WWF-Philippines National Youth Council members Ron Caguliodod and Romina Lim at the Nature-Based Solutions Forum. WWF-Philippines/Isobel Resurreccion 

As the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council (NYC) continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026, it marks more than a decade of empowering young Filipinos to lead environmental action. Over the past ten years, the Council has nurtured youth leaders from diverse disciplines who have transformed their passion for nature into meaningful action, proving that lasting conservation begins with informed, committed, and empowered communities. 

For many of these young leaders, environmental advocacy begins in different ways. For some, it starts with curiosity about the natural world. For others, it grows through experiences in communities, classrooms, and conversations that reveal the inseparable connection between people and nature.  

Whatever the starting point, each journey contributes to a shared vision of a more sustainable and resilient future. 

This commitment was further strengthened during the recently concluded USBONG: A Transdisciplinary Forum on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), held from June 30 to July 2, 2026, at Novotel Manila. Organized by the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), Rare Philippines, and WWF-Philippines, the gathering convened representatives from government, civil society, academia, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, the private sector, and youth organizations to advance nature-based solutions for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.  

NYC members Mina Lim, Dani de Leon, and Ron Caguliodo served as event hosts, while Giselle Lapid spoke on nature-based solutions in the corporate context during a Dash Talk session. Their participation reflected the growing role of young leaders not only as advocates, but also as communicators, facilitators, and partners in advancing collaborative solutions for people and nature. 

Building on these shared spaces of learning and leadership, the four National Youth Council members further demonstrate how diverse fields of expertise can converge toward a common goal of protecting nature while improving the well-being of communities. 

Making Science Accessible for Nature 

For Mina, protecting biodiversity begins with making science understandable and accessible. WWF-Philippines/Romina Therese Lim 

Mina Lim is a marine biologist currently pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. She has contributed to marine research and biodiversity conservation through the UP Marine Science Institute and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Holding degrees in Biology and Marine Biology, she believes scientific knowledge creates its greatest impact when it reaches and empowers communities. 

As a member of the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council Batches 2 and 3, Mina champions science communication, environmental education, and community engagement as essential tools for conservation. She sees nature-based solutions as a way to translate science into action—from restoring ecosystems to strengthening community resilience—emphasizing that conservation succeeds when science is inclusive, collaborative, and accessible. 

Connecting Human Health and Planetary Health 

For Dani, caring for people also means caring for the planet. WWF-Philippines/Frances Danielle de Leon 

Dani de Leon is a medical student at the St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine – WHQM and an advocate for planetary health, youth empowerment, and universal healthcare. As a member of WWF-Philippines National Youth Council Batch 4, she promotes greater awareness of the links between climate change, environmental sustainability, and public health. 

She recognizes that environmental challenges directly affect human well-being, from heat stress and air pollution to food insecurity and disaster risks. For Dani, nature-based solutions offer a preventive approach to health and strengthening ecosystems while also protecting communities and improving quality of life. 

Through her advocacy, she continues to bridge medicine and environmental action, advancing the idea that human health and planetary health are inseparable. 

Cultivating Resilience Through Science and Community 

For Ron, sustainability grows where science and community action meet. WWF-Philippines 

Ron Caguliodo is a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Chemistry student at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and a youth advocate for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and climate action. As a returning member of the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council Batches 3 and 4, she continues to engage in volunteerism, grassroots initiatives, and collaborative environmental work that strengthens youth participation in sustainability efforts. 

She believes that science-based solutions become more effective when grounded in local knowledge and community participation. For Ron, empowering young people to take part in environmental action is key to building resilient communities capable of responding to today’s complex environmental challenges. 

Bridging Food Systems, Culture, and Sustainability 

For Giselle, advocacy sits at the intersection of food systems, culture, and sustainability, where local knowledge and global perspectives come together to shape more inclusive pathways for environmental action. WWF-Philippines/Isobel Resurreccion 

Giselle Louise Lapid is an alumna of the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council Batch 3. During her term, she represented the Council as a delegate to the 13th International Food Studies Conference at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico, where she presented her paper, “Attaining Sustainable Food Systems through the Presentation of Food Identity,” based on her work with indigenous coffee farmers in Sagada, Mountain Province. Her experience reflects a sustained commitment to understanding how food systems are shaped by culture, livelihoods, and ecosystems. 

She currently serves as Advocacy Officer for the Jollibee Group Foundation, where she supports initiatives on sustainable food systems and community partnerships.  

During USBONG: A Transdisciplinary Forum on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Giselle spoke about “Creating Ripples of Change: Private Sector Partnerships in Mangrove Restoration.” Her participation underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing ecosystem restoration and strengthening resilient food and coastal systems. 

For Giselle, advancing sustainability means recognizing that environmental solutions are deeply connected to culture, livelihoods, and the communities that depend on these systems every day. 

Empowering Youth to Lead 

While each advocate brings a unique perspective— from marine biology and veterinary medicine to healthcare, agriculture, and food systems —they share a common belief that protecting nature requires collaboration, evidence-based action, and meaningful community engagement. 

As the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council celebrates a decade of youth leadership, members like Mina, Dani, Ron, and Giselle exemplify how young Filipinos are helping shape the future of conservation. Their stories reflect the Council’s enduring mission: to empower young leaders who not only champion environmental causes but also inspire others to take action for people and the planet. 

Ten years on, the National Youth Council continues to prove that investing in youth leadership is an investment in the future of nature. Through science, service, and collaboration, these young advocates are helping build a Philippines where both communities and ecosystems can thrive together.