A seminar on Biodiversity Conservation was successfully conducted to deepen participants’ understanding of the importance of protecting biological diversity and sustaining ecosystems. The activity began with a prayer followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem through a multimedia presentation. Section Chief Ericson M. Mendoza formally opened the seminar, while CAO II Jinelyn P. Ebreo acknowledged the participants and presented the ground rules. Before the start of the main session, participants were energized through a dancercise to create an engaging and active learning atmosphere.

The seminar featured Dr. Adrian M. Tulod, a professor from the College of Forestry and Environmental Science (CFES), as the resource speaker. In his lecture, Dr. Tulod discussed the concept of biodiversity, defining it as the variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are part. He explained the three levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecological diversity; and emphasized how these levels interact to support healthy ecosystems and biological communities.

Dr. Tulod highlighted the Philippines as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and a megadiverse country, noting its high level of endemism and rich terrestrial and marine ecosystems. He emphasized that the country is home to more than 52,000 described species and is located at the apex of the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity. Despite this richness, the Philippines also ranks among the top countries with the highest number of threatened plant and animal species, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts.

The discussion further emphasized the role of biodiversity in national development. According to Dr. Tulod, biodiversity and ecosystems provide essential services that support food security, medicine, livelihood, and economic growth, particularly for communities living in poverty. He stressed that protecting biodiversity is crucial to sustainable development and improving the quality of life of Filipinos.

The seminar also addressed the major threats to biodiversity, including habitat loss and degradation, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, climate change, and invasive alien species. These pressures, if left unmanaged, pose serious risks to ecosystems and human well-being.

Following the lecture, participants engaged in a workshop on the causes and effects of biodiversity loss. They were divided into groups to analyze the issues and propose solutions, after which group representatives presented their outputs. Constructive feedback and additional insights were shared to enhance the discussions, and participants were given time to revise their outputs before the final presentation.

The seminar concluded with strengthened awareness and a deeper appreciation of biodiversity conservation, reinforcing the importance of collective action in protecting the country’s rich natural heritage for present and future generations.

A two-day seminar on understanding environmental problems and environmental solutions was successfully conducted to deepen participants’ awareness of pressing environmental issues and sustainable practices. The activity opened with a prayer followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem through a multimedia presentation. Section Chief Ericson M. Mendoza formally declared the seminar open, after which CAO II Jinelyn P. Ebreo acknowledged the participants and presented the house rules. Prior to the training proper, participants were energized through a dancercise, setting an engaging and collaborative atmosphere for the sessions.

The seminar featured Dr. Michael Arieh Medina, a professor from the College of Forestry and Environmental Science (CFES), as the resource speaker. On the first day, Dr. Medina discussed current environmental issues, focusing on climate change, solid waste pollution, and deforestation. He explained that climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and storm intensity, noting global warming trends and their impacts such as sea level rise, increased frequency and intensity of typhoons, flooding, droughts, and coral bleaching. He also highlighted observed climate trends in the Philippines, including rising temperatures, increasing hot days, and more extreme rainfall events.

Dr. Medina further discussed solid waste pollution, describing it as the accumulation of household, commercial, agricultural, and industrial waste. He identified population growth, rising living standards, and lack of environmental concern as key contributors to the waste problem. The consequences of improper waste management, he explained, include health risks, environmental pollution, wildlife impacts, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. Data on per capita waste generation were presented to illustrate the magnitude of the problem at both national and local levels.

The discussion also covered deforestation, defined as the large-scale removal of forest cover and its conversion to non-forest uses. Dr. Medina emphasized the vital ecosystem services provided by forests, including provisioning services such as food, water, and raw materials; regulating services like climate regulation and water purification; cultural services that support recreation and spiritual well-being; and supporting services such as nutrient cycling and photosynthesis that sustain life on Earth.

On the second day, the seminar began with a recap of the previous discussions, followed by an icebreaker activity. Dr. Medina then presented the topic Environmental Solutions, focusing on practical actions individuals and communities can take to reduce environmental impacts. He explained the concept of carbon footprint and carbon offsetting, highlighting how tree growing, forest conservation, and recycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Comparative data on national carbon emissions were also shared to provide global context.

The seminar concluded with a discussion on ecological solid waste management, emphasizing waste segregation at source, proper collection, the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in every barangay, the prohibition of open dumps, and the implementation of rewards and sanctions. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how responsible environmental practices can contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.

