Eneriza Menaling
Voice is important to be heard, and to be heard we need the presence, and most of all action so that we can implement what we are saying.
What’s the point of voicing out and having presence if we don’t act, just like reducing the production of garbage which is maybe difficult for us to do? On the other hand, what’s the point of Indigenous Peoples voicing out if the people in position or in government don’t listen?
People with the position should listen to our concerns as Indigenous Peoples because we know how to care for our common home and we have our own way of taking care of it so that it will not destroy our planet.
This is what I reflected on when I attended the People’s Summit. The panelists who came from different countries were presenting their concerns to the government.
Almost all of them spoke about similar issues, but does the government really listen to them, especially since they are not physically present?
I cannot judge whether they listen or not, but I hope they do listen to the people who are there. People deserve to feel that their voices matter and that their efforts are worth it because they are being heard by those in positions of power.
I hope that as Indigenous Peoples, we will have more space, be valued, and have the right to be heard, since we, Indigenous Peoples, are the guardians of the forests, lands, and oceans.
Eneriza Menaling is a RAOEN COP30 indigenous youth delegate from the Pulangiyēn community in Bendum, Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Philippines. This is her reflection for Day 4 at COP30.