Funded by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Youth Programs Division Philippine Youth Leadership Program Year 10 Environmental Leadership in the Philippines Developing Youth as Agents of Change & Ecological Activism April 13-May 11, 2013 Edited by Drs. Susan Russell, Lina Ong, Leslie Shive, and Rey Ty 2014
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Russell, S, Ong, L., Shive, L., & Rey Ty. (Eds.). (2014). Philippine Youth Leadership Program Year 10 (2013).
The first part of the book contains essays about (1) the environmental and conflict situation in Mindanao, Philippines, (2) learning new knowledge, skills, and values in the U.S.A., and (3) action plans for community projects.
The second part of the book contains photo essays that describe the implementation of the community projects. Each essay contains photos with captions.
A four-week U.S.-based exchange program on responsible citizenship, community service leadership and action plan development from
April 12-May 10, 2014
This program was open to 24 Lumad (Indigenous), Moro (Muslim Filipino) and Christian third year high school or first year college students, aged 15-17 (must be at least 15 and no older than 17 by April 12, 2014); and to four adult leaders (must be no older than 35 by April 12, 2014) from the ARMM and surrounding provinces. Participants attended programs on: civic responsibility; community engagement; environmental advocacy and activism; volunteerism and service learning; leadership development and transformation; diversity, tolerance and conflict management and; action plan development. The program took place in the DeKalb, Chicago area, and in Washington, D.C.
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Transcript
Funded by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Youth Programs Division
Philippine Youth Leadership Program
Year 10
Environmental Leadership in the Philippines
Developing Youth as Agents of Change & Ecological Activism
April 13-May 11, 2013
Edited by Drs. Susan Russell, Lina Ong, Leslie Shive, and Rey Ty 2014
Philippine Youth Leadership Program
Year 10 Environmental Leadership in the Philippines Developing Youth as Agents of Change & Ecological Activism
2014 Northern Illinois University
International Training Office Edited by Susan Russell, Lina Ong, Leslie Shive, & Rey Ty
Community Service Projects
Philippine Youth Leadership Program: Building a New Generation of Citizens as Catalysts for Social Change
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, Youth Programs Division
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•Nature •Nature and Society •Philippines •Riverside Clean Up •Sea Turtles •Social Action •Solar Lamps
•Sustainable Development •Tree Planting •Vegetable Gardening •Vermicomposting •Youth •Youth Leadership
•Volunteer •Waste Management •Water Conservation
Production Credits
Printer: Northern Illinois University
Printed in the United States of America
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 7
Program Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................ 7 Program Themes and Activities ............................................................................................... 8
Concerned Citizen, God has something special ! ................................................................. 10 Making steps through environmental stewardship .............................................................. 14 Mindanao: A Meaningful Past, a Hopeful Present, and a Bright and Happy Tomorrow 16 Islam Care for Environment .................................................................................................. 18 Will Work for Trees—Go Green ........................................................................................... 20
Social and Environmental Justice for Mindanao ................................................................. 22 Chasing My Dreams ................................................................................................................ 23
Environmental Situation, Learnings, and My Community Project ................................... 24 For Good and Not for Worse ................................................................................................. 25 And It All Adds Up to One ..................................................................................................... 26 Inevitable Environmental Issues, Learnings, and Change .................................................. 28
Colorful Rainbow of the Future ............................................................................................ 29 Fun in Learning Also Helping to be a Catalyst of Change .................................................. 30 Traversing the Way towards the Realization of Ecological Activism ................................ 32
Balance between Quality Living and Resource Conservation ............................................ 34 Environmental Situation ........................................................................................................ 36
Waiting on the World to Change ........................................................................................... 38 All in One ................................................................................................................................. 39 Environmental Problems and Advocacy ............................................................................... 41
Developing Youth as Agents of Change and Ecological Activism” .................................... 43 Farewell Speech ....................................................................................................................... 44
Farewell Reception Speech ..................................................................................................... 46 Speech at the Department of State ........................................................................................ 47 Farewell Speech ....................................................................................................................... 48
CH. 3: REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS ......................... 49
On the Right Path ................................................................................................................... 54 Persistent .................................................................................................................................. 56
Save life, Plant a Tree! ............................................................................................................ 57 The Green Bin Project: Proper Waste Management .......................................................... 60 Lets fight Global Warming with I.C.E! ................................................................................ 62 Alexander H. Ali, Jr. ............................................................................................................... 62 Taking Small Steps While Aiming Big .................................................................................. 64
Whoever You Are, You Can Make Change.......................................................................... 65 Green Uprising Project ........................................................................................................... 67 Never Again Sendong .............................................................................................................. 69 Riverside Rescue...................................................................................................................... 71 3Rs for a Clean and Green Mandug ...................................................................................... 73 Adopt a Tree Movement ......................................................................................................... 75
Mangrove Planting: A Way to Conserve and Protect our Environment ........................... 77 Think Green Project: A Project on Tree Planting ............................................................... 79
Rain or Shine ........................................................................................................................... 81 Something New ........................................................................................................................ 82 Sanitary Toilet and Environmental Health Education ........................................................ 85
Be the Change You Seek ......................................................................................................... 87 Veggie is the Way .................................................................................................................... 89 Volunteers as the Emblem in saving our Mangrove Ecosystem ......................................... 91 Sustainability Development: Vermicomposting and Environmental Program ................ 93 E-Shots on Plastic Bottles ....................................................................................................... 95
Making the Lake Alive ........................................................................................................... 97 The Genesis Project:A Project on Awareness Heightening & Protection of Sea Turtles100 Lights ...................................................................................................................................... 102 Real Beauty from Action ...................................................................................................... 103
Ecological Solid Waste Management Project for Youth: Waste Segregation & Composting105 Upcycled: cycling through Art ............................................................................................. 107
ART GALLERY ...................................................................................................................................... 108
the learning’s you have gained, do not do the same mistakes over and over instead make a new one and
learn from it to be a better and sensible person in the society.
Carrying the title of being the catalyst of change has its perks, meeting these people turned my life
around, In my world I was an outcast and I felt Im worthless, this program made me feel special and that I
belong somewhere and that people count on me. The people I met taught me something I never knew be-
fore and that’s special friendship that you build in just an hour I guess we are who we are for a lot of rea-
sons. And maybe we’ll never know most of them. But even if we don’t have the power to chose where we
come from, we can still chose where we go from there. And from being a meaningless outcast I became a
person who I thought I’d never be, a catalyst of change. That’s a pretty tough job, but all the memories,
friends and learnings I have made in this place, I will carry all of these home and remember them every
single day and use them to change someone’s life also.
Traversing the Way towards the Realization of Ecological Activism Aisah Malong
Community Environmental Problems and Foreseen Solutions The existence of the varying environmental problems always tend to touch our lives with devastat-
ing consequences – a product of human’s carelessness and nature of wasting. Particularly, in my commu-
nity, it could be concluded that most of the negative environmental situations are linked to the destructive
activities of the people. Among these problems that we have at hand are deforestation, improper waste
management and flooding.
Our trees have been severely cut just as it is a common scenario in many parts of the country -may it be a
legal or illegal logging. Most of the people may have not really internalized the glaring fact that this has to
take a great toll on their lives. We consume more than what nature can provide with respect to time. Some
of the solutions are of course to plant trees that will replace what were lost and to even multiply those as
needed, and most especially to enforce implemented laws regarding this problem. It is but disgusting
when we keep on implementing laws yet we even lack the needed efforts to ensure that they are really
carried out. So, I should help resolve this by coordinating or voicing out concerns to the government offi-
cials, conducting tree planting activities, and inviting more volunteers to accomplish this goal.
We also need to resolve the problem in the improper management of waste that is most noticeable in one
of the squatter areas in our place. Even though we are frequently reminded that our collective wastes
cause health hazards, we fail to realize that this is indeed a reality. We can see the effects in the environ-
ment – dirty surroundings with its associated health risks. Addressing this requires proper dissemination
of information regarding the ways on how to properly manage waste as well as the imposing of self-
discipline among individuals to be responsible of disposing their own wastes. This can be made possible
by conducting seminars to the public and coordinating with the government officials.
Furthermore, these two problems have even contributed to another problem that we have in our communi-
ty which is flooding that is also caused by overflowing rivers. When water drainages are clogged by
wastes, when trees aren’t enough to absorb water, what is there to expect? Of course, flooding occurs that
cause destruction and damage of properties and of course inconvenience to the residence. In order to re-
solve this, I must carry out the solutions in the previous problems and also to cooperate and support the
projects addressing the rehabilitation of riverbanks.
Knowledge and Values Acquisition: Pioneers for Implementing an Essential and Effective Commu-
nity Project
For the past sessions that we had for the Philippine Youth Leadership (PYLP), among the many
things I’ve learned that will be essential to the near implementation of my project are the five ways to es-
tablish a project that was discussed by Dr. Sue. These are to (1) Investigate wherein you come to think of
the resources that you will need, as well as the required skills, talents and assets, consult references and
conduct some surveys, (2) to prepare through brainstorming and activity planning, (3) to get going and act,
(4) to think back and reflect whether you’ve done those things efficiently and accordingly and lastly (5) to
demonstrate and tell others about your advocacy.
Moreover, I also learned that the way to become an effective leader is to exercise a balanced lead-
ership where you have the best of the top downers who seek local knowledge and evaluate through the
community people and the best of the bottom ups who have expert knowledge about the community prob-
lems through thorough study, research, and other ways of knowledge-seeking. To make it even better,
you could also adopt the approach where you (1) Identify the problems of the community, (2) Define
wherein you analyze your understanding of the context of the problems you’ve found out, (3) Evaluate
where you look through the previous solutions that have been used to resolve them and (4) Apply what
you’ve learned by incorporating the past solutions with the new, better approaches.
On the other hand, one of the best values that I have learned in the PYLP is the essence of collaborative
efforts. It has been precisely evident to me that people who have leadership abilities that carry different
personalities who possess their own unique and great ideas that create a really fantastic blend. They exer-
cise leadership in varied aspects and still, they achieve a united goal. Although we are considered leaders
in our own ways, yet when we all combine what each adopts it builds an even stronger leadership founda-
tion and spirit.
Having learned these knowledge and value, they could be very useful for me in helping my com-
munity in Mindanao by being able to pinpoint effectively the real needs of the community and having suf-
ficient knowledge to deal with and handle them, choose the right people to coordinate with and have or-
ganized plans. I think that in this way, my project will run smoothly especially if I work with brilliant
people who have lots of great ideas and passion for activism that can help fulfill the needs of our commu-
nity.
