SU-GForest Project, Marine Biology interns lead environmental education at Sipalay Youth Camp
Silliman University’s Growing and Nurturing Forests for a Resilient and Sustainable Future (SU-GForest) Project, together with Marine Biology interns from the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (SU-IEMS), helped promote environmental awareness among young people during the 4th Environment Youth Camp held June 9, 2026 at the Sipalay City Greenbelt Eco Park and Critical Habitat.
The youth camp formed part of Sipalay City’s month-long celebration of the 26th Environment Month, carrying the theme “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.” Organized to foster environmental stewardship among the youth, the camp gathered high school and college students, as well as out-of-school youth from various barangays across the city.
The SU-GForest delegation was led by Project Coordinator Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong and composed of Clint G. Alvior, logistics coordinator; Floramae J. Neri, field operation coordinator; Pablina L. Cadiz, blue carbon specialist; Dianne Mira A. Yap, researcher; and project staff Joaquin Lorenzo I. Hernandez and Julia B. Javier. They were joined by SU-IEMS Marine Biology interns Edward Joseph Pobre, Eriel Francis Albino, Keene Joel Bermeo, Iñigo Dela Fuente, and Ertchin Floresca, as well as SU-IEMS alumna and Manami Resort marine biologist Chris Alexis Duran, who collectively facilitated the marine ecosystem learning sessions for camp participants.
A highlight of the program was a series of lectures on marine ecosystem diversity delivered by the five fourth-year BS Marine Biology students from SU-IEMS. Their presentations introduced participants to the ecological importance of coastal and marine habitats and underscored the need for their protection and sustainable management.
The student presenters discussed key marine ecosystems, with Pobre speaking on coral reefs, Albino on seagrass meadows, Bermeo on mangrove forests, Dela Fuente on intertidal zones, and Floresca on sargassum beds. Their talks provided participants with a deeper understanding of the biodiversity that supports coastal communities and marine life.
The sessions were preceded by an introduction to biodiversity by Dr. Calumpong, who emphasized the value of conserving ecosystems amid growing environmental challenges.
Joining the student speakers was Duran, who through her presentation, “Ocean Through My Lens: Hidden Wonders Beneath Sipalay’s Waters,” showcased the remarkable marine organisms found in Sipalay’s coastal waters and highlighted the city’s rich underwater biodiversity.
This year marked the second consecutive year that the SU-GForest Project participated in the Environment Youth Camp. During last year’s camp, the project team and SU-IEMS interns conducted sessions on mangrove ecosystems, continuing their efforts to support environmental education and community engagement in coastal areas.
At the close of the program’s first day, the Sipalay City Environment and Natural Resources Office recognized the contributions of the SU-GForest Project and its presenters by awarding certificates of appreciation. The recognition underscored the importance of collaboration among academic institutions, local government units, and environmental advocates in cultivating environmental responsibility among the next generation.
The SU-GForest Project is a collaborative initiative that advances environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and community-based sustainability efforts through research, education, and stakeholder engagement. Through activities such as the Environment Youth Camp, the project continues to strengthen public understanding of marine ecosystems and inspire young people to become active stewards of the environment.
