GENERAL SANTOS CITY — More than 200 environmental advocates gathered on May 30 for Seamposium 2025, a landmark event spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 through the Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS).
Held in this city, the event brought together a diverse mix of DENR officials, youth leaders, students, representatives of government agencies, and community stakeholders to spark meaningful dialogue and ignite bold ideas for marine conservation and climate action.
A lineup of notable speakers offered compelling insights on environmental protection through various lenses of expertise and advocacy. Internationally acclaimed photojournalist Gregory Paul H. Yan moved the audience with stories of nature and conservation captured through his camera lens. Miss Earth 2017 and physicist Karen Ibasco emphasized how small, mindful choices can scale into powerful environmental change.
Department of Tourism XII Assistant Regional Director Armin Hautea underscored the vital role of ecotourism in sustainable economic development. Meanwhile, Atty. Jaymark P. Balbosa provided essential legal perspectives on environmental laws and compliance. Rounding out the discussions was Cirilo A. Lagnason, Jr., Protected Area Superintendent of SBPS, who shared candid lessons from years of conservation leadership, highlighting both victories and ongoing challenges in protecting the Sarangani Bay.
The event became more than a platform for knowledge exchange—it was a space for collaboration, creativity, and renewed commitment. Through dynamic discussions and storytelling, Seamposium 2025 successfully reignited the sense of purpose among local environmental stewards.
Organizers and participants alike hailed the event as a testament to the growing momentum of community-driven conservation. As Sarangani Bay continues to face the impacts of climate change, the collective resolve to protect its marine ecosystem grows even stronger—proving that with shared vision and sustained action, every effort counts.