Realized Community Project: The Sweet Taste of Advocating Ecological Activism
From the learning experiences that I had in the PYLP, my community project will target mangrove
rehabilitation.
Upon deciding about my project, I have taken into consideration of what Sir Rey had told us that we
should ensure that it should not just be what you think the community needs but it should be something
that the community really prefers to be addressed as well.
During my community needs assessment activity, the Team Head of the City of Natural Resources and
Environment Office (CENRO), Engr. Valiente Lastimoso, spoke about the necessity of planting 25 000
mangrove trees to establish mangrove habitat(s) prior to their coastal resource management project. Based
on the accomplishment report, they are already planted an equivalent of the 71% of the targeted number
of trees.
Moreover, it is also indicated in the accomplishment report that there were a couple of participating
groups that help them to complete the project every month during the year 2012 where my current school,
Mindanao State University have joined this during February and July.
Although this seems to be a simple tree planting activity, it should be stressed however, that man-
grove can contribute lots of positive impacts for the environment. It can be a feeding ground for both mi-
cro and macroscopic animals, a habitat for smaller animals, a buffer against waves and weather disturb-
ances. Furthermore, it improves water quality by trapping sediments and address climate change since it
releases oxygen.
With all the things that PYLP has taught me, I have ambitious hopes for my future endeavors in helping
my community to combat environmental issues that should not just end in this project. Also, I am looking
forward to better plans ahead of me for this program had turned me into a better person with a better per-
sonality.
Balance between Quality Living and Resource Conservation
Ayana Jamnia G. Maranda
So, what is the problem?
Mindanao is blessed with natural resources, from fruits and vegetables to different aston-
ishing tourist spots but one cannot fathom of how it has also exceptional problems. Generally, I found
these problems worsening in Mindanao. On my part, I focused in Iligan City, the City where I belong and
in the recent years, it has been hit by many disasters that were driven by the worsening climate change.
The first major problem is, overfishing and destructive fishing that is according to Asian Development
Bank (ADB) there has been a drop of 90% in the quantity of marine organisms that can be trawled in
some traditional fishing areas in the Philippines. The root cause is on the ineffective policies and poor en-
forcement of fishery laws. For this, I believe that there is a great call for officials to engage and look back
on their policies for a stricter implementation. Second, is in all forms of pollution that is in the context of
poor waste management treatment and high population growth. As a keen observant and we cannot deny
the fact that almost all of us are also the abusers, this is a cause of poor planning and weak management
and enforcement of regulations because maybe people are too lax and confident that nothing will change
and happen if we continue to disregard the bad habits that we have, when in fact the drastic changes of the
environment ie. Climate change and global warming is taking effect on us. Third and the last is deforesta-
tion in Iligan City, there have been a lot of displaced people while others are traumatized by Typhoon
Sendong or international name, Typhoon Washi that killed almost a million of people solely in the city.
Climate-change is after-effects of human abuses towards the environment. Illegal logging and the city’s
lack of comprehensive waste segregation plan might be a factor to blame. But it will always trickle down
to mentality of the public. The breeding complacency and apathy of the people towards becoming stew-
ards against waste and abusers contribute to the problem. For me, reforestation and community awareness
is a must in the community for people to internalize and realize the effects of it.
Sometimes, it’s Fun to be a Sponge in Absorbing All the Knowledge
To capsulized but emphasize what I learned, firstly, on the American crash course, diversity of
one’s culture is one thing that is emphasized. American culture and Filipino Culture is different in terms
of body language, personal space, money, greetings and culture which is individualist and collectivist,
respectively. Moving on for the following lectures, I have learned that the relationship of food and envi-
ronment is like our own cultural principles- a matter of perspective. In terms of environmental issues in
the Philippines, one thing that is imprinted on my mind is the concept of Ecological Footprint, which
means that it represents and amount of biologically productive land and sea are necessary to supply the
resources a human population has. Though the term is new to me but actually it is happening in society,
which means that if the biological capacity of the planet exceeded, plants, animals and trees can be affect-
ed by being crowded out or damaged by waste or destruction. In the matter of leadership, the Grass Roots
Organizing is really helpful in terms of organizing and implementing our community project. In terms of
dealing with the community the fact that people are not the problem but it is the ideas in our head. With
that, the combination of the application of bottom ups and top downers is effective in such a way that
there is a balance approach in a more realistic way such as there must be and imposed universal
knowledge for everyone and that there are time where there is really a follower. With this, it can help us
build up a project that is harmonious and does not step on others beliefs or traditions wherein the people
are diverse.
Through this program even for just two weeks, I have acquired the skill of communicating openly
to different people especially with a different nationality and even cultures or beliefs. The program gave
me the avenue to learn from each other and exchange different views. It also deepened my understanding
and respect not just to the Americans but for my fellow participants as well, in the case of listening and
understanding their opinions. Moreover, the values that I have acquired is from one of the movie that Dr.
Sue had shown to us which is, Food Inc., it gave me a point to remember that we must question and de-
mand for something what our body is taking, example from where are the foods that we eat come from
and the fruits and vegetables grown. We do not just accept what is given to us especially in the matters of
food that is processed by companies and what not, food is one thing that is essential to our life and that we
have to take care of our bodies and for the future generations to still experience healthy and nutritious
food.
In just a two week span, knowledge and experiences combined is the best teacher. I am bringing
home in Mindanao the learning that I have gained in such a way that I will be able to implement a project
that is multi-cultural, inter-generational and most importantly useful to the survivors of Typhoon Sendong
that will engage them into something that is new, innovative, and they can relate to and be at peace with
the environment after the destruction that happened.
There will always be a Room for Improvement
Now that we know the debilitating effects of these environmental abuses, it’s time to orchestrate
our active response. And the strategy would be implementing environmental awareness through green
mobilization efforts. Iligan City residents, who have been victims, need engaging programs that can light-
en their fear towards this world and start feeling anew of hope and optimism. My project aims to empow-
er a resilient Iliganon through greenism. This will run for about a month until the community people
themselves can sustain this project. This project is targeted on the stakeholders and aim to maximize par-
ticipation from different people of this community. Moreover, the project focuses first on the mothers, it
is called vermin-composting. Since that most of the mothers who live in these relocation sites are not yet
fully acquainted to their current situation after what happened, we have to engage them into something
new. The environmental approach of gardening would be strategic way of making them feel that they can
be at peace with environment in something that is innovative and something they can easily relate to.
With the help of National Power Corporation- Watershed Management Division, we can teach the skills
about vermin-composting. There is a big empty site at the back portion of the camp, making it an easy
location. The good thing about vermin-composting is that we can utilize our environmental resources to
improve the harvests in the garden. The next focus will be the children, these are engaging games and
knowledge on handling of solid waste management. I will have to prepare a couple of environmental
games for the young people to play. Some of them have memorable hymns and tones and all of the games
are really very engaging. In reality, almost al the games can be integrated with an environmental lesson.
For example, the game “Ride, ride, ride in my little fat pony” can teach a lesson about doing things with a
partner, which symbolizes unity. Unity can then be a lesson on how to make efforts for environment suc-
cessful. Another example is incorporating dance steps to traditional chants like, “Burn! It’s hot in here!
There must be some carbon in the atmosphere!” Anything that applies to the context would work.
Through these environmental games, we can appeal environmentalism in an entertaining way as well as
tech environmental lessons. This way, we are shaping future leaders who will be the guardians of Mother
Earth for the next generations. This project is ensured to be interfaith, inter-ethnic, and intergenerational.
In closing, I believe that we have to maximize environmental programs and introduce innovative
solutions to long-standing problems. We have to maximize our options right now and this project will be
a new start for a resilient Iliganon. After all, it is our common goal to stand again from the strings of Ty-
phoon Sendong and all other disasters which hits the city. By introducing, the concept of a resilient
Iliganon we send a message of optimism and tenacity to fight against different challenges.
Environmental Situation
Mustari, Jalalodin
These are the major problem in my community 1) Illegal logging 2)Improper waste manage-
ment3)Child Laboring. The causes of those problem are;1)Lack of job or work. 2)Lack of imple-
menting some rules and regulation.3)Lack of financial support due to having no job. The big effect
of those problems are 1)It causes floods , landslide and destroy of one’s property. 2)It also causes
floods and some diseases like skin disease. It also causes destroy of our natural resources. 3) Child
will become a problem in a certain society. They will become criminals like a murderer etc. be-
cause they are not educated. And I think the possible solution 1) Plant some trees 2) Impose some
policies that will enable the people not to through their garbage .improperly and establish a lot of
trash bin where they can through it on. 3) Educate those children through service learning.
These are the things that I need to do 1) Coordinate with the community leaders to ask for help or
assistance for the betterment of a certain society. 2) Provide separate the three kinds of trash bin
into biodegradable, non-biodegradable and recyclable. 3) Serve those uneducated children through
little services like service learning or sharing what you have and what you can do.
PYLP provides me enough experience for me to have a better project that I may apply in my
community to lessen the problems there. I learned a lot of knowledge and skills , I discovered new
talents that I never had before. But there is one thing that I feel so important for me and which is
very applicable to the community project that I want to have and can be a new regulation in Min-
danao is preserving our natural resources and protection for the animals or species . the knowledge
that I’ve gained can be applied to my chosen project in such a way that we should keep the lake
clean, because if this will be consumed by garbage it can cause pollution specifically water, so in
the way of cleaning it up you can avoid flood, lessen the garbage, preserve the natural resources
and you can even prevent the aquatic organisms not to extinct. It will actually lead to a big change.
My chosen community service is Lake –Side Cleaning which I named “live and Make the Lake
Alive”. One major problem that I’ve notice in Marinaut Marawi city is garbage. So I find that they
need help to solve this problem. I have one project composes of three activities. 1st one is an orien-
tation or a seminar the purpose of this activity is to educate people and to increase their awareness
in disposal of garbage. I have three topics to discuss 1st one is proper disposal of wastes 2
nd is a
short information about child laboring 3rd
one is a short information about observing proper hy-
giene. The second activity is the lake side cleaning where we are going to clean the lake together
with the community volunteer . The last activity is a recycling competition . Since we are doing a
fashion show ever year I grabbed this opportunity to impose the 3R specifically recycling. We’re
going to use recyclable materials in the activity. I think and hope that my project will be sustaina-
ble because we have agreed with my community volunteers that every Sunday morning we are go-
ing to visit the specific place to observe if they are doing the things that I’ve instructed them dur-
ing the seminar or orientation. My partnership in this project are the DCNTP or Dansalan College
Next Top Model, some of the PYLP 9 alumni, SBO or Student Body Organization , some volun-
teer high school student from my school, Barangay Marinaut Organization. I think that within my
energy and strength I can accomplish this project. I’ll do my very best to accomplish this project.
