Forty-two DENR CALABARZON Youth Desk Officers (YDO) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation Presidents in CALABARZON convened through a virtual meeting to align their environmental initiatives for the year 2024.

During the meeting, DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria underscored the importance of the active involvement of SKs in environmental efforts. He said “Higit sa amin, kayo ang tunay na nakakaalam ng sitwasyon sa inyong mga komunidad. Upang maging tugma, angkop, at tama ang mga aktibidad at programa na ating ipatutupad, hiling namin na maging bahagi kayo hindi lamang sa pagpaplano bagkus hanggang sa implementasyon nito.”

In November 2023, an action plan was developed by the DENR CALABARZON Youth Desk Officers together with some SK representatives in the Region during the 4^th Camp-Hike-Plant in Dolores, Quezon. To actualize and consult the plans, these were presented during the recent meeting to the SK Federation Presidents.

Discussed during the meeting were the proposed 2024 activities of DENR with SKs and the potential assistance the DENR can provide in their environmental initiatives including tree planting, clean-ups, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns.

For the year, DENR CALABARZON eyes to formalize a partnership with the Provincial SK Federation Presidents through a memorandum of agreement, designating them as ENR Ambassadors of CALABARZON. These ambassadors play a crucial role in influencing youth’s behavior towards environmental stewardship.

Addressing the young leaders, Tamoria said “Bilang mga kabataang lider, ang mas malaking hamon ay kung paano natin mahihikayat ang inyong kapwa kabataan na maging parte ng mga aktibidad na tumutugon sa iba’t-ibang social issues”. He emphasized the escalating impact of climate change and urged the SKs to take action.

Meanwhile, Chief of the DENR CALABARZON Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group For. Judaline A. Fabro further challenged the YDOs and partner SKs to implement their 2024 action plans. She emphasized the importance of collaboration to foster a sense of belongingness in environmental protection and conservation.

The said meeting was presided by the DENR CALABARZON Regional Youth Desk Officer Dionelyn E. Servañez and was attended by the Youth Desk Officers of Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Presidents, and Provincial Youth Desk Offices in CALABARZON. ###