SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) have partnered to launch YOUth are the Future, a leadership program designed to educate young student leaders on environmental conservation, climate change, and sustainability issues. This initiative recognizes the critical role that today’s youth will play as tomorrow’s environmental guardians.
“There is no better time than now to educate the youth. As stewards of the planet, it is important that they have an opportunity to learn about environmental conservation, encourage them to voice out their fresh ideas, and share new perspectives,” said WWF-Philippines Education for Sustainable Development Project Head Dino Calderon.
“When we provide our young student leaders with learning opportunities and expose them to practical solutions, we have a chance to help them design a sustainable future. We are committed to make sure that things change for the better,” says Hans “Chico” Sy, President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion.
The student ambassadors from many high schools in Metro Manila took part in a discovery tour of the SM Mall of Asia Complex, which showcases SM Prime’s sustainability initiatives and disaster recovery procedures, starting with the grand opening on October 10, 2023. At the SMX Convention Center, YOUth are the Future Ambassadors made their official debut along with a pinning ceremony. Attendees at the event include leaders and representatives from SM Prime, WWF-Philippines, government agencies, and overseas dignitaries.
In a message she delivered during the event, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said, “Our journey is really about the race to resilience, as our climate changes, society is changing. Sustainability is our pathway to survival as a planet and that is what resilience is really about, the ability to withstand the impacts of the hazards that we know and those that we could face in the future.”
The youth ambassadors will participate in a three-day eco-camp at the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club in November, where they will learn about waste and energy management, resource optimization, and climate mitigation and adaptation strategies from some of the country’s experts. Renowned for its role in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle conservation, the 3-day eco camp in Hamilo
Coast also serves as an immersive natural classroom in environmental conservation. The expected output from the eco-camp is a Green Manifesto that outlines their plans to effect change and a storybook module co-authored by all the participants. The program will culminate through a series of mall and school tours throughout Metro Manila to boost youth engagement and student ambassador recruitment.
Sara Z. Duterte, the secretary of the Department of Education and her excellency vice president, stated in a statement that this innovative program “embodies the transformative power of education and empowerment in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.” By taking advantage of this program, you will all be well-positioned to play a significant role in fostering a culture that is more environmentally conscious and sustainable.”
WWF-Philippines aims to further empower young Filipinos to become the next wave of sustainability champions in collaboration with its partners. Future generations can become proactive leaders who can #ChangeTheEnding for the earth with the support of initiatives like YOUth are the Future.
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