Participating in the first-ever National Mangrove Youth Summit held at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park on March 24-25, 2025, was a truly transformative milestone in my advocacy journey. As one of only 30 delegates selected nationwide—and the sole representative from Surigao del Norte—I carried with me the voice of my community in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, a place whose identity is deeply rooted in its mangrove forests and coastal biodiversity.

The summit was not just a convergence of young leaders—it was a meeting of hearts and minds driven by one shared cause: to safeguard our mangroves and ensure the resilience of our ecosystems. Over two packed days, we listened, learned, and collaborated. We dove into topics like mangrove biology, mangrove assessments, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and youth empowerment. We engaged with experts such as Dr. Jurgenne, a true and legendary mangrove advocate, and key insights from DENR, Oceana Philippines, Wetlands International, the Global Mangrove Alliance, Forest Foundation Philippines, One Pawikan Initiative, LPPWP, and other leading conservation organizations. More importantly, we co-created a two-year youth campaign plan and laid the foundation for a National Youth Network for Mangrove Conservation.

Among my best moments was taking part in a simulation activity, where I had the chance to portray Mayor Diuvs Piattos. In that scenario, we mirrored the realities of environmental governance—how various sectors, from local officials to fisherfolk, youth, and NGOs, play crucial roles in shaping decisions and addressing environmental threats. It was a powerful exercise in empathy, dialogue, and leadership. It reminded me that real-world solutions must be inclusive, participatory, and grounded in community needs. Also, one of my core memories was when I founded or coined our group name Tropagules, peers for the mangroves.

Another profound realization during the summit was understanding that mangrove degradation is not a problem confined to one town or island—it is a global concern. Even in my hometown of Del Carmen, I see how the health of our mangroves is tied to wider ecological and social systems. I was moved by how individuals and organizations from across the country—and the world—are working together to fill in the gaps. That realization sparked something in me: the belief that what I do, even at the local level, matters in the bigger picture. And so, I stood up, spoke out, and committed once again to carry this torch forward—not just for today, but for the next generation who deserves to inherit a thriving and protected environment.

This summit affirmed that youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—we are the changemakers of today. I return to Surigao del Norte with renewed energy, new tools, and broader perspectives. I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned with my community, to strengthen projects like MANIGEN and MARECON, and to inspire more youth to join this movement.

The battle to protect our mangroves is far from over—but with collective action, unyielding hope, and empowered voices, I believe we can win it.