Environmental Situation, Learning in the Program, & Community Project Action
Rikk Nicholson M. Nalzaro
Section 1: Environmental Situation
Great Thorns
One of the three major problems in my hometown in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental is the threats to dif-
ferent marine species. In the latter, turtles and “dugongs” are being killed and often eaten by the local residents near
the shoreline and, in the past years, it has grown into really big problem. These killings may result to an imbalance
in the marine food chain lowering a species’ population which may lead to actual extinction.
Deforestation (destruction of forests) is another major problem in my area of focus. It is primarily caused
by illegal logging and may lead to greater, more dangerous floods (given lesser trees to absorb flood water) and
devastating landslides (given lesser trees that reduce the probability of erosion.
In addition, pollution becomes more heightened because lesser trees purify the air around us. Death of an-
imals may even result to this problem. These are perhaps some of the great thorns of our community in Davao Ori-
ental.
Section 2: Learning in the Program
Our Responsibility
In my short stay in Illinois, I learned a lot of things about different aspects of the society and of our lives.
The best thing I’d say I have learned is that every community is different and that people are the key re-
source which I got from Mr. Garth Katner.
Through first-hand experience with different cultures, I have realized that a solution could be ineffective or even be
a taboo in another place’s culture. It is imperative that in addressing a community problem, we should take into
consideration the solutions that they have tried whether it succeeded or failed and more importantly, consider their
culture and traditions as well. With this knowledge, I could be more open to opinions and less biased when doing
my community project in my hometown and hopefully, it’ll be more effective.
Furthermore, the challenge of having a community project is actually empowering the people and making
them realize that what they’re doing is actually beneficial for them. This makes up the sustainability part of our pro-
ject. In my community project, I am giving the local people a big part. They will be the same people who’d monitor
the coastline for any turtle activity.
Another great thing I have learned is about environmental justice from Dr. Kendall Thu which establishes
that people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and social status, have equal rights to a clean and habitable envi-
ronment.
I believe this can be applied to my community project in the sense that during the clean up drive, we are promoting
environmental justice not only to the rich and poor people there but to the turtles as well because no matter how big
or small they are, they’re our responsibility and they also deserve a clean and hazard- free environment.
Section 3: Community Project Action Plan
Turtle Invasion on the move
Upon arriving in our homeland, the Philippines, I’m going to set meetings with the local people, the princi-
pal and directress of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, as well as the administrative officers of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture. Hopefully, they’ll support my community project to protect the sea turtles in Barangay Dahi-
can, City of Mati, Davao Oriental.
I’m going to survey my hometown for the supplies needed for the turtle guards and hopefully set up a con-
tract with a carpenter to make these turtle guards and find a tarpaulin- making shop. With the chosen school, I’m
going to create a poster/ slogan making competition to raise awareness for the turtles in that coastline. My target
partners are the high school students through their class advisers. The winners will then be made into tarpaulins and
posted during the final project implementation.
During the final project implementation, about 3 weeks after the slogan making competition, we’re going to
have a clean-up drive at the place as well as a short program/ seminar for intensification of the awareness phase for
sea turtles.
The turtle guards would be given on the same date as well. I am hoping to include some games inclined to
turtle protection and environmental awareness as well during the final date of implementation.
I am in high hopes that I’ll be able to implement Turtle Invasion and do these things when I come back af-
ter the exchange phase of the Philippine Youth Leadership Program.
Waiting on the World to Change
Sanjeev Parmanand
(Section one)
There are a lot of challenges that stop Mindanao from reaching its full potential. These issues
manifest in political, cultural, and religious instability within the area. However, one of the biggest, if not
biggest challenges Mindanao faces is the environment. The environment is crucial because it is where in-
dividuals exercise all their activities. All human interaction can only take place in an environment that is
conducive of life. This is the general philosophy as to why most environmentalists say the environment is
always worth preserving. In the case of Mindanao, citizens have endured water and power shortages, air
pollution, and destruction of environmental sites. Now the people who are most likely to commit these
problems are poor communities. People living in these communities usually cannot be blamed for im-
proper waste disposal and more air pollution because they are unaware. Most adults do not know how
their actions can lead to long term harm onto the environment. More importantly, many of them have suf-
fered the consequences of using unsafe utilities such as burning firewood and kerosene lights.
(Section two)
I learned about a number of concepts that will help me approach the issues in Mindanao. The first
thing I gained some insight on is the importance of politics with regard to preserving the environment. A
huge reason developing nations barely prioritize the environment is because their politics will not allow
prioritize it. This logic is very persistent in countries like China, Maldives, and the Philippines. The se-
cond thing I learned was the concept of environmental justice. We live in a world that uses the philosophy
of realpolitik. Countries with vast economic and political power will dominate and consume all the re-
sources that are owned by the entire public. Now this trickles down to the people on the ground. And most
of the time, the people that are affected are minorities because they are less established in society. In the
context of Mindanao, there are indigenous people who have to leave their lands because of the projects of
corporations. More specifically, a reason the peace process with the MILF took so long was because of
the Philippine Administration’s inconsistent stance. If you noticed, the last 3 administrations all had very
different approaches to resolve the conflict. One thing the program has taught me is to always prioritize
important values like identity and unity as opposed to things like revenue and economic growth. The se-
cond thing I learned was the ability to communicate to different crowds. I also got additional insight as to
how I can understand people who think differently.
(Section three)
My community project tries to approaches the issues in Mindanao from two both a development
and environmental perspective. Generally, poor communities without electricity spend almost one-fourth
of their income on generating electricity from kerosene lights or firewood. Now this is harmful to their
respective families and the environment. However, an organization by the name of One Million Lights
has slowly started to correct this issue. I am teaming up with this environmental/social organization by
volunteering to help them conduct an operation in Surigao. As of the moment, my involvement will take
place through the planning/organizing of the educational component that will take place by giving the
people a brief seminar on the issue of the environmental problem. This organization produces cheap solar
powered lights that are usually around the price of $15 per light. Along with this, the organization works
with local government units in the area to mobilize individuals to distribute the lights to a number of
families. I will also volunteer to play a role in this part of the operation. Overall, this project helps com-
munities try and move towards some development by using utilities that are safer. Secondly, they save the
environment because the utilities they use are environmentally friendly and cheaper.
References used for statistics and examples: Retrieved on 1 May 2013 from
City, Province, Region, Island Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, ARMM, Mindanao
Project Title Proper Waste Disposal Program for Children
Dates of Project Implementation July 06, 2013
July 06, 2013, this date marked as one of the memorable days that I’m very proud of. The weather is great,
it was the first Saturday of July, and it was the day of the implementation of my project. Proper Waste Disposal
Program for Children, this is the title of my project, with the theme “Educating Children; the Next Generation for a
Better Nation” and was implemented at Barangay Biaba Damag, Marawi City. I came up with teaching children
because aside from I am fond of kids, I really do love it when children listen and participate on what you say. I also
believe on the saying “Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”, it says “Youth is the hope of the community”, this was
according to Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. Though we might not observe that saying right
now, that’s actually what I’m trying to open for the next generation of the youth. I will bear in the minds of the
children about what they have learned and what they have done for their community at a very young age. And as
soon as they grow up on the stage of teenager, they will remember this, and it could motivate them.
The project consists of two activities, first is the Clean-up Drive. But before we proceeded here, we did
have an orientation or session about Proper Waste Disposal, and for them to learn more, we continued teaching
them through the Clean-up Drive. The kids were excited to clean-up, I am glad to have their energetic participation
in the project. It is really fun to see the kids participating with their respective facilitators, and because of this, we
have managed to finish cleaning the community for an hour and thirty minutes. The children were really tired right
after cleaning, so I managed to give snacks to the kids and my volunteers.
After the Clean-up drive, comes the Recycling Competition. For this to happen, we collected recyclable
materials in our school, and we used it for the competition. I gave them thirty minutes to make something through-
out the materials, but since they are kids, they couldn’t do it alone, so the volunteers managed on making and the
kids loved to help them. Some formed garbage can, toys, decorations and other presentable things, and they made
those things for a reason. Although not all of them won, the kids can still make up smiles on their faces, and they
took the recycled materials with them.
If there’s one reason why I had done this successfully, it is because all of those people who helped me from
its beginning until its end. The great leaders of Lanao del Sur, my school, my parents, who supported me for every-
thing. The PYLP alumni, my teachers, my classmates, friends, and juniors in our school who helped me in imple-
menting my project. Without them, I could not make good decisions for a good output. These people have guided
me on the right path and they are the biggest reason of the success of my project.
And finally, a dream come true again, a dream of helping Marawi City through activities that can be treas-
ured as life goes on. Aside from I had helped those people out there, I had also contributed on making pleasant na-
ture. It may have been pressured for me, because I was the one who organizes it, but I thank God for making me
feel His presence which motivates me that I can do it. And all I can say is “Helping on good things enjoys me a lot
now for it guides me on the right path.”
Persistent
Dun Oliver Abiera
Age Group Student
Batch PYLP 10
Gender Male
Religion Protestant ; Alliance
Ethnicity Tagalog
City, Province, Region, Island General Santos City, South Cotabato
Project Title Sustainable Coastal Zone through Mangrove Rehabilitation in
Minanga Forest Park
Dates of Project Implementation June 22, 2013
The tickling of ethereal nostalgia accord throughout my life as I continue my
journey after the enormous opportunity to participate in the said program
(PYLP). Anticipation of what will happen next is what’s going on my mind
now; the start of my endless doubting about my community project. But I star-
tle the situation and put an end point through all my dubiousness and said to
myself “I am strong enough! So why should I let fear take in?” And that’s the
start of my work towards success. It has never been easy for me to start the said
project but as I go along the detours, I initially used to it. My openness for sug-
gestions and help has result many volunteers. With the continuous and undying
support of my organizations and peers, I have now the courage to gradually
take the steps toward this project’s outcome. It was Saturday, 22nd
of July in the
year 2013, when I implemented the project. At approximately 8:30 a.m., the
100 expec-
pec- ted vol-
vol- unteers
have gath-
ered in our
school
campus.
