June, 30 2025

The council engaged in various activities, including hands-on conservation work in Donsol, Sorsogon for Earth Day, a community workshop in Culasi, Antique for International Biodiversity Day, and a month-long celebration of International Youth Day, which fostered collaboration, inspired action, and tackled pressing environmental challenges.

Hope Through Art and Ecology in Culasi, Antique

In celebration of International Biodiversity Day 2025, the NYC helped launch the “Paglaum: Art x Ecology” initiative which sought to raise awareness on the ecological challenges of the Central Panay Mountains, a key biodiversity area. Paglaum is a Kinaray-a word that means "Hope.”

The initiative aimed to nurture deeper ecological consciousness among rural youth living in the shadow of the Central Panay Mountain Range, a vital biodiversity area increasingly under threat from habitat destruction and species decline.

Twelve youth leaders in Culasi, Antique attended workshops in writing, photography, and movement, to harness the power of creativity to protect nature. 

The sessions were led by ecological educators and WWF-Philippines Force of Nature awardees Celine and Dennis Murillo, who shared insights on using art as a tool to inspire environmental action.

Through collage and poster-making activities, the participants expressed their personal commitments to biodiversity and envisioned sustainable futures. They also created a collaborative Renga poem - a ritual of shared grief, hope, and solidarity.

A key feature of the event was the creation of a mobile exhibit featuring the youth’s stories and artwork. The roving exhibit toured the town of Culasi by bicycle, aligning with World Bicycle Day on June 3, while bringing messages of hope and ecological awareness to communities.

By blending artistic expression with ecological education, the Paglaum: Art x Ecology inspired a renewed sense of hope and reinforced the vital role of the local youth in securing a sustainable future for the Central Panay Mountains and beyond.

Earth Day in Donsol, Sorsogon

The NYC visited Donsol, Sorsogon to celebrate Earth Day 2024 with the theme "Building Connections: Planet vs. Plastics." Together with the WWF-Donsol Conservation program, the council led activities aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting collective action, engaging participants from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Municipal interns.

The council conducted a learning session on habitat and species conservation, sustainable travel, and the plastic crisis. Participants discussed the connection between people and nature, local biodiversity like whale sharks and fireflies, solutions to climate change, reduction of plastic waste, and protection of vital ecosystems such as mangroves.

The NYC toured the Ogod River to watch fireflies that serve as a reminder of the importance of healthy ecosystems. They learned about responsible whale shark tourism through a guided interaction led by a Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO), who showed that conservation can go hand in hand with supporting local livelihoods.

KALIPI, a local women's social enterprise group, showcased their handmade whale shark plushies made from upcycled plastic waste, demonstrating how discarded waste can be transformed into products that support both environmental advocacy and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative offered the NYC a tangible example of how communities can create value from waste while raising awareness for conservation.

The Earth Day celebration in Donsol highlighted how collaboration drives successful conservation and sustainability efforts through the collaborative efforts of the WWF, the local government, and community organizations like KALIPI. The NYC gained a deeper appreciation for community-led initiatives and left with a strengthened commitment to sustainable development.

International Youth Day in Bulacan and Tarlac

In collaboration with the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network (AYAN), NYC members participated in a month-long celebration for International Youth Day 2024 along with 300 youth leaders. 

The kick-off event was the Human Rights and Peace Youth Camp at Mater Dei Academy, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, where the NYC facilitated a session on the intersection of human rights and environmental health, highlighting how the well-being of the planet directly affects the well-being of people. The insightful discussion underscored the vital role of the youth in advocating for both environmental conservation and human rights.

The celebration continued with a virtual Quiz Bee, focused on global issues and youth empowerment. The event united young people worldwide, sparking important conversations about collective action. 

The NYC also joined AYAN in a creek clean-up and community visit with 30 local youth members and raised awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources.

The month wrapped up with a seminar in Capas, Tarlac, on using digital tools for sustainability. NYC members facilitated discussions with more than a hundred local SK Federation leaders on how technology can empower youth to advance environmental solutions.

The past year highlighted the transformative power of youth-led initiatives in driving environmental change. From actively engaging in hands-on conservation efforts to empowering young people to lead sustainability efforts through innovative solutions, the NYC has demonstrated that youth are key agents in shaping a sustainable future.

Looking ahead, the NYC remains committed to furthering conservation and sustainability by continuing to empower young leaders and collaborate with communities to help pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Learn about their other youth-led initiatives here: Going Beyond Boundaries: Introducing the new National Youth Council members (April 2025) ; A Day for the Planet: WWF-Philippines National Youth Council’s Earth Day 2025 Celebration (May 2025)