ILOILO — Youth groups are pushing for legislation-backed environmental action, calling for formal inclusion in policy-making as nearly 170 Ilonggos gathered in Cabatuan town for a major volunteer-driven initiative aimed at transforming grassroots efforts into enforceable laws.
The demand was raised during the “Sea the Future: Re-Echo Program” on March 27, 2026, where organizers stressed that youth engagement must move beyond clean-up drives and evolve into institutional reforms addressing urgent concerns such as solid waste management.
“Our mission is to unite the youth in volunteerism. We believe that Filipinos have an innate capacity for collective action, which is why NYVC has successfully mobilized volunteers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to execute impactful projects,” said James Patrick Mariano, Visayas sector coordinator of the National Youth Volunteers’ Coalition (NYVC).
Held at the Bacan Covered Gym in Cabatuan, the program gathered representatives from the Sangguniang Kabataan, the Philippine Red Cross, and youth organizations from several Iloilo towns, including Calinog, Bingawan, Banate, Pototan, and Tubungan.
Mariano underscored that Iloilo was strategically chosen as host due to its proximity to vulnerable coastal ecosystems and the urgency of environmental challenges confronting the province.
“The decision to hold this program in Iloilo was strategic, considering its coastal regions and the pressing environmental challenges we face today,” he said. “We are eager to assess the current awareness levels among the youth regarding these issues and to explore their perspectives on active participation.”
He added that while Cabatuan is not a coastal town, its location still makes it relevant in discussions on marine conservation.
The initiative forms part of the broader “Sea the Future” campaign backed by France Volontaires Philippines and the Embassy of France, in line with the United Nations’ International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY2026).
Organizers emphasized that youth involvement must lead to concrete policy outcomes.
“We want our initiatives to culminate in tangible legislation,” Mariano said. “It’s imperative that youth are actively integrated into systemic efforts aimed at environmental improvement, which extends far beyond merely cleaning our coastal areas. They must also be involved in the policy-making process to ensure that their voices and ideas lead to sustainable environmental practices.”
Franz Figueroa, NYVC deputy Visayas coordinator and co-organizer, highlighted the critical role of young people in driving innovative environmental solutions.
“It is essential to include our youth in opportunities such as this one,” Figueroa said. “They possess the knowledge, creativity, and drive necessary to spearhead efforts that will benefit our generation and those that follow. Today, with the power of technology and social media, we have unprecedented opportunities to implement innovative approaches to these challenges.”
Samantha Tan of France Volontaires Philippines said the program strengthens ongoing efforts under the French Embassy’s Blue Nations initiative.
“This initiative is a vital extension of our ongoing partnership with the French Embassy here in the Philippines. It serves not only to protect our marine environments but also strives to cultivate a culture of awareness surrounding ocean conservation,” Tan said. “Through workshops held across select municipalities, we are committed to ensuring that our knowledge is effectively shared with local communities.”
Cabatuan’s Mayor Elizalde Pueyo stressed the importance of protecting marine biodiversity, particularly endangered species.
“Sea turtles should be protected as they are crucial sea creatures that contribute to the ecosystem of our oceans. We are very glad to have hosted this timely event for youth programs. Building a better future starts with strong foundations, and we see that future among our youth,” Pueyo said.
“This is a volunteer program where we don’t ask for anything in return. Let us commit to the spirit of volunteerism and invest in our community. This is one of the most significant concerns in the whole world, not just in the Philippines,” he added.
The event featured workshops and plenary discussions focused on practical solutions to environmental challenges, particularly the persistent issue of solid waste management across local government units.
Organizers said the Iloilo gathering sets a model for future initiatives aimed at harnessing youth participation in environmental governance, signaling a shift from symbolic volunteerism to sustained, policy-driven action./PN