With that, I decided to move along our way to
Minanga Forest Park. The time we ar- rived,
the General Santos City Environment and
Natural Resources Office (GSCENRO), have
already arrived earlier before us and as we set-
tle down, the speaker explained what to do and
what we shouldn’t do. I was struck by
amazement as I see 11,000 planted man- man-
groves for the past years and knowing that I
do a lot of mangrove planting in the said area
and some of the projects that I partici- pated
planted thousands of mangroves back then.
There are a lot of photo ops going on in our atmosphere that
moment as we planted 250 mangrove seedlings provided by the
GSCENRO. My volunteers were busy planting their own babies to
protect marine animals and to protect us from devastating storms.
They are from my
Organizations; Red
Cross Youth (RCY)
Msu Council and
GenSan Chapter,
Junior Ecologists
Movement (JEM),
Teen Support Group
(TSG), Supreme Student Government of MSU – CETD and AFS
GenSan Chapter. And dominated from my volunteers were my
schoolmates, batchmates, peers, classmates and advisers from
different school years. After two hours of planting and picture taking,
we decided to go back to school so that we can eat my prepared food.
It is marked in everyone’s face the self fulfillment in joining the said
project which aims to see coastal develepment in our community and
also to provide home for many marine animals. I am also fascinated by the success of my project that after all of my
hardships and misconceptions along the way, I have now seen the end of the tunnel. I feel appreciated with what
my family, friends, other volunteers and God shown as a
support in my project. Without them all, surely, my project
will not be as successful as it is. Through all my detours
along my journey towards success, it morphed me into
someone I didn’t expect me to be. Nevertheless, the whole
experience had been a source of my strength to continue
my chosen purpose and that is to serve our humanity.
Because I believe that our years of existence would be
worthless if we haven’t done anything for humanity.
Save life, Plant a Tree!
By: Karla Jean Acot
Age Group Student
Batch PYLP 10
Gender Female
Religion Roman Catholic
Ethnicity Ilonggo
City, Province, Region, Island Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Region X,Mindanao
Project Title Save life, Plant aTree!
Dates of Project Implementation June 23, 2013
Environmental. Connecting People. Fulfilling.
This could be the best words that would describe how my community service project went. June 23, 2013
was the day my project was set for the actual tree planting activity at Barangay Balulang , Cagayan de Oro city.
This place was struck with a flash flood caused by the tropical storm Sendong on December 16, 2011 which left
the barangay and the city with millions worth of damages, hundreds of casualties and thousands of affected families.
Hence, I’ve thought of a project that in one way or another would help the community people living there gradually
recover and bit by bit elude them from devastating flash flood.
My community service project was a tree planting and growing activity. The program started in the morning and
was finished half past 11 a.m. The tree planting activity went smoothly although I was not really able to escape
challenges such as setting the schedule as to when would this be implemented since the volunteers also have their
classes .Yet, one can see the spirit of volunteerism that shines in the youths and community people involved. The
joint effort and partnership to this purpose is to plant and steward trees ,to increase public awareness of the value,
benefits and needs of trees, to inspire volunteers and build a sense of community. What makes it more meaningful
is that this project has done so many things not just only in helping out mother earth but it also connects people.
Connects people in a sense that, it unites people with different beliefs and culture. They planted with one thing in
mind which is to grow more trees to be able to save lives and save our environment . They planted as one , with a
common goal . As remarked by one of the community people there, she is thankful for organizing and implement-
ing such activity because little by little it helps them evade from flash flood. Hence, it is also fulfilling to know
that the trees we’ve planted can store up to 5000 gallons of water. Now, we can say that we’ve helped in storing
gallons of water which contributed to the flash flood the barangay has experienced a year ago.
Thus, the project was made possible with the help of the volunteers, officials, DENR , supportive parents
and God and through the Philippine Youth Leadership Program as funded by the US Department of State in part-
nership with AFS Philippines and the project contractor Northern Illinois University.
DENR CENRO represented by the extension of-
ficer ,Mr. Alson D. Potutan on his demonstration on
proper planting of the seedlings
AFS Philippines-CDO Chapter President, Datu
Moden Talandig on his inspirational message
Volunteers in line going to the area Actual tree Planting
SK volunteer planting his seedling
Volunteers watering the newly planted seedlings
as advised by the representative of the DENR
CENRO
The Green Bin Project: Proper Waste Management
Sheena Mae S. Alcala
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013 Batch 10
Gender Female
Religion Roman Catholic
Ethnicity Bicolana
City, Province, Region, Island Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Region IX, Mindanao
Project Title The Green Bin Project: Proper Waste Management
Dates of Project Implementation July 13, 2013
On July 13, 2013, I spearheaded a socio-environmental community project advocating the discipline of
proper waste management and segregation among the indigenous community of Poblacion Manicahan, Zamboanga
City.
Before I left the country for the Philippine Youth Leadership Program, I conducted a community needs as-
sessment in Manicahan, a village 20 kilometers away from the center of the city, with the assistance of the director
of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Center for Community Extension Services (AdZU CCES). The organiza-
tion AdZU CCES extends its efforts in sustaining livelihood, health and literacy to the mixed indigenous communi-
ties in the city.
The east coast of the city, where Manicahan is situated, is a calamity prone area. Soil erosion and flooding
are the most recorded environmental problems that the community has been facing. The inconsiderate practices and
lack of knowledge and environmental facilities of the local community, particularly in disposing their solid waste,
trigger these problems. With this situation, the river that provides irrigation for the rice fields in Manicahan is there-
fore at risk.
My dedication to serve the indigenous community in a socio-environmental change led me to head a pro-
ject titled The Green Bin Project. It aims to equip the community with the knowledge and means on maintaining a
harmonious relationship with the natural environment. I aim to orient the community about solid waste manage-
ment and provide means for them to practice this through installing a system which will facilitate this practice. It is
my utmost hope that I could help engage communities far from the heart of the city in the effort to preserve nature
in a well-informed manner.
The project offered a workshop on the rudiments of waste management and segregation which was fol-
lowed by a clean-up drive. The activity was participated by a mixed group of lumad, Muslim and Christian adults.
During the workshop, the adults had an interactive discussion on the harms of improper waste disposal and the ben-
efits of recycling. In the hands-on activity, the participants were tasked to collect the scattered pieces of trash in the
vicinity and were guided in properly segregating the collected wastes. Two sets of labeled garbage bins were in-
stalled in the village.
The high security concerns in the city during the past weeks postponed the first scheduled date of my pro-
ject implementation. I am grateful that it was successfully implemented last July 13. The project was a success
with the help of the US Department of State, Northern Illinois University International Training Office, the Local
Government Unit headed by Kagawad Loreta Sta. Teresa, the AdZU CCES as a partner organization, guest speaker
from the AdZU Biology Department, youth volunteers from AdZU Communication Department and Philippine
Youth Leadership Program batch 9 and 10 alumni.
I further hope to light a spark of change through a strong message to those living in the urban areas.
“Together we can make the world green!”
Taken during the Community Needs As-sessment; dump garbage beside the irriga-
tion canal in Poblacion Manicahan Taken during the Community Needs Assess-
ment; scattered solid waste in Poblacion Man-icahan
A formal address welcoming the local partici-pants of the project
Guest speaker Kevin Jimera discussing the harms of improper waste disposal
Discussing on the proper segregation of solid wastes
Clean-up drive and hands-on segregation ac-tivity
Lets fight Global Warming with I.C.E!
Alexander H. Ali, Jr.
Age Group Youth
Batch PYLP 10
Gender Male
Religion Islam
Ethnicity Maranao
City, Province, Region, Island Barangay Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, Region X
Project Title Islam Cares for Environment (I.C.E)
Dates of Project Implementation July 6, 2013
Welcome Address by Alexander Ali, Jr. Keynote speaker from NPC -WMD For-
ester Nash Macaumbang
Keynote speaker from MIWK
Aleem Saidale Yacob
Distributing the 50 mahogany seedlings
Tree-planting activity
Youth participants
Invocation by youth volunteer
On July 06, 2013, I implemented my community service project entitled Islam Cares for Environment with the sup-
port of the National Power Corporation-Watershed Management Department (NPC-WMD), the Department of En-
vironment and Natural Resources (DENR) ,Maktabul Iftah Wal Khutabah (MIWK), community volunteers, and
the Ali youth volunteers.
At exactly 7:00AM, we opened the program with an invocation by one of the volunteers, followed by my short
welcome speech. I started my speech by giving a brief introduction of the Philippine Youth Leadership Program,
what was it all about, its aims and objectives, my wonderful experience in the States, and what I learned from my
trip and how I came about my community project, ICE.
Our first keynote speaker is a Forester from the National Power Corporation-Watershed Management Depart-
ment, Nashrollah Macaumbang, He discussed the importance of environment and the role of his office in the pro-
tection and preservation of the environment. He inspired us by informing us the benefits of being able to plant trees
at an early age what the we could do to help in preserving and protecting the environment.
Our second speaker is a learned Islamic Scholar from the Maktabul Iftah Wal Khutabah, Aleem Saidale Yacob.
He discussed how Islam cares for the environment, the purpose of its creation and the responsibility in its protection
is a part of our faith as Muslims, with excerpts from the Qur`an and Hadith. One important point I learned from him
is that Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Cleanliness is a part of faith. Cleaning doesn`t only mean that you take a
bath or wear clean clothes, it also means that we must also clean our surroundings or environment.
After the seminar, we proceeded to the planting area near the lake for the next part of the program which was
tree-planting activity. There were a total of 25 youth participants. Each of us planted two seedlings with 5 meters
apart.
After having planted 50 mahogany seedlings, we took some snacks and we officially closed the program at
9:00AM.
Taking Small Steps While Aiming Big
Jun Mark E. Amban
Age Group Adult Participant
Batch PYLP10
Gender Male
Religion Alliance
Ethnicity Ubo-Manuvu
City,Province,Region,Island Davao City, Davao del Sur, Region XI, Mindanao
Project Title “Tree-Planting Activity for Malagos Watershed-Protection”
Dates of Implementation June 21, 2013
Davao City water is considered as the 2nd
Best Potable Drinking Water in the World as cited by the World
Health Organization. One of its main sources is the 244-hectare Mala-
gos Watershed which is located in Barangay Malagos, Baguio Dist.,
Davao City. However, due to hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals
from residential and agricultural activities around the area, the water-
shed is in danger of being polluted. This phenomenon will surely im-
peril the lives of more-than-a-million Dabawenyos who get their water
sources from Malagos Watershed.
