Filipino climate activists and advocacy groups stage a protest march-action from Liwasang Bonifacio up to Kalaw Street near the US Embassy on September 18, 2026 as part of the Global Week of Action for a Fossil-Free Future, a week of globally-coordinated demonstrations coinciding with the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“We have no choice but to dismantle the fossil fuel dependence that has chained Asia’s economies to the extraction, production, and consumption of coal, oil, and gas,” said Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development.

“This week, as governments gather in New York for the UNGA, we have a critical opportunity to strengthen international cooperation to end import-dependent, costly, harmful, and volatile fossil fuel energy systems and replace them with democratic renewable energy systems. There can be no path towards global peace, stability, and climate justice without this rapid, equitable, and just transition,” she added.

The protest showed colored smoke and two giant effigies of raised fists, symbolizing collective resistance and people power: the first effigy featured the Earth held by the people’s fist, symbolizing people’s power to determine the planet’s future; the second was a raised fist crushing the flags of rich, polluting governments, with the words “Take Them To Court” to protest governments’ failure to comply with international legal obligations.

The event was joined by members of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice; Luke Espiritu, labor leader and president of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino; Leody de Guzman, Partido Lakas ng Masa; Oriang Women’s Federation and urban poor communities.

©️ Photos by Thomas Brecio and Riz Ornada for Mata: Asia Press Photo