SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region- I (DENR- I) through the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) conducted the first Online Environmental Youth Leadership Summit: Capacitating Young Leaders of Region- I. The event was held in DENR- I Regional Office via Zoom last May 26, 2021.

The event, which is the kick- off activity for this year’s Philippine Environment Month, aimed not only to link strongly with our Sangguniang Kabataan Federation presidents from various municipalities of Region- I and Tayo Ang Kalikasan (TAK) ENR Ambassadors but also to encourage them to come up with innovative solutions to the widespread environmental problems in their dominion through an integrated solution. RSCIG chief Renelita A. Santos welcomed the participants while DENR- I Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M.Barcelo delivered an inspirational message, encouraging the youth environmental leaders to become advocates of environmental change. Citing the support of stakeholders and the DENR youth programs like the Tayo Ang Kalikasan Ambassador Program and the YES- O or Youth for Environment in Schools Organization, the DENR- I chief executive enjoined the youth leaders to help DENR strengthen its mission and vision particularly in public awareness and information drive. Dr Hiro Masuda, Director of the DENR Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service (SCIS), the communication arm of the agency discussed the goals and roles of the environmental leaders. Proficient virtual speakers include, Engr. Misael Camposano Jr. who discussed Environmental Leadership,; Atty. Leenard Dulay of Environmental Management Bureau, Region- I (EMB- I) who presented updates and relevant features of Environmental Laws;  Forester Marie Bernadette Mendoza of Forest Management Bureau (FMB) shared her expertise on Forest Resource Management; Forester Andy Sarac of DENR- I informed participants about Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act; and Ms. Giovanni Fontanilla- Information Officer  II of DENR- CAR discussed the significant topics  of DENR Priority Programs and Environmental Legislation.

The significant Environmental youth summit is a great opportunity to gain new solutions, strategies, new ideas and larger pool of resources that will alleviate the dilemmas we are facing presently in environment and the coronavirus.  (GCG- RSCIG)