KIAMBA, Sarangani Province — What better way to celebrate International Youth Day than by planting seeds of resilience and hope for future generations?
On August 12, 2025, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-12, through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Kiamba, led the establishment of a beach forest in Barangay Nalus, Kiamba, Sarangani Province. The initiative seeks to serve as a natural barrier against the impacts of tropical depressions and coastal erosion, while also highlighting the vital role of communities in environmental stewardship.
A total of 150 Talisay trees were planted along the shoreline, reinforcing the coast’s natural defenses while promoting long-term ecological sustainability. For organizers and participants alike, the effort was not just about planting trees, but also about planting a stronger sense of responsibility toward protecting the environment.
“This project symbolizes how local communities, especially the youth, can take the lead in addressing climate change and preserving our coastal ecosystems,” an official from CENRO Kiamba said.
The success of the activity was made possible through the support and collaboration of various government agencies and community stakeholders, including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Kiamba, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Nalus, the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Nalus, and enthusiastic members of the local community.
For the young volunteers, the tree planting carried a deeper meaning. It was a hands-on way of contributing to climate action while strengthening their ties to the land and sea that sustain their communities.
As the sun set on Nalus Beach, the newly planted Talisay seedlings stood as a testament to unity and foresight — small trees today, but tomorrow, a living shield for generations of Kiamba residents.