PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan—Palawan’s youth are emerging as leaders in climate conservation and climate resilience, following two major events that united advocates, scientists, government agencies, and student organizations: the UN SDGs Youth Convergence and the Marine Biology Forum 2025.
Together, these forums strengthened the role of youth in the Decade of Action—equipping them with research tools, institutional frameworks, and the collaborative spirit needed to steward Palawan’s coastal and marine heritage.
With 2030 fast approaching, the world confronts a sobering reality: climate impacts, biodiversity loss, and environmental decline are accelerating faster than global commitments. The question grows louder: How close are we to achieving our sustainability goals?
As governments and institutions struggle to keep pace, the burden shifts toward youth leadership and local action. Palawan’s young advocates are stepping into that role.
Global Goals and Climate Action
Held from November 19–22 and organized by SDSN Youth Philippines in partnership with UN Philippines, UNICEF, and the Puerto Princesa City Youth Development Office, the event aimed to raise SDG awareness among youth leaders and build partnerships between youth, government, and civil society.
Held from November 19–22 and organized by SDSN Youth Philippines in partnership with UN Philippines, UNICEF, and the Puerto Princesa City Youth Development Office, the event aimed to raise SDG awareness among youth leaders and build partnerships between youth, government, and civil society.
To reinforce ecological stewardship, the PCSDS mounted a biodiversity exhibit at NCCC Mall Convention Center through the EEED. Interactive displays gave students a closer look at Palawan’s unique and endangered species—emphasizing that conservation is both a scientific and moral responsibility.
Bridging Science, Policy, and the Blue Planet
Just days later, the Palawan State University Marine Biologists Society hosted the Marine Biology Forum 2025, themed “Bridging Science, Sustainability, and Stewardship for the Blue Planet.” The forum challenged marine biology students to pursue science-based conservation.
PCSDS, through Ms. Edilita B. Demonguitan of the ECAN Education and Extension Division, provided university students with the critical institutional foundation—including the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act—that mandates marine management and conservation. She emphasized how the PCSDS trains schools, communities, and LGUs through its Advocacy, Communication, and Education (ACE) initiatives—linking science with local action.
The panel discussion offered strategic advice for future scientists. Ms. Demonguitan emphasized that the most impactful research topics involve mobilizing grassroots communities, focusing on coastal and marine ecosystem conservation, and proposing innovative solutions—areas critical for securing external funding. She also stressed that research should not be a mere requirement but a response to an observed need.
The Commitment Follows the Discovery
A key takeaway from both events was the need for youth to internalize their connection to the environment. Palawan’s youth are not just inheriting the province’s ecological future; they are actively shaping it, driven by science, policy, and passion. The two forums successfully equipped them with the mindset and tools required to serve as the new frontline in conservation and climate action.
