Kinaadman (2025)

04/10/2025

Rooted in Purpose: Voices from the Tree Growing Activity

In a heartfelt display of environmental action and community spirit, SEADsters and volunteers came together last September 28 for a Tree Growing Activity along the Matina Aplaya Coastal Area. Beyond the planting of seedlings, what truly stood out were the voices, stories of hope, reflections on sustainability, and a shared commitment to nurturing the Earth.

In this special reel, the Students’ Environmental Alliance of Davao’s Official Publication, Kinaadman’s members captured interviews with participants who shared what the activity meant to them. From first-time volunteers to long-time advocates, their words remind us that change begins with small, collective steps, and that every seed planted carries the promise of a greener tomorrow.

Special thanks to Lakbai TV – Maam Rolyn, Sir John, the rest of the crew, dedicated partners, and generous sponsors for making this event possible.

Lagi’t lagi, para sa Kabataan, Bayan, at Kalikasan.

Interviewer:
Dinize Pradanos
Mayumi Aishy Toraque

Edited by: Sol Angelo Bade

28/08/2025

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄: 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀

Davao City | The members of the Students' Environmental Alliance of Davao (SEAD) step into key roles within the Davao City Junior Officials program. The organization is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its members, who have been appointed to some of the city's highest junior positions, showcasing a deep commitment to service and a passion for leading change.

At the very top, leading with passion is the elected Junior City Mayor of Davao City, Shea May A. Cadiong. Sworn to make a change and born to be a leader, Shea's ascent to the highest junior official position is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Her journey, now unfolding with new and awaiting experiences, embodies the very spirit of SEAD, and the organization is filled with immense joy as it watches her fire continue to blaze.

The impact of SEAD, however, extends far beyond a single appointment. The organization proudly celebrates a powerful collective of its members who are part of Davao City Junior Councilors and Department Heads. With hearts full of pride, SEAD recognizes these incredible young people for embodying what it means to be a "SEADster", that is committed, passionate, and ready to lead change. Among them are the new Junior Councilors. They are Carmen Bethany Pajora, serving in the Office of Councilor Tek Ocampo; Mikan B. Fabiolas in the Office of Councilor Atty. Sweet Advincula; Vonne Krina Wyndrelle P. Parico, alongside Councilor Pamela Librado; and Chyan Rhaine B. Cavillza in the Office of Councilor Rodrigo Duterte III. Each of these leaders steps into their role poised to inspire and uplift their communities.

For the Department Heads serving with passion are Dinizé A. Pradanos at the City Veterinarian's Office, Ariana Samantha J. Nabuya with the Sports Development Division, Ma. Kareena Marchel B. Ogabar in the Office of the City Building Official, Mayumi Aishy Toraque at the City Library, and Roxxie L. Tabile for City Environment & Natural Resources

As these young leaders begin their vital work, they carry with them the core values of SEAD, dedication, leadership, and an undeniable heart for service. Their collective success is a powerful reminder that the future is not just something to hope for, but something to actively build. And in Davao City, it is being built by a new generation of remarkable young people who are ready to make their mark on the world.

19/08/2025

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴

In the green setting of Camp Corazon in Toril, a powerful dialogue on environmental stewardship and youth empowerment unfolded at the 3rd Council Gathering of Girl Leaders. With the theme ‘LUNTIAN: Girls Healing the Planet, Healing Humanity’, the event brought together young, passionate voices, and among them was the Students' Environmental Alliance of Davao (SEAD), lending its expertise and vision.

Representing SEAD was Ezekiel Ralph Ruiz, the organization's Assistant Director for External Affairs. He shared crucial insights on the pressing issues facing our planet, addressing the gathering of inspiring Girl Scouts with a powerful call to action. Zeke's message resonated deeply, highlighting the pivotal role that today's youth play in tackling environmental challenges and driving positive change within their communities. His discussion focused on the current state of the environment, the hurdles we must overcome, and actionable steps that young leaders can take to create a greener, more sustainable future.

The event, hosted by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Davao Council, served as a crucial platform for collaboration and shared purpose. It underscored the importance of empowering young leaders and fostering a spirit of environmental responsibility. SEAD's participation not only honored the organization but also solidified its role as a key player in the city's youth-led environmental movement. It was a day dedicated to nurturing the next generation of eco-warriors and ensuring that the path toward a kinder, more sustainable world is being forged by the very individuals who will inherit it.

Written by: Mayumi Aishy Toraque

05/07/2025

Davao's Vanishing Embrace: A City's Green Legacy Turns to Concrete

Davao City lost over 95 percent of its wetland ecosystems from its 1944 figure of 471 hectares. Judging by the numbers from 2002, when the city was down to 84.55 hectares of wetland, the depletion had progressed to only 24.46 hectares by the year 2021. Those aren't just numbers; they are warnings.

