(RICARDO TODIO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
TACLOBAN CITY — Around 200 youth leaders from across Eastern Visayas convened in the city on April 22 for “Urban Bayanihan 2026,” an Earth Day summit aimed at mobilizing young people to take a more active role in addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Held at Pacific Point in line with the observance of International Earth Day, the gathering underscored Tacloban’s continuing push for climate resilience more than a decade after the devastation of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’, which exposed the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Organizers said the summit served as a platform for collaboration and dialogue, encouraging youth participation in environmental protection and community-based initiatives. Participants engaged in discussions and workshops focused on building resilient and inclusive communities amid the growing impacts of climate change.
A highlight of the event was an interactive booth showcase featuring 11 youth-led organizations presenting their climate advocacies and community projects.
Among the participating groups were The Weekender, Estrella Genoring, JJC Metro Tacloban Ruperto Kangleon, Rotaract Club of San Juanico, Brgy. 60 YHES Organization, Panaad Ha Sinirangan AYEJ-Leyte, Tala EcoFloss, Young Entrepreneurs Society, Youth Innovators, Tacloban Mountaineering Advocates Club, and Sumusip Young Builders.
Rasheed Luke Abordo, one of the exhibitors, welcomed the opportunity to connect with fellow advocates. “I love the community that we have here in Tacloban because we are surrounded by like-minded individuals who also stand for the environment,” he said.
The event also featured creative competitions, including poster-making, slogan writing, and siday (poetry), all centered on raising awareness about environmental responsibility.
Project lead Aron Sedrick Caminong said the turnout exceeded expectations, noting the participation of youth leaders from across the region.
“The goal is to unite youth leaders in Tacloban City, but we were surprised to have registrants from across Eastern Visayas,” he said. “We want the youth to feel inspired and to realize that they are not alone in pushing for climate action.”
Organizers said the initiative highlights the critical role of the youth in advancing sustainability efforts, emphasizing that collective action at the community level can drive meaningful environmental change.
(RICARDO TODIO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
