MANILA — The U.S. Embassy is supporting 30 outstanding youth leaders aged 18 to 23 selected from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to attend the culminating Sea and Earth Advocates (SEA) Camp on June 10 to 14 in Coron, Palawan.
Ten representatives from each region were chosen based on the marine and coastal conservation project proposals they pitched to a panel of mentors at the end of each regional SEA Camp.
The Luzon SEA Camp was held April 15-21 in Calatagan, Batangas; the Visayas SEA Camp from April 27 to May 3 in Siaton, Negros Oriental; and the Mindanao SEA Camp from May 9 to 15 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
The winning proposals from each region are receiving funding for their implementation from U.S. Embassy Manila, as well as assistance and guidance from local partners and Save Philippine Seas.
At the culminating SEA Camp, the regional representatives will give updates about their accomplishments. Ten projects will have the chance to receive additional funding to take their projects further.
In addition to presenting updates on their projects, the participants will explore Coron Island, and listen to U.S. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Kneedler, and prominent figures in the field of environmental conservation such as environmental economist Rina Rosales, AA Yaptinchay of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, artist AG Saño, and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Atty. Antonio Oposa.
SEA Camp is a partnership between SPS and the U.S. Embassy in Manila, and aims to empower youth aged 18 to 23 to play bigger roles in conservation.
Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg noted: “We now have a pool of proud Filipino “seatizens” who are passionate advocates of marine conservation…. Protecting the rivers and oceans requires a global commitment–it is imperative for the United States, and countries around the world to work together to protect and sustain the environment, as no one person or one country can use it or protect it alone.”
“By supporting 30 projects all over the Philippines, we are able to create waves of change in various communities, showing that youth are not just leaders of tomorrow, but also of today,” said SPS co-founder and SEA Camp Project Director Anna Oposa.
The selected representatives from each region are: Gabriel Angelo Batallones, Czarina Constantino, Paola Ceriola, Jude Russel Cutapay, Ma. Michelle Maglasang, Jhoana Garces, John Robert Magsombol, Eastword Manlises, John Christopher Perez, and Maryliz Zubiri for Luzon;
Katya Bonilla, Nikko Paolo Calledo, Keith Brandon Cari-an, Alenah Dy, Karen Patricia Fabile, Christine Thel Geollegue, Anna Katrina Perandos, Steffany Redison, Kenny Glenn Silud, and Grayson Yañez for Visayas;
Mohammad Abqary Alon, John Enriq Batapa, Fiel Melan Bulaong, Abdul Fattah Casangoan, Kevin Christian Chua, Mary Claire Geduquio, Lynrose Jane Genon, Solayman Maso, Manal Sugadol, and Krystelle Diane Teh for Mindanao.
“Filipino youth, like the SEA Camp participants, are key to making this partnership successful. We are committed to supporting the next generation of environmental advocates, potential leaders, and change makers in the field of marine conservation,” the U.S. Ambassador added.
The winning projects were judged based on their feasibility, impact, and innovation.
One project from Luzon is KaliKlasrum, a water conservation module developed by Luzon SEA Campers Jude Cuntapay and M.M. Maglasang, and will be implemented in Mano Amiga Academy in Taguig.
In Visayas, law student Thel Geollegue proposed SALOM (Share and Advocate Laws On Marine & Environmental Conservation), which intends to empower fisherfolk, Bantay Dagat, and the local government unit of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental through discussions about existing laws in marine conservation.
Enriq Batapa from Mindanao pitched Pa, We can Do It!, an educational campaign for the conservation of endangered sea turtles that nest in Maitum, Sarangani Province that will give locals the chance to learn proper handling and release of turtle hatchlings.
“[My] project means a lot to me. My target audience is the underprivileged children of fisherfolks who were victims of Typhoon Yolanda,” shared Karen Patricia Fabile, a Visayas SEA Camp participant from Guiuan, Samar whose Halo-Halo Project won a grant.
“I want to instill in them a sense of stewardship for the seas, because if they cannot relate to the ocean and the whole environment, we will have no custodians of nature in the future. With this project, I can finally move on from the feeling of helplessness, and do something for the children in the coastal communities who have always been my inspiration for the project.” (PR)
