April, 11 2025

Beyond the Walls: Empowering Communities for Sustainable Living
By Dani de Leon

As a member of the WWF-PH National Youth Council (NYC) Batch 4, I’ve had the privilege of leading a learning session on waste management and sustainable living in partnership with Gawad Kalinga in Brgy. Escopa III, Quezon City. 

Before this learning session, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with the GK community through the UP Association of Biology Majors. We focused on supporting the community’s health needs, and this session allowed us to introduce environmental sustainability as another key aspect of well-being.

The session brought together 30 community members and 10 youth volunteers from the St. Luke’s Medicine Student Council. We tackled waste management strategies, particularly reducing the use of single-use plastics, and the importance of taking personal actions to safeguard the planet. One of the most impactful parts was the hands-on activity of designing and donating trash bins to the local community. It was wonderful seeing everyone come together to create simple yet vital materials to sustain clean and eco-friendly living spaces.

But the discussion didn’t stop at waste. We also explored the direct link between the choices we make in our daily lives—such as sourcing local food and staying active—and the health of our environment. We had a meaningful conversation that connected our personal health with the health of the planet.

It was inspiring to see how much people are willing to learn and act when given the right tools. The commitment to sustainable living starts small, but it can grow exponentially when we work together.

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Beyond the Coast: Coming Together for Coastal Clean-up and Conservation
By Ricky Asuncion

When I think about what it means to make a real difference in the environment, one of the moments that truly stood out to me was the coastal clean-up initiative I organized in Brgy. San Isidro, Cabangan, Zambales. Working with my fellow-NYC member Ron Caguliodo, the Alon and Araw Club, and the UP-ECOSYSTEMS club, we brought together 30 youth leaders and 100 community members for a day of hard work and camaraderie. We removed 40 kilograms of waste from the shoreline. But it wasn’t just about cleaning up—it was about creating a connection between the people and the environment.

The initiative reminded me of my earlier community work in Zambales, where I had the chance to immerse myself in a fishing community. I met former poachers who had turned into volunteers at a sea turtle hatchery. They used to collect and sell turtle eggs, unaware of the harm it causes until they learned about conservation. Their transformation from poachers to protectors highlighted how education and awareness can drive real change in addressing environmental issues.

The clean-up event was a powerful reminder of the urgency to protect our coastal ecosystems. We didn’t just clean the shore, we also created a space for community members to share their stories, exchange ideas, and connect over the shared goal of environmental stewardship. The conversations that took place during the clean-up were meaningful and impactful, as participants shared their personal experiences with the ocean and their hopes for a sustainable future.

It was especially rewarding to see how the event inspired people to take responsibility for their surroundings. It was clear that this experience had sparked something deeper—a renewed commitment to protecting the environment, not just as a task, but as a way of life.

The coastal clean-up wasn’t just a one-time event; it was the beginning of something bigger. It demonstrated the power of collective action, and the shared responsibility in protecting our natural world for future generations.

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Beyond the Classroom: Creating Waves of Positive Impact with the High Seas Treaty
By Renz Luyao

As a member of the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council, I’ve had the privilege of being part of several impactful initiatives, but one experience that truly stood out was the High Seas Treaty Youth Forum. Organized by EarthEcho International in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Ateneo de Manila University, WWF-Philippines, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, and the High Seas Alliance, the forum united a group of young individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Growing up in a coastal town, I’ve developed a deep connection to our waters. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our oceans face, from pollution to the struggles of local fishermen. This personal connection makes the High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, especially significant to me in the fight to preserve marine biodiversity. 

The HST is a landmark international agreement aimed at protecting the biodiversity of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. The treaty introduces key aspects like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and equitable access to marine genetic resources. These strategies aim to safeguard the high seas and ensure their resources are used sustainably for the benefit of all nations.

The goal of the forum was to engage young people in understanding and advocating for the treaty. Throughout the event, I was amazed by the energy and passion of the nearly 50 participants. From discussions on global collaboration to the focus on marine biodiversity, it became clear that everyone has a role to play in protecting our oceans. It was inspiring to witness how much young people care about our planet and the future of our oceans.

Leading this forum was a powerful reminder that meaningful change takes time and persistence. Despite the complexity of the topics, participants remained fully engaged. The most fulfilling moment for me was witnessing their transformation—expressing creativity by designing reef ranger characters and sharing their hopes for the ocean’s future during a roundtable session. The insights we gathered were invaluable, and I left the event with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing these young ocean advocates will carry the message of sustainability beyond the forum.
The High Seas Treaty is a significant step forward, but it’s just the beginning. Like water, the momentum is flowing and growing! When we align our efforts with the natural rhythms of the earth, like the ebb and flow of the tides, we can create waves of positive impact. The journey doesn't end here, and I'm confident that the energy and passion ignited during this event will continue to ripple across the globe, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for our oceans.

The WWF-Philippines National Council’s journey towards creating lasting impact continues to gain momentum. With every event, initiative, and collaboration, they are reaching more people and communities, opening opportunities to further amplify WWF’s conservation message and advocacy.

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With the continued support of passionate young leaders, the NYC is committed to working towards a sustainable future. Together we can protect our planet for future generations.