Being part of the First National Mangrove Youth Summit was such an honor! I learned so much about how important it is to sustain our mangrove ecosystems for the future. I really hope the Global Mangrove Alliance and its founding members continue to succeed in their efforts because a healthy environment benefits us all.

Personally, I truly appreciate everything I learned during the event—even though it was exhausting at times! Still, it made me more aware of what’s happening in our environment. I look forward to the day when I can be one of the advocates working to protect nature and contribute in my own way as someone living on this planet.

On the first day, we spent most of our time in the auditorium (the air conditioning was freezing—I had to wear a jacket, haha!). But the talks were incredibly engaging, especially from Dr. J.H. Primavera. Ma’am Genea Nichole "Ney" Cortez also made the sessions fun and interactive. I really liked how she encouraged group discussions because I could see my fellow delegates learning through brainstorming together.

And can I just say—huge thanks for the food! It was super healthy and inclusive for everyone. We were well-fed, and I really appreciated that.

Before the day ended, we had a night camp and slept in tents, which was a magical experience for me since it was my first time! Before going to sleep, we gathered around a bonfire for a spiritual reflection session. We shared our thoughts about choosing a path in life and our motivations for becoming environmental advocates. It was reassuring to hear that so many people are still fighting for the environment—it gave me hope.

The second day started with birdwatching, and I was amazed at the variety of bird species we saw using binoculars—most of them were on the mudflats. We also explored different tree species like Bani and Kamagong while walking around Freedom Island. I even stopped by the Wetland Center Museum, and I have to say, it was well-organized, informative, and aesthetically on point. You could tell they really put effort into it.

One of my favorite parts of the event was the “meeting” roleplay with councilors, representatives, and fisherfolk. It was fascinating to see how passionate everyone was in sharing their thoughts, even using satire—it felt so real! Oh, and the event merch was amazing! I even won in the Human Bingo Card game, and my team was awarded Best Team—plus, I got the cutest bird plushie and a panda! I also loved the stickers and pin from One Pawikan.

This whole experience taught me so much, not just in terms of facts and statistics, but also in a deeper, more personal way. I left feeling more inspired to take care of the environment. Morally, I learned to be more patient, respectful, resilient, and independent. I also gained a new appreciation for living in the moment. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I hope the alliances continue their mission for a better future.

Thank you for making this experience so meaningful!