Tagum City, Davao del Norte — Youth leaders and advocates from various barangays in Tagum City gathered at San Agustin Botanical Park from May 23 to 25, 2025, for the second year of KASALIKASAN: Tagum City Climate and Disaster Actors Camp, a dynamic three-day initiative aimed at empowering young people in environmental action and disaster preparedness.
Spearheaded by the Tagum City Youth Development Office in partnership with the Youth Climate Disaster Actors (YCADA) and strongly supported by Mayor Rey T. Uy, the event engaged participants in a range of learning sessions and hands-on activities designed to deepen their understanding of climate change, sustainability, and community resilience.
During the camp, youth participants attended discussions on climate change mitigation, disaster preparedness, environmental protection, circular economy, and sustainability, facilitated by advocates and experts from related fields. These sessions aimed to build awareness while nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
The camp also featured practical and impactful activities such as a community cleanup drive, basic lifesaving training, and a “Bantay Bukid” film viewing, which sparked interest and reflection among the youth on their role in protecting nature and responding to environmental challenges.
Investing in the Next Generation
KASALIKASAN highlighted a crucial reality: educating and involving the younger generation is vital in securing a sustainable future. As inheritors of today’s environmental challenges, young people must be equipped not only with knowledge but also with values and skills to become proactive leaders in their communities.
“Ang mga kabatan-onan ang umaabot nga magpadayon sa paningkamot alang sa kalikupan. Sa ilang kabaskog ug kaalam, dako sila’g matampo sa tibuok siyudad ug kalibutan,” said one of the facilitators.
By involving the youth directly in environmental efforts and community-based activities, the camp fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility. This early engagement ensures that environmental consciousness becomes part of their way of life—ultimately shaping a generation that acts not only for today, but for the generations yet to come.
As climate change and disasters continue to pose threats across the globe, Tagum City’s initiative stands as a model—showing that when youth are educated and empower