The Young Christian Workers of the Philippines (YCW-Phil) continues to raise the voice of young workers for justice and dignity. On its latest initiative, YCW-Phil organized a forum on “Social Protection Responsive to Climate Change,” bringing together 25 participants from different base groups across the country.

The activity was part of a synergy program between YCW Philippines, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), and IYCW-ASPAC, with support from the World Solidarity Movement (WSM). The forum became a space to connect two urgent struggles — the fight for social protection and the fight for climate justice — highlighting that a just society is also a livable planet for all.

Understanding the Climate Crisis and Its Impact on the Working Class

John Brian Geronimo, the ASPAC Coordinator of the International Young Christian Workers, opened the discussion by unpacking the roots and consequences of climate change. He emphasized that climate change is not merely a natural phenomenon, but a result of an exploitative economic system driven by profit and greed.

Factories emitting toxic gases, large-scale mining, deforestation, and fossil-fuel dependence are not isolated acts — they are the manifestations of a development model that prioritizes corporations over people and the planet. And it is always the poor and working people who suffer most — losing homes to typhoons, jobs to disasters, and health to pollution.

Brian also explained the current social protection system in the Philippines, which includes programs such as PhilHealth, SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and conditional cash transfers. However, he pointed out that these programs fail to reach millions of informal and precarious workers, especially those without regular contracts or stable income.

He stressed that true social protection must go beyond short-term relief — it must guarantee livelihood security, healthcare access, safe working conditions, and resilience against climate-related disasters.

“IYCW-ASPAC believes that real social protection is not charity but a right,” Brian emphasized. “It must be universal, participatory, and responsive to the challenges of climate change.”

Health Workers in Crisis: Voices from the Frontline

Lovely, a representative from the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), gave a powerful input on the worsening condition of the country’s health sector. She shared that many doctors, nurses, and hospital staff continue to receive low wages, forcing thousands to seek work abroad just to support their families.

She also raised the lack of hospital bed capacity, shortage of medical staff, and budget cuts that weaken public health services. Meanwhile, the privatization of hospitals makes healthcare even more inaccessible for ordinary Filipinos.

“The health sector mirrors the situation of young workers,” Lovely said. “We face job insecurity, low pay, and lack of protection — while those in power continue to profit from privatization and corruption.”

Corruption, Inequality, and the Common Struggle

Participants agreed that the struggles of health workers and young workers are deeply connected. Corruption in government — from the misuse of funds to the neglect of public services — robs both workers and the people of their right to life, dignity, and security.

When government resources meant for health, education, and climate programs are pocketed by the few, it is the working class who pay the price: low wages, joblessness, unsafe workplaces, and a damaged environment.

Towards a Just and Sustainable Future

The forum reminded everyone that the struggle for social protection is not separate from the struggle for climate justice. The two are one and the same fight — for life, dignity, and a future worth living.

As the Young Christian Workers declare: “To protect the people is to protect the planet. Our fight for justice is our fight for survival. Together, we will build a society where work, life, and nature exist in harmony.”

OUR CALL: Commitment to push for a people-centered, climate-responsive social protection system — one that ensures:

• Decent work and living wages for all workers, formal or informal;
• Universal access to quality healthcare and social services;
• Sustainable livelihoods and disaster-resilient communities;
• Genuine participation of workers and youth in decision-making processes;
• Accountability and transparency in government actions.