Seen this way, I proposed a tree-planting activity in order to
help protect the Malagos Watershed which is our source of water – our
life. Based on research,
trees are the best filters of
pollutants. Thus, the more
trees are planted, the more
chances of keeping the water source safe.
True enough, last July 21, I, along with twenty-two other
scholars of Mindanawon Initiatives for Cultural Dialogue and Palawan
group of the Ateneo de Davao University planted a total of 500 nara
seedlings along the boundaries of Malagos Watershed in Tancing, Ba-
guio Dist., Davao City. We were accompanied by no less than Ms.
Perpy Tio, the Director of Mindanawon.
The half-day tree-planting activity started with a brief seminar
at the City Agriculturist Office in Malagos where Forester Moreno Jr. demonstrated the proper way of planting the
seedlings. We learned a lot from the seminar and appreciated the importance of tree-planting as one of the best
ways to help protect the watershed.
After the seminar, we moved to the tree-planting site where we
did the actual tree-planting activity. Although our hands were dirtied
and our skin were bitten off by different insects, we felt happy because
we did something great to insure that the next generation of
Dabawenyos will taste the same water quality we are enjoying today.
Although our activity was very simple, I believe that it would
create a greater impact in the lives of the people in our community. We
may have taken small steps, but we surely aimed for bigger things.
Basilan Junior Jaycees heading to Fuego-Fuego Is-
abela City
Christopher Rey Diaz, the Basilan JJC Adviser em-
ceeing
15
th SF Company and PNP SAF planting mangrove
on
high tide portion of the swamp
Whoever You Are, You Can Make Change Faye A. Barandino
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP-10
Gender Female
Religion Alliance Evangelical
Ethnicity Chavacano
City, Province, Region, Island Isabela City, Basilan. Region IX, Mindanao
Project Title Plant Trees, Make Change (Mangrove Planting Project)
Dates of Project Implementation June 29, 2013
Mangrove Planting which aims to replenish
mangrove trees in bare swamps of Basilan by the
help of Basilan Junior Jaycees and Basilan JCI Inc.
headed by Sigrid Y. Tang as the organizer; 15th
Special Forces (SF) Company led by Capt. Geof-
frey Fabros, Philippine National Police Special Ac-
tion Forces (PNP SAF) led by Wilfredo Palamos,
Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) Basilan
headed by Mary Christine T. Manuel, Philippine
Cost Guard (PCG) headed by Wilson Banuela, In-
ter-faith Council of Leaders (IFCL) headed by Jan-
uary Zanoria, 104th Brigade headed by Cpt. Enciso
as the local partners and also by the help of US De-
partment of State as the funding resource results to a
success.
The venue in implementing the project is at
Fuego-Fuego Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan locat-
ed 6km away from the city proper. We rode a six by
truck of the Special Forces which only took us 15
minutes. The project started at 3:30pm with a short
program on which it introduces the different partners
and also recognizes PYLP who developed 28 youth
participants all over Mindanao as agents of change
and ecological activism.
With the help of the different organizations
and company, we were able to plant 500 mangrove
seedlings despite the light rain shower and muddy
ground walking bare footed from the forest to the
swamp.
Young volunteers planting on a low tide portion of
the swamp
Mangrove planting, which most of us had it
first time finds it fun although some are complaining
because its muddy. But realizing that this project is
for the benefit of our community in the sense that
(1) there will be enough refugee for fish and finger-
lings (2) there will be enough mangrove to hold the
soil and filter the salinity of the sea (3) there will be
an increase of fish and shell catch of the fisher folks
and many other benefits from it—participants and
volunteers were able to plant 5 propagus each.
The actual planting of the propagus was not
really hard but the situation wherein we need to walk barefooted made it challenging.
We finished planting at 5:00pm and immedi-
ately headed to the transportation getting ready to
depart with a happy feeling knowing that as young as
15, we were able to make a change.
Newly planted propagus (mangrove plant)
Green Uprising Project
Jeson Paul B. Cabug-os
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013
Gender Male
Religion Roman Catholic
Ethnicity Dabawenyo
City, Province, Region, Island Davao, Davao del Sur, XI, Mindanao
Project Title Green Uprising Project
Dates of Project Implementation July 7, 2013
Back from the start of the Philippine Youth Leadership Program 10, I was thinking about the imple-
mentation of my project day by day. Being a naïve of this prominent scholarship program, nuggets of questions are
confronting my nerves specially implementing a socio-environmental community service project. Am I able to
make it? Will this be successful? How will I do it? These are some of the interrogative statements I always endure
in my mind.
The serious trainings, ideal workshops and interactive seminars indeed aided vitally in building me to-
wards the triumph of the carrying out of the community service project. In fact, those aforementioned questions
were answered and justified through the successful implementation of the community service environmental project
as I spearheaded it last July 7, 2013 at Brgy. Km. 8 Matina Pangi, Davao City.
The Green Uprising Project: Tree Growing and Parenting activity is one of the major successful projects
I have done in my life. I consider this very special with regards to socio-environmental responsiveness and socio-
environmental responsibility towards my partner community, Baranggay Km. 8 Matina Pangi, Davao City. A
community which is a far flung from my residence and a distant for the heart of the city. This community has been
exposed to tree planting activities due to the previous massive destruction of flash floods as the geographical setting
of the community is along the riversides. On 2011, some areas of Davao City was unexpected ly hit by flash flood
including this community and as a result, it bombarded the community itself and tragically 17 people lost their lives.
In addition, another unexpected minor flashflood hit same areas in Davao City last June 2013, including this com-
munity. In addition, the earlier planted seedlings were carried away by the flash flood brought by the heavy rains
and worst was a minor soil erosion happened that widens the passage of the river waters affecting the space, and the
crop field of the people living nearby. Hence, I submitted myself to participate in fulfilling its recovery through
grabbing the opportunity to implement my community service project, the Green Uprising Project.
The project was participated by the Supreme Student Government Officers and fourth year Rizal stu-
dents of the Doña Carmen Denia National High School (my high school Alma Mater), the Davao City Federation of
Supreme Student Government Incorporated Alumni; Youth for Environment in School’s Organization moderator
and officers of Davao City National High School; and some of the Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardees of Davao
City. Virtually, this has been made possible through the solid partnership and cooperation I had with Baranggay
councilor Carmelo Arana as well as the leadership Mr. Kristian Fernandez, a friend of mine whom is a resident of
the partner community. Most importantly, I extend my deepest gratitudefor the benevolence of the Davao City En-
vironment and Natural Resources Office directed by Atty. Joseph Dominique Felizarte for providing the 100 seed-
lings for free.
On the day of the implementation, division of tasks was established. I took over for the participant’s
transportation from the town to the actual site back and forth. Baranggay councilor Arana facilitated the orientation
and directed the participants on the instructions of planting the seedlings. Ms. Phaula Gaspar, DCFSSG Inc. Alumni
initiated the documentation of the duration of the activity. AAttendance was recorded, snacks were provided after-
wards and certificates respectively. Consequently, I gave my final words through enunciating my appreciation and
sincerity for their undying participation of the project; also I articulated the experience I had in the PYLP, the or-
ganizations behind it, the US State Department, Youth Programs Division: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Af-
fairs, Northern Illinois University, and the AFS IPP Philippines, and also encouraged them to participate with this
kind of great opportunity.
The next step is to ensure that these trees will grow at its best. It is a good thing that I pledged to visit
the seedlings weekly but it is better that the residents living nearby volunteered to take charge the sustainability of
the seedlings, thus it is nice to know that they feel the accountability of having those planted seedlings. Indeed, all
of us have one thing in mind, and that is the realization that there’s only one place that we can dwell on, there’s
only one life for every human being’s existence. Lastly, is the thought of environmental awareness, that it breeds
objective judgment leading to action.
Photos :
The actual site of tree planting activity during the conduct of Community Needs Assessment
(R) Participants planting the seedlings (Mahogany and Malibago)
These were the planted Malibago and Mahogany seedlings
Never Again Sendong
(Tree Planting Activity)
Maphile Mae L. Canencia
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013
Gender Female
Religion Iglesia Ni Cristo
Ethnicity Kagay-anon
City, Province, Region, Island Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Region X
(Northern Mindanao), Mindanao
Project Title Never Again Sendong (tree planting activity)
Dates of Project Implementation July 20, 2013
Right from the start, I had been aware of the environmental issues in Barangay Balulang since the Typhoon
Sendong devastated the town. The first thing that came into my mind after I have heard that we were tasked to do a
volunteer community service is that community. I know in my heart that those deforested areas needs to be replen-
ished in order to prevent another disastrous catastrophe to occur again. Hence, after relaxing for a month, it’s time
to get myself working on the tree planting project.
The day on my implementation went really well. Everything just came into place. The scheduled date and
time was on July 20 at 6:00 AM in Sitio Puntod, Barangay Balulang. When I woke up, the volunteers from LBC
Express personally fetched me in my house and conveyed together with our car. After a 2 minute ride, we finally
arrived in the site. After a while, my volunteers started to arrive. Namely, Cagayan de Oro LBC Express Team,
Touch Foundation Incorporated, Sanguniang Kabataan Officials, some of the Barangay Balulang officials, students
from Gusa Regional Science High School and some independent volunteers. We started it early so we were able to
finish planting 120 seedlings as early as 7AM. Right after that, they were given light breakfast and some volunteers
that were good friends with my family was invited to our house for a good breakfast.
Mary L. Canencia, my Mom was my partner organizer in the said activity. She spearheaded the administra-
tive concerns of the project. Next in line is the LBC Express, Cagayan de Oro team, who provided me 30 volunteers.
They had been very supportive of Environmental Activities and as of this point, we are starting to work on another
tree planting activity that aims to plant 300 trees on the same area. The project was fully funded by the US State
Department and was supported by Department of Environment and Natural Resources by giving out 120 acacia
seedlings.
As a whole, the objectives of the project was fulfilled which was to plant trees on Barangay Balulang which
could at least somehow replenish the deforested areas of Balulang. In the making of the project, there were prob-
lems encountered such as some volunteer institutions that were not able to attend for some miscellaneous reasons,
somehow, it did not stop me from pursuing it. This project became the avenue of the community’s hope of a better
environment and somehow did ease the pain that the community had because of the catastrophic event.