Wetlands and mangroves are not just green patches along the shore; they are natural barriers designed to absorb the forces from storm surges and floodwaters. They sustain marine biodiversity, acting as shields for coastal communities. In their absence, cities along the coast, like Davao, remain at the highest risk of flood, erosion, and rising sea levels. This loss has been a byproduct of growth, with decades of unpublished building projects carrying the seeds of environmentally destructive mushroom growth.

Historic records show that the neighborhoods now standing with so many houses and buildings were once thickly covered mangrove forests and tidal marshes. Each passing decade saw the gradual extinction of these natural habitats just to give way for urban growth. What was once a functioning coastal ecosystem is now a sheer expanse of asphalt, drainage canals, and communities prone to flooding.

One barangay in the coastal region of Davao has quietly extended its mangrove forest, contrary to the general trend, now multiplied from 22 hectares in 2013 to 44 hectares in its present extent. This larger expansion is now home to 37 species of mangroves. All these were achieved through community-driven efforts on the basis of ecological necessity. The local community has mobilized their youth in this program of conservation where they participate in growing seedlings, selling them to environmental groups, and manually growing them in coastal areas.

Davaoeños will tell you that urban zoning laws professedly forbade reclamation of wetlands in the city. However, satellite images and field studies offer evidence of continuing losses in such habitat-yielding wetland environments. National legislations, such as the Forestry Code of the Philippines, forbid the cutting down of mangroves, yet regular occurrences have shown that not all people abide by the law. The existence of laws means nothing when not enforced, inconsistently applied, or at least optional.

These mangrove ecosystems must be considered parts of public infrastructure in their very own right. They function, or are supposed to function, as protective barriers, and nowhere have so few human-made substitutes become so cost-effective or complete in such functions. The loss of every hectare shows yet another ecological wound; this wound, however, has economic and social impacts.

In this thing that is understood by coastal communities, flood waters are shallower where mangroves exist, they are taken by fish, and their effect on storms is lessened. In turn, these areas have fisherfolk that have sustainable projects like crab farming and fish cages whose operation complements the mangrove swamps. They have increased aquaculture productivity by as much as 10 percent and limited marine pollution by avoiding chemical feeds.

This shows that development and conservation can very well exist side by side. Sustainable livelihoods can exist with ecosystems that are protected. While stability needs governance and long-term planning, it also needs to show greater respect for nature's contribution toward urban building.

Nature has played its part. It is time that the rest of us play ours.

Written by: Roxxie Tabile
Editorial Cartoon by: Kathleen Rojas

Article source:

GMA News Online

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/950728/mangrove-forests-davao-city-diminishing-spark-concerns/story/%3famp

01/05/2025

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝘀

Davao City — On Thursday morning, May 1, 2025, 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘰 released an article about the flowerpots lining C.M. Recto Avenue presented an unpleasant sight, a collection of discarded plastic bottles and cups.

To the 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀’ 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼, this issue is nothing new.

Keeping our city clean is a responsibility we all share. Disposing trash properly in designated bins, is a simple yet crucial act that contributes significantly to the well-being and beauty of our community.

Cleanliness enhances our quality of life fostering a healthier environment for everyone. It also plays a vital role in preserving the natural beauty of Davao City, something we can all take pride in.

The local government has consistently reminded Dabawenyos about the importance of proper waste disposal and the need to treat public spaces with respect. Unfortunately, some Dabawenyos have repeatedly turned these flowerpots into trash bins, despite ongoing reminders and clear-up efforts.

This recurring issue serves as a visible example of the ongoing struggle to prevent littering and maintain the cleanliness of the city. The misuse of these flowerpots not only detracts from the intended beautification efforts but also highlights a disregard for shared public resources.

For more information, please see: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15po4WiUdp/

Photo Credits by: Christian Caile Dayrit
Written by: Mayumi Aishy Toraque

27/04/2025

𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼'𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

SEAD I Davao City buzzed with youthful energy and environmental fervor this past April 24th and 25th as the Environmental Youth Congress (EYC) 2025 by the Student's Environmental Alliance of Davao (SEAD), unfolded over two impactful days. The event served as a crucial platform for young Davaoeños to engage in critical discussions, share insights, learn from environmental advocates, and forge a collective commitment towards a greener future for their region.

The first day of the congress convened at the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Davao, setting a formal tone for the discussions ahead. The young delegates were greeted with inspiring messages of support from key city figures. Stella Acosta, representing Atty. Luna Acosta, alongside 1st District Councilor Pilar Braga, and Ms. Justine Calizo, representing Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain, all underscored the vital role of youth in environmental stewardship and encouraged their active participation in shaping sustainable policies.

The program swiftly delved into pressing environmental issues with an engaging and informative session led by Zeke Ruiz, the Head of the Climate Action Committee and Advocacy Committee. His ‘Trash talk’ went beyond mere waste management, igniting a deeper understanding of the complexities and far-reaching consequences of improper waste disposal and the urgent need for innovative solutions.

Following this eye-opening discussion, Atty. Mark Peñalver, the Executive Director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), took the stage to share his profound knowledge about watersheds. His talk resonated deeply with the young audience as he passionately emphasized the critical role of Davao's watersheds in sustaining life and the urgent need for DabawenYOUTHS to become active protectors of these vital ecosystems.