Through this seminar, participants strengthened their environmental awareness and commitment to adopt sustainable solutions that help protect the environment for future generations.

A seminar on River Conservation was successfully conducted to raise awareness on the importance of protecting river systems and promoting sustainable water resource management. The activity began with a prayer followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem through a multimedia presentation. Section Chief Ericson M. Mendoza formally declared the activity open, after which CAO II Jinelyn P. Ebreo acknowledged the participants and presented the ground rules. Before the session proper, participants were energized through a dancercise, creating a lively and participatory atmosphere.

The host then introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Angela Grace Toledo-Bruno, a professor at the College of Forestry and Environmental Science (CFES) and Chairperson of the Department of Environmental Science. In her lecture, Dr. Toledo-Bruno discussed the fundamentals of river conservation, defining rivers as bodies of water with currents flowing in one general direction. She highlighted that the Philippines has 18 major river basins, emphasizing their critical role in water supply, agriculture, biodiversity, and livelihood.

Particular attention was given to the Pulangi River Basin, including its major tributaries such as Tigua, Nabalintungan, Manupali, Sawaga, Maapag, Bobonawan, Malingon, Taganibong, and Panlibatohan. Dr. Toledo-Bruno also explained the concept of drainage divides, which separate adjacent watersheds and influence water flow and distribution within river systems.

The discussion further explored how land cover and impervious surfaces affect hydrological processes. Dr. Toledo-Bruno explained that areas with natural ground cover allow higher rates of infiltration and evapotranspiration, reducing surface runoff. In contrast, increasing impervious surfaces such as roads and buildings significantly raise runoff levels, contributing to flooding and reduced groundwater recharge.

To address these challenges, Dr. Toledo-Bruno emphasized the protection of existing forest patches and riparian vegetation, which help reduce runoff, filter sediments and pollutants, and provide ecological corridors for wildlife. She also discussed strategies to manage flooding through flood risk assessments and highlighted rainwater harvesting as a solution to water scarcity and competition.

The lecture concluded with an overview of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Nature-based Solutions (NBS). Dr. Toledo-Bruno stressed that IWRM promotes coordinated water management for people, food production, ecosystems, and industry, while Nature-based Solutions focus on protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing ecosystems to address societal challenges in ways that benefit both nature and communities.

Through this seminar, participants gained valuable insights into river conservation and the importance of adopting sustainable, ecosystem-based approaches to water resource management.

The activity kicked off with a prayer and then the singing of the national anthem via the multimedia presentation. Ma’am Marilee Cosicol, a teacher of LNHS welcomed the guests and students. It was then formally opened by Section Chief Ericson M. Mendoza.

It was then followed by the acknowledgment of the fcailitators and settings of house rules by CAO II Jinelyn P. Ebreo. Before the seminar proper, participants were energized through a unity dance. After that, the guest speaker was introduced by the host.

Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas, and contributions of youth everywhere. 

Today and every day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and the planet. 

— UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Since the youths make up a significant segment of the population and bear a disproportionate amount of the burden of the all-encompassing global crisis, involving them in environmental action and decision-making goes beyond just being the right thing to do. By doing this, we can be certain that the decisions we make will be wiser, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable in the long run.

In effectively moving towards environmental protection, NPC WMD-PULWAT organized an environmental awareness seminar on Youth Participation in Environmental Protection. This seminar generally aims to bridge the gap in understanding environmental challenges and taking action to address and lessen their effects.

Resource speaker Eric N. Bruno, a professor from Central Mindanao University, pointed out that it is our obligation to preserve the environment for future generations.

Following the discussion, La Roxas National High School students participated in a workshop dubbed "Local Environmental Situation Processing," where they were given the assignment to form groups to examine environmental problems in their area, as well as their effects and potential solutions. 

This is done to educate students about the environmental problems that are currently plaguing their community, to highlight the solutions that the Barangay LGU has already put into place, and to include them in developing ideas that will aid in environmental protection.

Friendly competitions highlighting the importance of water were also staged, including water volleyball and water relay. The activity raised awareness among the students about the value of water. Their ability to achieve their goal will increase as they sustainably manage to save it.

"We can actively contribute to creating a more sustainable future through reducing waste, saving resources, and advocating policies that protect the environment. We can motivate people to take action and contribute to the development of a more sustainable world by means of our actions and influence," CAO II Jinelyn P. Ebreo added during her closing remarks.