Registration of Volunteers Distribution of light breakfast
Planting Proper
Riverside Rescue
Sarah Jane T. Diang
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013
Gender Female
Religion Islam
Ethnicity Maguindanaon
City, Province, Region, Island Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, ARMM
Project Title RIVERSIDE RESCUE
Dates of Project Implementation August 4, 2013
RIVERSIDE RESCUE comprises a set of activities which include Bamboo tree-planting, pamphlet distri-
bution, advocacy-related works such as seminar and workshops. It aims to lessen the soil erosion in the riverside of
Barangay Brar, Talayan, Maguindanao by planting Bamboo trees, distributing pamphlets on how to take care of the
river, and conducting seminar and workshops. The highlight of this community project is a tree planting activity
which was made possible in partnership with Barangay Brar Local Government Unit, chaired by Hononrable Datu
Solayman Sultan, Local Residents, MSU-Maguindanao Social Work Department chaired by Ms. Princess Sheryn A.
Mamucao, MSU-Maguindanao Student Scholars, and Selected Volunteers.
Bamboos are said to be very good in erosion control, holding soil, preventing landslide, and for water con-
servation. (Journal of Forestry Research). With this primary objective, I have partnered with respective stakeholders
which include the local government unit, local residents, faculty members of the Social Work Department, Scholar
students of the University, and volunteers from the different walks of life and from different profession (including
the Mr. Lester Jake Dela Cerna, an Environmental Science expert and currently connected with Philippine Coconut
Authority, PYLP Alumni Ms. Almira Menson (Batch 5) and Mr. Asrap Abubakar (Batch 7), volunteer from the
Bureau of Fire Protection, high school students, and out-of-school youths. Many more interested volunteers were
not included in the main activities due to security reasons.
The tree planting aims to enhance consciousness among the residents and stakeholders. The local residents
and nearby community have been affected by water from the mountains. Follow up activities include two seminars
and workshops which will be facilitated by Social Work Department.
(L) Mr Dela Cerna discusses Environmental Justice (R) Gentlemen crossed first in the river
(L) 10 year old volunteer finishing his work (R) Trying to plant for my community
(L) Volunteers participants hold hands as we cross the river’s dam and head to another part of the river
(L) A devastating part of the river due to erosion. (R) Climbing off the river
The volunteers last pose before going someplace else to plant another set of bamboos. (The photos do not represent
the total number of volunteers. Some volunteers chose not to be photographed and not to be mentioned.)
3Rs for a Clean and Green Mandug
May Fiel Divino
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013
Gender Female
Religion Roman-Catholic
Ethnicity
City, Province, Region, Island Davao City, Region XI, Mindanao
Project Title 3Rs for a Clean and Green Mandug
Dates of Project Implementation July 21- August 11, 2013
The community project that I implemented is the fruit of the 1 month training that I attend in Illinois. Since
it was about environmental activism, my community project is environment-related. The first phase of my project is
giving lecture to the people. I invited someone from CENRO to give a lecture about 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
On the second phase, I invited the people that were trained by the Rotary Club of Davao livelihood project. They
taught recycling, specifically lumpia from banana peelings. My last phase was the turning over ceremony. The
Reachers Club, a club in my school wherein I’m a member, helped me. We had a small program and games for the
children. We also had a feeding program for the kids, and I gave handouts of the lecture given by the CENRO.
July 21st, I gave an overview to the people about
my community project.
Mr. Orly Limpangog, from CENRO, gave a lecture to the people about proper waste segregation and recycling.
These women were trained by Sagrex through the livelihood project of Rotary Club of Davao.
The people in the community pay
attention to what is being taught.
Some of the people in the community tried wrapping the
banana peelings with a lumpia wrapper.
The banana peelings in a lumpia wrapper were being fried.
I gave an opening remarks during the
closing & turning over ceremony.
Feeding program during the closing ceremony with the help of Reachers
Club. A club in my school wherein I’m a member.
Adopt a Tree Movement
Jevern L. Ellaga
Age Group Student
Batch PYLP 10
Gender Male
Religion Christian
Ethnicity Blaan and T’boli
City, Province, Region, Island Polomolok, South Cotabato, Region XII, Philippines
Project Title Tree Growing Project
Dates of Project Implementation July 6, 2013
It’s a cold morning of July 06, 2013 when I woke up by 5 am to ready everything. This day was the implementation
date of my Tree Growing Project at Malagante Riverbank, Landan, Polomolok, Souh Cotabato. This includes pull-
ing out grasses around the trees, establishing tree guards and putting fertilizers (if needed). Plenty of grasses are
almost killing those little trees- seems everyone is battling for their own survival. This project aims to assure the
growth of at least 100 young trees in Malagante Riverbank and manifest the deep concern of the community in
terms of loving our nature.
This project was made possible by Landan National High School Family, Supreme Student Government Organiza-
tion, Sangguniang Kabataan, Sangguniang Barangay and PYLP 9 Alumna- Sir Joven Ryan G. Malida. Fully funded
by the US Department of State through our lead grantee Northern Illinois University in cooperation with AFS Inter-
cultural Programs Philippines and supported by the Department of Education.
Community Needs Assessment- April 2, 2013 Planning with SSG officers- May 22, 2013
Recruitment of volunteers- June 29, 2013 Last day for the Recruitment of volunteers
- July 5, 2013
Implementation Day- July 06, 2013 Implementation Day- July 06, 2013
Implementation Day- July 06, 2013 Implementation Day- July 06, 2013
Community Visit- July 27, 2013 Community Awareness Presentation- August 11, 2013
Mangrove Planting: A Way to Conserve and Protect our Environment
Noryn Jane M. Esguerra
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013 batch 10
Gender Female
Religion Roman Catholic
Ethnicity Zamboangena
City, Province, Region, Island Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur, Region IX
Project Title MANGROVE PLANTING A Way to Conserve and Protect our
Environment
Dates of Project Implementation August 10, 2013
Environment is the aggregate of surrounding things, conditions, or influences. Environment is our sur-
rounding. This is our environment. There were different kinds of issues when it comes to our environment. But the
solutions are with us. We just to use our initiatives and think what will happen to the other generations if we will
not move.
August 10, 2013 (Saturday) at one in the afternoon, I initiated and conducted a community project which is
mangrove planting at the coastal zone area of barangay Talon-Talon (the specific place is Talon-Talon-Mampang
Mangrove area). Which is funded by the US Department of State. One thousand two hundred fifty propagules were
planted on the said area. It was about 281.25 square meters area. There were one hundred two (102) participants
who joined in the said activity. Seventy (70) participants were students of Zamboanga City High School Main.
There are officers and teachers of different organizations of the school. Luckily we were not only escorted by the
thirty (30) city and tetuan police officers and trainees but they also participated in the said activity. The barangay
officials of barangay Talon-Talon were so accommodating they even provided us twelve (12) CAFGU to really as-
sure our safety. With the great help and support of our great mayor Ma. Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar who pro-
vided us the transportation, the group had reached the area with no difficulties or hassled. I believe that mangrove
planting is a way to conserve and protect our environment. The community project would not be made possible
without the support of the school principal, teachers particularly the values teachers and club advisers and the par-
ents who allowed their children to join the said activity. Everybody had a great time and they enjoy a lot. Because
it’s the first time of some participants to be part of mangrove planting. It had a big impact to the participants. So, it
became a big news.
1250 PROPAGULES PLANTING SITE
ACTUAL PLANTING ORIENTATION
ACTUAL PLANTING ACTUAL PLANTING
Think Green Project: A Project on Tree Planting
Rizza Angelie L. Fernandez
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013 Batch 10
Gender Female
Religion Roman Catholic
Ethnicity Zamboangueña
City, Province, Region, Island Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Region IX, Mindanao
Project Title Think Green Project: A Project on Tree Planting
Dates of Project Implementation August 17, 2013
It takes a lot of time and effort to come make a concrete move to help contribute to the betterment of our
environment. I have gone through a lot of things before I was finally granted with permission to implement the pro-
ject. I originally chose Barangay Patalon for my community to work on but then, as time went by, I had to recon-
sider another community to work on because of security reasons. I was frustrated at some point. So, I considered
Cabatangan, my second choice. It is also in need of trees because through time, the community is experiencing loss
of trees. It came to me that this is another good community for me to implement my community service project but
then again, it was red alert so, I had to assess another community needs. I was so worried back then. But right in
time, finally there was Abong-Abong.
Last sunny day of August 17, 2013 I have successfully implemented my community service project which
is entitled as Think Green Project in Abong-Abong with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, City Environment and Natural Resources, Ateneo De Zamboanga University, Ateneo High School Stu-
dent Activity Center and volunteers from InterAct Club, Young Ateneans Science Society Environmentalists,
Council of Leaders and IV – St. Edmund Arrowsmith. This project is funded by the US Department of State in co-
ordination with AFS Philippines.
Abong-Abong is an elevated area, therefore, trees are important to prevent soil erosion during floods be-
cause they hold on the soil where they are grounded. The community is not abundant with trees and plants making
it a real deal for a need to restore the trees that used to be grown in the area. As responsible stewards, it is our duty
to implement measures to prevent or at least lessen the negative side effects of deforestation. One effective way is
tree planting. Plus, it lessens pollution. Carbon dioxide is one of the major pollutants of the environment. It is a by-
product of human waste and activities. Trees and plants absorb the carbon dioxide in the air and in return emit oxy-
gen to the environment.
The team, which is composed of the Director of Student Services, the volunteers and the guards, arrived at
the site at 9:30 in the morning. When we got there, I gave out some instructions before planting and there was a
smooth flow after that. The team was able to plant a total of 200 Mahogany seedlings. We ended the tree planting
with a sensitivity game and all the 45 volunteers came up with our pledges to the environment. One major realiza-
tion from the volunteers is that there is more to life in the city. According to them, it is important that they get ex-
posed in the realities of the environment making them realize that they should really do their best in saving the en-
vironment. The group even initiated to start a volunteers’ group named #ThinkGreenProject Batch 1. Therefore,
this is only the phase 1 of my project. As for me, I realized that even though it needs time, effort and dedication to
implement a project like this, it is really important that we do not lose hope. We need to do it, do it right, do it right
now. At the end of the day, the project’s aim to promote awareness of the need to take small steps to save the envi-
ronment is fulfilled. This day, I pledge to be a responsible steward of the environment because change starts with
the youth, change starts with oneself. To lessen the destruction of our environment, we must make a move.
Volunteers climbing to the site Walking towards the designated area.
