Digos City, Philippines – In a bid to foster environmental stewardship and deepen students’ understanding of local natural and geological heritage, Kapatagan National High School in Barangay Kapatagan, Digos City, hosted a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) Campaign on February 27, 2025. The event was spearheaded by the Protected Area Management Office of Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP-PAMO) and targeted Grades 11 and 12 students under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) and General Academic Strand (GASS) Senior High School tracks.
The campaign aimed to educate students about the significance of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak and a protected area, as well as the ongoing efforts to inscribe it as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Participants were introduced to Mt. Apo’s biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and the importance of preserving its geosites—areas of significant geological, ecological, and cultural value.
One of the event’s highlights was the discussion on the park’s nomination as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a prestigious designation recognizing areas of international geological significance. The campaign underscored the crucial role of the community, particularly the youth, in achieving this goal. The tagline “Ikaw ug Ako, manalipod kay Mt. Apo” (You and I, let’s protect Mt. Apo) resonated throughout the event, inspiring students to actively participate in conservation efforts.
To encourage engagement, interactive quizzes were incorporated after each topic, allowing students to test their knowledge and reinforce their learning. These sessions not only deepened their understanding but also fostered critical thinking about pressing environmental issues in their home-protected area. As a token of participation, students received CEPA collaterals, including tumblers engraved with the Geopark Aspiration logo and the campaign’s tagline, serving as constant reminders of their commitment to environmental conservation.
The event was graced by key figures from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XI, including OIC-Protected Area Superintendent of Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mr. Clint Michael B. Cleofe. In his opening message, he emphasized the role of the youth, stating, “You must be the ambassadors and ambassadresses of Mt. Apo, as the DENR cannot do all endeavors alone.”
DENR XI Communications Development Officer I, Cylle Marie Nadonza-Cleofe, presented the UNESCO Global Geoparks aspiration, while Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI (MGB XI) Geologist II, Mr. Mizraim Melchor, Jr., provided insights on the geosites and geological significance of MANP.
By equipping the youth of Kapatagan—one of the closest communities to Mt. Apo—with knowledge and awareness, MANP-PAMO hopes to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will champion the protection and sustainable management of natural resources. The campaign serves as a stepping stone towards greater youth involvement in conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of Mt. Apo and its legacy for future generations.
