, emphasized the vulnerabilities created by our dependence on fossil fuels: “Because of the Philippines’ heavy reliance on coal, we have to examine how it also makes us vulnerable. Regular consumers like us are burdened by costs.”
David added, “Meron tayong tinatawag na automatic fuel pass-through o ‘pasaload’ sa kuryente, kung saan ang pagbabago sa presyo ng mga pinagkukunan ng kuryente, tulad ng coal, sa global market ay ipinapasa sa mga consumer, ayon sa mga kontrata ng mga generation company at distribution utilities.” (We have something called the automatic fuel pass-through in the energy sector, where fuel cost fluctuations of power sources, such as coal, in global markets are passed on to consumers, as indicated in the contracts between generation companies and distribution utilities)
“It’s important that we talk about renewable energy not just as anti-coal, but to frame it as pro-people development. The energy transition we want is not simply from coal to renewable energy but a systemic transition,” said Krishna Ariola, co-founder of Youth for Climate Hope and a campaigner at the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), an NGO advocating for ecological justice, transformative energy, and people-centered development. Ariola also highlighted the importance of unity in advancing renewable energy: “We are so interconnected. Kailangan natin mag-unify sa goal ng renewable energy
In addition to creative activities like rubber stamp carving and fortune-telling sessions, the community swap shop encouraged attendees to embrace mindful consumption, further promoting the sustainable values at the heart of the event. For many participants, the event was a turning point in understanding the scale of the climate crisis and the importance of making personal, everyday choices that support the renewable energy transition. “We need people in education, mental health, and human rights to be acquainted with renewable energy,” added Ariola. “Our conversations on energy are crucial, so it’s important to start wherever we are.”
The Solar Futures Community Market also spotlighted small, youth-led businesses that reflect the event’s sustainability values. Among the merchants were local food vendors Fiasfud, Fused Hunny, Mexi.corn, Momo Flakes, and Uncle Bob’s. Clothing brands like Our Paraiso and Anca Woman, along with Kids Who Save, a group teaching personal finance to children, added depth to the market, illustrating how the younger generation is embracing eco-friendly and socially responsible business practices.
Krishna Ariola further emphasized the power of the youth in driving change: “It’s not impossible to raise our ambitions for renewable energy. Our challenge is that our enemies are giants, but we have the advantage of time and the energy to fight for the long term. It’s crucial that we trust the youth in this fight.”
