Philippine Forestry Youth Summit 2026

Aligned with the 2026 International Day of Forests theme, “Forests and Economies,” PFYS 2026 highlights the contributions of forests beyond timber and employment. Forests support agriculture and food security, safeguard healthy watersheds, and provide nature-based solutions that enable the transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy, offering pathways for green growth and new economic opportunities.

The Philippine Forestry Youth Summit 2026 (PFYS 2026) is a three-day interactive event for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in the Philippines with an interest in forestry, environment, and sustainable development. Anchored on the theme “YABONG: Empowering Philippine Forests as Engines of a Green and Inclusive Economy,” the summit aims to strengthen youth understanding of forests as both vital ecosystems and key drivers of resilient and inclusive economies.

Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in the forestry sector, the summit provides a platform for participants to engage with forestry professionals, critically examine current challenges, and propose innovative solutions that place forests at the core of inclusive and sustainable development. Through its plenary sessions, workshops, competitions, and institutional tours, the summit directly advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

promoting quality and inclusive learning under SDG 4 (Quality Education)

preparing youth for meaningful careers in forestry in support of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

highlighting the role of forests in building resilient and sustainable cities and communities in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

strengthening climate mitigation and adaptation efforts through SDG 13 (Climate Action)

fostering multi-sectoral collaboration in pursuit of SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals)

In doing so, PFYS 2026 equips participants with essential technical knowledge, research skills, and leadership competencies to contribute effectively to the forestry sector. Ultimately, PFYS 2026 empowers Filipino youth to advocate for the sustainable management of forests as indispensable assets for healthy ecosystems and thriving economies.

OBJECTIVES

Increase youth’s knowledge and awareness of forestry, environmental science, and the economic roles of forests
Enhance the technical understanding, research engagement, and leadership readiness of undergraduate and graduate participants
Strengthen networking and institutional linkages among students, professionals, and forestry-related institutions

PFYS "Through the Years"

Launched in 2022 and successfully continued in 2024, the Philippine Forestry Youth Summit stands as the national flagship event of AFFS‑UPLB. Initially conceived to introduce forestry to young Filipinos and encourage dialogue on environmental stewardship, PFYS has grown into a landmark national initiative that brings together students, educators, professionals, institutions, and advocates from across the country.

PFYS 2022: Empowering The Next Generation of Foresters

PFYS 2024: Reaching New Heights Through Innovation and Adaptation in Forestry

Throughout the years, PFYS has remained steadfast in its mission to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of forestry and environmental leaders. Many participants, particularly senior high school students, have shared that PFYS played a significant role in shaping their academic and career aspirations, with several expressing interest in pursuing forestry and allied fields.

The summit’s excellence gained international recognition when PFYS 2022 was awarded Outstanding Local Committee Project of the Year at the 2023 IFSA Excellence Awards, affirming its quality, relevance, and impact.

PFYS 2026 Sub-Events

Forest Science Youth Challenge

The activities from the Forest Science Youth Challenge (FSYC) are designed mainly to strengthen foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and creative expression among undergraduate students through friendly academic competition and social engagements. The program enables students to explore how forest systems function as engines of green growth.

Main Event:

1. Forestry Fundamentals Quiz Contest

Side Events:

1. Poster Making Competition

2. Socials Night

PFYS Nature Tour

Combines experiential learning and networking. It includes facility tours of major forestry and environmental institutions and networking activities, including the AFFS National Congress for all AFFS chapters to strengthen national and global youth collaboration.

Nature Tour Itinerary:

Entrance MMFR
Mudspring | Flatrocks
Los Banos Experimental Forest
Rainforest Park
Makiling Botanical Garden
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Filipino Forestry Students Symposium

Explores pathways such as forest value chains, bioeconomy, biodiversity and nutrition, agroforestry, watershed management, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions. Complemented by boot from forestry-related institutions and organizations.

Plenary Sessions:

1. Youth Engagement in Forestry

2. Forests as Engines of Green and Inclusive Economy

3. Institutions, Policy, and Markets in Sustainable Forestry

Forest Science Research Conferences (Tertiary Level):

1. Forest Value Chains and Bioeconomy

2. Biodiversity, Food, and Agroforestry Systems

3. Healthy Watersheds and Ecosystem Services

4. Nature-based solutions and Climate resilience