Me: in the actual planting of seedlings Processing of the importance of the environment
Volunteers applauding the success
of the formation of #ThinkGreenProject
The making of the pledges to the environment
Photo opportunity of #ThinkGreenProject Batch One
Rain or Shine
Samantha Marie Frial
Age Group Student
Batch PYLP 10
Gender Female
Religion Baptist
Ethnicity Ilonggo
City, Province, Region, Island General Santos City
Project Title Rehabilitation of Sinawal River Bank through Bamboo Planting
Dates of Project Implementation June 15, 2013
The rain was pouring hard on the 15th day of June 2013. It was the day
that I implemented my community project which is Bamboo Planting in
Sinawal River bank in cooperation with the Supreme Student Government
of Mindanao State University, some 4th year highschool students in our
school and some volunteers and alumi of our Local AFS Chapter. The rain
did not stop me from continuing my project; instead, it further challenged
me as a leader. I cannot deny the
fact that I was afraid that there
might be a tendency that I would
postpone it. I was worried that my
volunteers couldn’t make it due to
the heavy rain. And also, I didn't expect that it will rain. Many of my volun-
teers asked me if my project will still be pursued despite of the rain, then I
told them that it will still be. I just prayed to God to help me make my pro-
ject successful. 6:30 was the time I told them to meet in our school, Minda-
nao State University. When I got there, there were only 3 people present;
that made me worry. But I still waited then when it's already 8:00, there were
already 24 volunteers which are enough because we would only be
planting 80 bamboo plants. It was really a relief for me when we al-
ready set off and went to Sinawal River bank. It's still raining when we
got there. Everyone helped and after one and a half hour, we're already
finished. Of course, photo
ops will never be forgotten.
After everything was settled,
we decided to go back to
school so that we can al-
ready eat my prepared food.
Everyone enjoyed the food
and said it was delicious,
another relief for me. The main objective of my community project is to
revive again the Sinawal River bank because it can no longer be used by
some villagers living near the river. So, with bamboo planting, it could
help clean the river and also it could be a source of livelihood for the B’laans…it just depends on how they will
make use of the planted bamboo to benefit them. At the end of the
day, I'm really elated after the bamboo planting because finally, I
already finished my community project despite the heavy rain. I
know I wouldn't have done it without God, my supportive family
and also the volunteers.
Something New
Mary Kristine T. Gerali
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 10
Gender Female
Religion Catholic
Ethnicity Kagay-anon
City, Province, Region, Island Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Region X, Mindanao
Project Title Re-Create
Dates of Project Implementation July 06, 2013
My community project is entitled Re-Create. Its aim is to promote awareness of the environment especially
to the family in Xavier Ecoville and also to teach children below 13 years old how to make things out of garbage.
Many children are unaware of the problems around us. They are also not aware that most of the garbage that we
throw can be turn into something useful. This project is not only to promote awareness in our environment but also
promote friendships, and relationships especially to the young ones. Through this project we are able to promote
not only to become aware of our environment but also enhances their creativity, and hidden skills of the children
that may be their stepping stone to realize what they will become in the mere future.
There are 5 clusters in the activity namely Plastic Bottles, Scratch Papers, Cellophanes, Straws and Junk
food Wrappers. These things are our main material of the activity. Plastic Bottles were made into pencil case.
Scratch papers were made into different origami. Cellophanes were made into kites. Straws were made into minia-
ture houses. Junk Food wrappers were made into takyan. First, we instruct them to get scratch papers in their homes.
So instead of providing garbage from them, we aim to teach them that there are also garbage in their own homes.
Then if they have returned we checked their papers if it is really scratch. After we have checked each one, we start-
ed teaching them how to do the origami. After we have taught them how to make origami we started explaining
“where paper came from” or” how wasting papers can be bad for the environment”. Its procedure is the same with
the other materials. Some parents are also there to watch their kids so we start to keep reminding the parents that
they should also discipline their kids and to start to teach children as early as they are to conserve water and elec-
tricity and many other things. Lastly, at the end of the day, we distributed goodies for them to enjoy.
This Re-Create also aims to teach the young leaders in Xavier Ecoville through Kab-Ot Program. Kab-Ot
Program is a program where Ateneans teach children about leadership and the spirit of volunteerism. To make my
project sustainable I collaborated with the Kab-Ot program. A part of the teaching module is about environment
and conservation of energy. So by the time they will start to have a leadership program the youth will not only to
learn how to be a leader toward others but also being an activist to the environment. I also collaborated with the
Ignatian Visual Art Club or IVAC they are the art club of Xavier University High School. Once a month, the IVAC
will teach children below 13 years old in Xavier Ecoville how to make new things out of garbage. I also collaborat-
ed with Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League or ACIL. It is a club that teaches Christian Faith to children but this
year they will also focus on other matters like teaching children how to read and write. I introduced to them envi-
ronmental awareness project and they greatly approved in my suggestion. They will teach children in Xavier
Ecoville every Saturday.
Sanitary Toilet and Environmental Health Education
for Coastal Community in Maasin, Zamboanga City
Marti W. Gregorio
Meeting and discussion with the partners for the project Maasin Barangay Chairman Bernardo
and Brent College of Nursing students with Instructor Michelle Gimena and project proponent.
Construction and turn-over of the Sanitary Toilet to the coastal community in Barangay
Maasin, Zamboanga City.
Environmental Health Education conducted by partner Brent Nursing students and instructor Michelle Gimena par-
ticipated by mothers and children with topics to include: Proper Environment Sanitation, Nutrition, and Dengue Pre-
vention
Be the Change You Seek
Duaine Catalan Janiola
Age Group Youth
Batch PYLP10
Gender Female
Religion Roman Catholic
Ethnicity Illongga, Boholana
City,Province,Region,Island General Santos, SOCCCSARGEN XII, Mindanao
Project Title “Save the Spring Water”
Dates of Implementation June 12, 2013
Clean-up drive along spring lakes has be-
come a unique and beneficial activity in the com-
munity. Out of the 26 barangays in General Santos
City, there are around 9 barangays with a long
stretch of spring waters and lakes that serves as the
catch-basin of all of the wastes and garbages in the
entire city.
GenSan is now said to be the number one
mid-sized city in the entire Philippines. This was the
result from the Asian Institute of Management
(AIM) survey which was conducted in the year
2005. Presently, the existence of huge malls and
other facilities translates a lot of demand in terms of
it’s social acceptability especially in the areas of
environmental preparedness. Development is good
but the question is, how prepared is the city for the-
se challenges. Several experiences of other major cities shows how crucial is the effect of development towards the
daily lives of it’s constituents especially when natural calamities strikes like flooding and even just like natural rain
shower that lasts for several hours. Based on observations, water level in the city rises up due to the huge amount of
wastes that were found trapped along the river
banks in the city.
June 12, 2013, Independence Day,
was the slated schedule for the implemen- tation
of my project together with around thirty volun-
teers in partnership with the local govern- ment
unit of GenSan, AFS GenSan Chapter, BAK-
TAS-MSU, friends, non-government or- ganiza-
tion and the target community itself
through the financial assistance extended by the
US State Department, the project was real- ized. It
was indeed a worthwhile event since every partic-
ipant have one thing in mind. That we need to
promote environmental awareness and com-
munity participation so we can help every human
being understand that this planet is a won- derful
place to live in.
The joint-effort and partnership to this purpose
is trying to preserve the environment around us
and will eventually contribute in educating the
constituents in their role to adopt good practic-
es in waste management and environmental
preservation programs and eventually intro-
duce social change. This is also an advocacy
campaign to popularize disaster preparedness
activities in the city. Community participation
is also being promoted in order to achieve the
objectives of this project, with the help of the
U.S State Department in funding this project
and the learnings that we have acquired in
Northern Illinois University, we have success-
fully implemented the project. Foods were
shared to every participant after the clean-up
and the rest of the remaining foods were do-
nated to the children in the community. Possi-
ble extension projects were also discussed before the group dispersed. Also, it was considered to recommend for
some local ordinances to be passed prohibiting waste disposal by the community along the river banks.
Veggie is the Way
Abdulhakim H. Jul
Age Group Youth Leader Batch PYLP 2013 Gender Male Religion Islam Ethnicity Tausug City, Province, Region, Island Siasi, Sulu Project Title Veggie is the way Dates of Project Implementation July 26, 2013 and Aug. 15, 2013 (revisitation)
My community service project is a ''Communal Vegetable Compost Garden''. The site of my pro-
ject is in West Kuntad, Siasi, Sulu. The objective of my project is to give idea to the people of West Kun-
tad and other neighboring barangays about composting, its great help to the environment and as well as to
their farming lives. Thus this will reduce them from burning when they clean their farms rather use the
green stuffs for compost. This project has partnerships with the LGU, my own school Notre Dame of
Siasi and Sangguniang Kabataan. The land that was use for my project is our vice-mayor's land which he
donated. I have 4 kinds of vegetables in my garden these are; eggplants, okras, string beans, and cucum-
bers. In the last week of June my garden was already on, it was ready for planting. Green stuffs were used
and were already decomposed that time. My uncles who lived near the garden are the one who maintained
my garden. I really thank them very much for that. On July 26, 2013 I had the final implementation of my
project wherein we did cleaning of the garden and the lay¬¬-outing. Unfortunately it was done lacking
formality, without a tarp and with very few volunteers because that time Siasi was really critical. We were
only about 15 who made it and that was one of the challenges I had. Challenges were; I was the only alum
of PYLP or any exchange programs wherein I can't ask any advice because I was really the first alum, our
place Siasi really lacks resources and we also don't have an AFS chapter which can help us for more vol-
unteers.
The impact I appreciated the most was when my uncles told me there were people who passed by
the garden and asked them something about composting and then my uncles tell something about what
and how to compost. It was then seemingly a nice idea for them. I have lately provided a tarpaulin for my
project because in Siasi it was difficult and expensive I have it made in Zamboanga. Before I left Siasi
and preparing for the follow-on activity my school sent volunteers which I asked for, together with me for
the acknowledgement of my project wherein I had also introduction about in the site itself. It was revisita-
tion though. Those volunteers weren’t able to join my final implementation because of the past happen-
ings (critical situations) but a schoolmate and friend of mine joined the final implementation. I was glad
they went, acknowledged, and appreciated my project. I provided also two illustration boards together
with the tarp. The boards speak more about composting and its benefit for the farming life. I am also glad
that every people who passed by my garden stops a while and read some info about my project. A worth-
while reading may help as to understand composting benefits to our environment as well as to the farming
lives of people in Siasi. Also there weren’t already harvesting of cucumbers wherein it was also distribut-
ed in some people in my community. Hopefully when the string beans, okras, and eggplants come to a
harvest more and more will benefit until the whole community.
