WEBINAR: YOUTH FOR NATURE/WRITE AND DESIGN FOR NATURE
Youth around the globe are seizing the opportunity to commemorate World Environment Day by initiating awareness events and sharing ideas with family and community members on how to protect the environment. Youth are increasingly using the power of their collective voice to advocate, lobby, and lead campaigns towards adopting environmentally-friendly practices and policies. As more youth grow up in a world characterized by advanced technologies and information sharing, many are harnessing this opportunity to create innovative, sustainable environmental solutions. This digital method of influencing and expressing advocacy is further intensified because of the global pandemic which forced us to physically distant ourselves and making outdoor campaigns nearly impossible to be done. Youth can be valuable partners and resources in helping protect our environment and in addressing environmental concerns. They have the power to make a difference in their communities, but often need the encouragement of people before taking on the challenges of environmental stewardship. IDIS as an environmental NGO has been working on encouraging youth to take part and action in our advocacy thru activities such as tree growing, water monitoring, and other events that promote environmental awareness. In celebration with the Philippine Environment Month, IDIS hosted its first #GreenQuarantine Webinar Series entitled, “Youth for Nature: Envisioning a Better Tomorrow” which discussed different environmental topics to educate and encourage environmental stewardship among the youth. There were invited speakers from all over the Philippines who talked about sustainable agriculture, sustainable transportation, mitigation and adaptation on climate change, sustainable lifestyle, and proper waste management. This activity was attended by almost 100 youth. Talks were given by Agr. Justin Paolo Interno (Campaigner at I Am HampasLupa Ecological Agriculture Movement Inc.), Luna Maria Dominique Acosta (Legal Staff of the Office of Councilor Mabel Acosta), Ms. Maria Jaya Ariola (Founding Member of Linghod Organization in Negros Island), Mr. John Leo Algo (Program Manager of Climate Action for Sustainability Initiative), Mr. Alexis Sebote (Founder of TrikEco Tour: Sikad Para sa Limpyong Dagat) Professor Deign Frolley Soriana, Faculty of UP-Baguio Department of Biology, called for youth action. He said that we are all connected to nature and we need to protect not only the flora and fauna but also the people and community. Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr., Chair for Committee on Environment, also joined the webinar and gave his solidarity message. He said that webinars such as these are important because not everybody feels a sense of urgency in fighting for the environment. The Dean of College of Law of USEP and incoming member of IDIS Board of Trustee, Atty. Jesus Villardo III also emphasized the need to protect and conserve our environment since we just borrowed it from the future generation. Below is the recorded video of the webinar Besides, IDIS also held an essay writing and infographics making competition for the secondary school students of Davao City. The Write and Design for Nature provided an avenue for our youth to write or create infographics on different aspects of the environment such as Healthy Watersheds, Wildlife Protection, Urban Livability, and Forest Conservation. The online activity received 21 entries for essay writing and 5 entries for infographics. With the help of our credible and esteemed judges, we were able to determine this year’s winners. Jose Neil Andrew Tumulak’s essay entitled Cities of the Future from ADDU-SHS won the first place in essay writing while Aqua Matters written by Hannah Alpha from Mintal Comprehensive High School and Jose Gabriel Cinches’ Urban Progress: A Commute Through Time from ADDU (SHS) placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively. 4th place: The Heirs: How the Youth can Embrace the Role as the Successor of Environmental Problems (Stella Marie Ballega-UM Ilang High School) 5th place: Into the Woods: Sanctuary’s Secured Survival (Xyza P. Facun-F. Bangoy National High School) 6th place: Revisit the Future: Intergenerational Responsibility (Leovir John P. Banguran-University of Mindanao) 7th place: Beat a Retreat: Exiting from an Eco-catastrophe (Assumption College of Davao) 8th place: Pangangalaga sa Kagubatan (Jonjon Panungcat-Maa National High School) 8th place: Feathers of a Bird (Aya Shikinah Hibaler-Mintal Comprehensive High School) 9th place: Youth: The Hope of Nature (Kharylle Isabelle Navaluna- Maa National High School) 9th Place: Youth: Wildlife’s Golden Voice (Joricel Tarnate-Maa National High School) 10th place: Desires of the Untamed: The Youth Call on Wildlife Protection (Cheene Jean Languido-Univesity of Immaculate Conception) 10th place: One Last Generation, One Final Stand (Kevin Roy Tee-Davao Christian High School) For the infographics making contest, Jeselle Cambalon from UIC got the first place while Leandro Ramirez from DCNHS and John Kennith Ballega from UM Ilang HS settled at 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. They were awarded with certificates, cash, and their outputs will be published on Mindanao Times paper – the official media partner of IDIS for the activity.