MAASIM, Sarangani Province (May 18, 2025) — The Youth Agos ng Buhay Camp, now on its fifth year, once again ignited the spirit of marine conservation among young leaders from SOCCSKSARGEN as it concluded a three-day transformative learning experience held at Beachlife Escapes Resort in Barangay Lumatil, Maasim.
Spearheaded by the Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS), the camp took place from May 16 to 18 in celebration of the national Month of the Ocean. This year’s theme, “Climate Change, Innovation, and Technology in Marine Conservation,” reflected the urgency of tackling marine environmental issues through forward-thinking and science-based solutions.
The camp brought together youth participants carefully selected through a rigorous application process that evaluated their environmental awareness and commitment to marine protection. Over the course of the event, they engaged in a series of lectures, interactive workshops, and team-based learning sessions focused on marine ecosystem threats and innovative conservation practices.
“This camp is not just about education. It’s about building leadership, fostering collaboration, and empowering youth to be agents of change in their own communities,” said the PAMO-SBPS in a statement.
Beyond knowledge-sharing, the Youth Agos ng Buhay Camp 2025 served as a springboard for community action. Participants worked in groups to develop and present project proposals that address local environmental concerns. Among the standout proposals were:
- “Ready, Shed, Go!” – A campaign highlighting the interconnectedness of watersheds and marine ecosystems.
- “Trash Talk: MRS for a Cleaner Sea” – A project focusing on promoting waste segregation and recycling systems in coastal areas.
- “Let’s Get LOUD: EDUaction Campaign” – A digital and radio-based awareness drive centered on protecting Sarangani Bay.
Two proposals were selected for funding based on their innovation, feasibility, and potential impact:
- “Iskulit: Dagat kay Lantawon, Edukasyon sa Kaugmaon” – An educational initiative aimed at increasing student awareness of endangered marine species in Sarangani Bay.
- “Project Sigla-Dagat” – A campaign to inform coastal communities about the ecological dangers of Lagtang use, which harms coral reefs and affects fish recruitment.
By the end of the camp, the young conservationists returned to their communities equipped not just with knowledge, but also with the drive to implement their projects and inspire collective action.
With climate challenges mounting, the Youth Agos ng Buhay Camp continues to build a strong foundation for a new generation of stewards committed to protecting the rich marine biodiversity of Sarangani Bay.