Cleaning of the garden (final implementation)
July 26, 2013
Cleaning of the garden (final implementation)
July 26, 2013
Laying-out of the garden (final implementation) Revisit August 15, 2013
Taking care of the crops Cleaning the area
Volunteers as the Emblem in saving our Mangrove Ecosystem
Malong, Aisah
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013
Gender Female
Religion Islam
Ethnicity Sangil
City, Province, Region, Island GENERAL SANTOS CITY, SOUTH COTABATO,
SOCSARGEN, MINDANAO
Project Title Volunteers as the Emblem in saving our Mangrove Eco-
system
Dates of Project Implementation June 22, 2013
Being able to address the community environmental problems of foremost importance has to be a product of a care-
ful, informed decision that is achieved by acquiring the expert knowledge of the concerned officials as well as the
approval and support of the community people that makes this goal tangible.
With this regard, I have created my community service project through consultations from our City Envi-
ronment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in General Santos City to help enlighten me about these problems
that need the utmost attention. The team head, Engr. Valiente Lastimoso, advised me to help support their coastal
resource management project through Mangrove rehabilitation. The main target is to be able to grow 25 000 man-
grove trees in the selected coastal areas and as of the year 2012, they already planted 71% of the needed trees in
Purok Minanga, Buayan which is the site for my project implementation.
Moreover, as I have looked through their 2012 accomplishment report, it shows that there are different
volunteer groups who participate every month to make this happen including my own school which participated for
the months February and July.
This has then led me to the conclusion that this must be something what the community really needs and
what the community wishes to be addressed. Indeed, I am making the right choice.
So to get this done, I coordinated with the CENRO officials in order to set the schedule and to be oriented
with the necessary tasks to be undertaken before the actual day of the implementation. After doing so, I have dis-
seminated the information and important reminders to my 40 volunteers which include the students from Mindanao
State University-College Education Training Department (MSU-CETD), Mindanao State University General San-
tos City, and members of the Youth for Environmental Schools Organization (YES-O), a Department of Education-
accredited organization, from General Santos City High School with the help of our local AFS chapter, the AFS
SOCSARGEN.
We conducted the mangrove tree planting activity on June 22, 2013 at Purok Minanga, Buayan, General
Santos City. We provided a free, round-trip transportation service to our fellow volunteers from MSU-CETD (as
the assembly area) to the actual site. It started with a brief orientation from the representatives of CENRO who dis-
cussed the proper steps in planting the seedlings and at the same time conveyed to us its importance that signified
our efforts. Afterwards, we get started with it and enjoyed while doing it until we were able to plant more than 100
mangrove seedlings. When we were already done, we went back to MSU-CETD to serve the free lunch.
The accomplishment of this project seemed too challenging at first especially that currently we are having
the rainy season so not all of the expected participants were able to come (some were not feeling well) in addition
to the fact that it will even be more of a hassle to plant in the shorelines with heavy rains. However, during that day
we had a very fine weather and so we were able to satisfy our aims in doing that activity. I even heard lots of posi-
tive feedbacks from the volunteers that because of this initiative they were able to make a worthy cause while en-
joying it at the same time. In fact, many of them had uploaded some pictures on Facebook with the descriptions
telling about the fun that they had and even thanked me for this experience when they don't even have to.
In turn, this project then serves a beneficial impact to the environment that it has been an aid to the estab-
lishment and/or reinforcement of the mangrove habitat in the place. Mangrove serves many benefits that it can be a
home to the young fishes, food for some surrounding aquatic animals, a means to address pollution, a buffer against
weather disturbances, a protection and beautification to the shoreline landscape. Even if it was a simple project, it
somehow served a very great purpose.
As I support the vision of CENRO in combating the current environmental problems through holistic ap-
proaches, I believe that this accomplishment is a significant contribution to advance such aim and even the future
endeavors of the community as a whole to do something for the environment. Aside from that, I also consider that
one of the greatest fruits that it reaped was the instilling of a very precious value among the volunteers that doing
something for the environment does not really have to be taking much effort on any one's on part all the time. That
to do something worthy, it is not always a necessity to take aggressive, giant steps and face unnecessary risks to
lead you to that cause. Even from your slow beginnings, you gain more of what you've given.
In conclusion, I believe that this project was both an aid in addressing several environmental problems as
well as a useful means that instilled the value of volunteerism which possibly make General Santos City a better
place to live because of the responsible, cooperative individuals.
Arrival at the Actual Site of Project Orientation by the CENRO representatives
Implementation
The Tree Planting Activity Free Lunch at MSU CETD
Sustainability Development: Vermicomposting and Environmental Program
for Climate-Caused Disasters’ Refugees and Residents of Brgy. Tibanga, Iligan City
Ayana Jamnia G. Maranda
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2013
Gender Female
Religion Islam
Ethnicity Maranao
City, Province, Region, Island Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Region X, Mindanao
Project Title Sustainability Development: Vermicomposting and Environmental
Program for Climate-Caused Disasters’ Refugees and Residents of
Brgy. Tibanga, Iligan City
Dates of Project Implementation August 10, 2013
“Give green a chance, it is the only Earth we have.” This has been the battle cry of my community
project. Planning, organizing, and communicating to beneficiaries, sponsors, partner institutions were
never really that easy but once it was done, it was worth all the time and efforts invested. My community
project and the community’s need is sustainability development aimed to empower a resilient Iliganon
through engagement in environmentalism or greenism, most importantly, to utilize environmental re-
sources and/or waste to be used again but with greater importance. It is cored on vermicomposting that is
through the use of African night crawlers (worm), together with other waste products such as horse ma-
nure, vegetable wastes, chicken manure, sawdust, and etc. It is a strategic way of making them feel at
peace with the environment in something that is innovative and they can easily relate to. It was imple-
mented on August 10, 2013 at Brgy. Tibanga, Iligan City.
Beyond the challenges like, the barangay was at some point unresponsive to the letters and meet-
ings that the project was overlooked because of the forced majeure that happened when the prospect site
of the vermibed to be placed was burnt and other substitute areas were also affected because houses were
demolished and people were subject to relocation. With that, it was still made to happen and I am grateful
because of the support from my university, MSU-IIT, and the Department of Psychology and Department
of Extension with the Psychology students that helped me made it happen through the collaborative ef-
forts of consultation in the barangay and door-to-door talk and campaign to introduce the project and raise
awareness of the environment. Moreover, with the expertise of the National Power Corporation- Water-
shed Management Division, in rendering their time who gave the talk and demonstration of the ver-
micomposting as well as supplying and making the necessary materials that were used. I am also happy
that it was more than a family event that my mother was the head of the Psychology Department and my
father being the section chief of NPC-WMD together with the psychology students and volunteers and the
participants-mothers, who were the target of this project, one could serve it as livelihood and also mothers
in nature, that utilizes and nurtures well with what is in the environment.
During the turn-over ceremony (vermibed, vermicast, etc.), I was very happy and hopeful that the re-
sponse from the citizens and a form of resolution to their waste and their part was that, families whose
husband or member who is a ‘kuchero’ will be contracted that horse manure will be collected same with
families who are raising chickens. Solid waste management is also strengthened in the family and com-
munity for biodegradable (‘malata’) materials will be collected and used in vermicomposting. In closing,
there was a favorable response and support of maximization of innovative solutions in support to the envi-
ronment.
Ayana giving her opening remarks on the program on
August 10, 2013 Turn-over of vermicompost to beneficiaries on August
10, 2013.
Forester Alan Biticalan on introducing What is ver-
micomposting on August 10, 2013.
Response of Kag. Wilfredo Mirasol of the turn-over on
Aug. 10, 2013
For. Kharis Maranda, For. Mateo Labastida, And For. Alan Biticalan demonstrating how to set-up vermicompost on
August 10, 2013.
E-Shots on Plastic Bottles
Strengthening Environmental Awareness
By: Nafieza S. Mohammad (PYLP10)
Age Group Youth Leader
Batch PYLP 2012
Gender Female
Religion Islam
Ethnicity Tausug and Maranao
City, Province, Region, Island Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Region IX, Mindanao, Phil-
ippines
Project Title E-SHOTS ON PLASTIC BOTTLES! Strengthening Environ-
mental Awareness
Dates of Project Implementation August 15, 2013
“E-Shots on Plastic Bottles! is a project that hopes to Strengthen Environmental Awareness most especially
the concern on Plastic Bottles - through Photojournalism. I was able to tap the following organizations to help me
endorse the project: the National Youth Commission (NYC), Youth Solidarity for Peace (YSP), National Youth
Parliament (NYP9), Department of Education and Universidad De Zamboanga. I needed additional fund-
ing for mobilization, prizes and sponsors for the refillable water bottles to be given to the participants in
connection to my advocacy, “To Invest in refillable water bottles NOW!”. The sponsors were Eng'r.
Amimbsar Sabdula, Dr. Kunayfa Sabdula, Ms. Zurina Banguih, my parents Adnan J. Mohammad and
Amyra S. Mohammad and my Foster Family in the US Mr. Ron and Nancy Proesel who sponsored the
Aluminum Refillable Bottles.
It's very alarming to know that Plastic Bottles does not decompose easily! Study says... 400 years
for plastic bottle to decompose. I truly realized when we were having the successful Phase 1 of my project
dubbed as “E-Shot on Plastic Bottles Environmental Photojournalism Workshop” last August 15, 2013, I
realized how relevant it is to have such an activity for all of us, not only the students but all the people in a
community and the world be informed of the concern. From the workshop we learned from Dr. Mario R.
Obra, Jr., one of the speakers who discussed on “Raising Environmental Awareness on Plastic Bottles”.
He suggested the following strategies on what can we do with the Plastic Bottles: 1. Initiate a Ban on
Single-Use Water Bottles and encourage the use of Refillable Water Bottles. 2. Prominently Display
Recycling Containers throughout school Campus and offices. 3. Install a Sustainable Water Dis-
penser. 4. Create a Sustainability Team. 5. Place a Filtered-Water Carafe in the Faculty Room Re-
frigerator. 6. Distribute Literature To Employees On the Harmful Effects of Water Bottle Waste. 7.
Recycle.
The one-day environmental photojournalism workshop includes a Photo Contest. We received 27
photo entries that was launched on “E-Shots on Plastic Bottles” page in Facebook for the people to like
the best photos. Criteria for judging are as follows: Relevance to the theme “E-Shots on Plastic Bottles!