THOUSANDS of climate advocates, labor unions, religious groups, and civil society organizations marched in Quezon City, Manila, on Friday, joining a Global Day of Action for Climate Justice.

The rally, led by the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) and supported by groups including the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) and Caritas Philippines, calls on both Philippine authorities and world leaders to intensify climate action efforts.

The demonstration, part of a global protest timed to coincide with COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, saw over 5,000 people gather at Quezon City Circle.

YOUTH FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE. Members and volunteers of the Youth for Climate Justice-Cagayan de Oro join forces with Liceo Grade 12 HUMSS students. A tree planting and coastal cleanup activity was held at the Clenro Mangrove Reforestation project at Punta, Barangay Bonbon this city on May 7. File photo by Pat Jared V. Pangantihon

Protesters urged the Philippine government to declare a climate emergency and demanded that wealthier nations and global institutions commit to increased financial support for climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.

“We are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, from super typhoons Yolanda, Odette, and Kristine to recent environmental disasters like the coal spills in Sorsogon and Zambales,” said a PMCJ spokesperson, emphasizing the urgency of action for the Philippines and other vulnerable nations.

The groups are pressing for a transition away from fossil fuels, greater support for just transition initiatives, and a stand against fossil-fuel-driven conflicts that exacerbate global warming.

The movement calls for higher financial commitments to climate finance and amplified their demands with hashtags such as #DeclarePHNationalClimateEmergency and #PayUpForClimateFinance, as they urge immediate, unified action to protect both people and the planet.