As a child, I once dreamt of the ocean’s waves crashing violently, destroying homes and taking lives. I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart shattered. Even then, I realized that if I wanted change, I had to act.

I have worked with various organizations advocating for a greener future. The coastal community has always been close to my heart, so I started small—collecting trash, segregating waste, and joining mangrove planting activities. At the time, I thought I was making a huge impact. In reality, I prioritized quantity over quality, leading to ineffective replanting practices. It was through the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape that I learned my mistake. Attending their seminars and assessments opened my eyes to the importance of planting the right mangrove species to support marine life and protect coastal communities.

Knowing Mindanao’s rich biodiversity, I wanted a bigger platform to amplify my advocacy. That’s when I discovered the 1st National Mangrove Youth Summit. I was skeptical—compared to other applicants, my achievements felt small. Still, I took a leap of faith. When I received the acceptance email, my hands shook with excitement. I wasn’t just attending; I was representing my community and my organization. It was a dream come true.

I initially planned to be reserved at the summit, but that changed the moment I met Rodceal and the others at NAIA Terminal 3. Our shared passion sparked instant connections, turning strangers into friends. Over two days, we learned about proper mangrove planting, grassroots advocacy, and the integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge. A crucial question lingered in my mind: How can we, as young leaders, unite diverse backgrounds in protecting our seas?

On the last day, we immersed ourselves in the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. We explored its museum, observed birds as indicators of seasonal changes, and ventured into its forests. Together with my group, Tropagules, we discussed the ecological impact of native versus invasive species. A memorable moment was tasting wild fig (Is-is) with Elli and Ron—thankfully, we were fine! The summit concluded with a simulation activity where we represented youth organizations advocating against land reclamation. The experience was empowering, reinforcing the importance of amplifying marginalized voices.

Beyond new friendships, the summit equipped me with valuable insights on mangrove conservation, policy-making, and organizational management. I am deeply grateful to Mangrove Matters PH for trusting me as a delegate and to the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape for their unwavering support. Most importantly, I thank myself for taking the leap of faith.

This experience has fueled my commitment to environmental advocacy. I hope future delegates will embark on similar journeys, gaining knowledge, building connections, and striving for greater impact. One step at a time, we can create lasting change.