I’m Rachelle Junsay, the National Coordinator of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, a nationwide alliance of youth organizations, individuals, and student councils that advocates for immediate global climate action. I graduated with a degree in Marketing Management before becoming a full-time climate activist. As someone relatively not from a STEM background, I was expecting to gain new insights that would help in our advocacy. What I did not expect was how profoundly the summit would shape my perspective on mangrove conservation and its connection to social justice. This event was more than a learning experience—it was an invitation to join a community passionate about the environment.

A standout moment was hearing Mx. Jun Rey Tabarno who emphasizes the importance of "Serving the People." This reminded me that in our environmental efforts, we often overlook who we are fighting for and how environmental issues are deeply intertwined with societal change. Another pivotal moment came from Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, who shared her transformative journey in environmental conservation. With our current work being about the protection of Manila Bay and its people, her research reinforced the importance of science-based, community-driven solutions. Along with the great discussions of the other speakers, I left the first day with a deeper understanding of mangroves and biodiversity, which is directly applicable to our work at YACAP.

Beyond education, the summit offered valuable networking and an opportunity to enjoy nature. Being part of the "Sobrang Sonneratia" (named spontaneously by our member Gwayne) was a highlight. The breakout sessions taught me about tree identification, action planning, and even role-playing (as a mangrove, no less!). But the real value came from the relationships built with fellow delegates, connections that will last beyond the event. The night camping and the morning immersion were one for the books. While I may not know much about the birds or trees, the sounds of nature grounded me and reignited my passion for environmental advocacy.

Throughout the summit, a question kept resonating with me: “Para Kanino?”—who are we doing this for? As climate advocates, we face many challenges: powerful corporations, government opposition, and limited resources. Yet, we came together, dedicated to a shared cause. With no biology background before I joined YACAP, I often wonder why I invest so much effort in events like these. The answer lies in the question of who we do it for: the masses. Environmental exploitation impacts not only ecosystems but also the workers facing low wages, farmers and fisherfolk whose lands are taken, and vulnerable urban communities. These issues are as much about social justice as they are about environmental protection.

As youth, we are determined to be catalysts for change, pushing the movement towards a pro-people and pro-planet future. The summit has strengthened my vigor, and I am now more equipped to share what I’ve learned with my colleagues and the communities we work with. As we always say in YACAP, “The youth will inherit the Earth, and we do not want a dead planet.”