The final talk of the day shifted focus to a significant local issue: the Davao Samal Connector Bridge. Reishka Villarte, SEAD's Chief Finance Officer, presented a comprehensive overview of the project, but more importantly, she highlighted the potential negative impacts on the delicate marine ecosystem in its proposed location. Villarte passionately articulated the concerns of environmentalists, emphasizing the strong desire to relocate the bridge to a less environmentally sensitive area. This sparked thoughtful discussions among the young participants, raising their awareness of the intricate balance between development and environmental preservation.

The second day of the congress transitioned to the conference room of Barangay 33-D, fostering a more intimate and interactive setting. Jerome Edullantes, the Assistant Director for Internal Affairs (ADIA), kicked off the day with a compelling discussion on biodiversity and critically endangered animals. His passionate delivery underscored the crucial role of each individual in preserving the rich biodiversity of the region and actively protecting species teetering on the brink of extinction.

“I'm feeling happy because I learned a lot of things, had a lot of fun and learned new things I'm not knowledgeable of, especially about Davao-Samal Bridge. I am also happy to experience a plenary” by Cyrus Chin Labos from Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School. The culmination of the two-day congress was the plenary session, providing a platform for the young delegates to synthesize their learnings, share their perspectives, and collectively brainstorm potential solutions to the environmental challenges discussed.

“I feel so happy being invited in this event and I learned a lot. This event served as an eye opener to me as we youth and environmental advocates should take part in making solutions so that we can preserve our environment.” by Mark Bryan Sabijon from Davao del Sur State College with his organization UGMAD or T𝗁𝖾 U𝗇𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗈𝖿 G𝗎𝖺𝗋𝖽𝗂𝖺𝗇𝗌 𝖿𝗈𝗋 M𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖤𝖺𝗋𝗍h, A𝖽𝗏𝗈𝖼𝖺𝖼𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝖽 D𝖾𝖿𝖾𝗇𝗌𝖾 with their Adviser, Mr. Roy Molina, MPA, UGMAD President Shanrell G. Ampin, and UGMAD Event Coordinator Aly Orbita.

The Environmental Youth Congress 2025, organized by EYC and SEAD, proved to be a resounding success, igniting a passion for environmental protection in the hearts and minds of Davao's youth. By bringing together informative talks, engaging activities, and crucial discussions on local environmental issues, the congress has undoubtedly empowered a new generation of environmental champions ready to advocate for a sustainable future for Davao City and beyond.

Written by ✍️: Mayumi Ashy Toraque

09/04/2025

𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐊𝐀𝐃𝐀 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀 𝐒𝐀 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐍! 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨, 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐮𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐏𝐮𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐎𝐘𝐀 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Isang makabuluhang tagumpay para sa adbokasiya ng kalikasan at kabataan ang naitala sa Lungsod ng Davao matapos pagtibayin ng ika-20 Konseho ang isang resolusyon na nagpapahayag ng kanilang buong-pusong suporta sa isasagawang OYA DAVAO 2025.

Ang resolusyon na inihain at isinulong ni Konsehal Temujin Ocampo, ay pormal na inaprubahan sa kanilang ika-13 regular na sesyon na ginanap nitong Abril 8, 2025.

Ang OYA DAVAO 2025 ay isang inisyatibong pangkapaligiran na pinangungunahan ng aktibo at dedikadong mga miyembro ng Students’ Environmental Alliance of Davao (SEAD). Ang pangunahing layunin nito ay ang palawigin at palalimin ang kamalayan ng mga kabataang Dabawenyo hinggil sa mga kritikal na isyung pangkapaligiran na kinakaharap ng ating planeta, at hikayatin silang maging aktibong bahagi sa paghahanap ng mga solusyon tungo sa isang mas luntian at sustenableng kinabukasan.

Higit pa sa simpleng pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon, ang OYA DAVAO 2025 ay naglalayong lumikha ng isang plataporma para sa mga kabataan upang makapagbahagi ng kanilang mga ideya, makapagpalitan ng kaalaman, at sama-samang bumuo ng mga konkretong proyekto at aktibidad na makakatulong sa pangangalaga at rehabilitasyon ng kapaligiran sa Davao at sa karatig na mga lugar.

Ang pagpasa ng resolusyon ng Konseho ay hindi lamang isang pormal na pagkilala sa kahalagahan ng inisyatibong ito, kundi pati na rin isang kunkretong pangako ng suporta mula sa lokal na pamahalaan. Sa pamamagitan ng resolusyon, inaasahang magbubukas ang mga oportunidad para sa SEAD na makipag-ugnayan sa iba't ibang departamento at ahensya ng lungsod upang makakuha ng logistical, technical, at posibleng pinansiyal na tulong para sa matagumpay na paglulunsad at pagpapatupad ng OYA DAVAO 2025.

Kaya, sama-sama nating suportahan at aktibong makiisa sa OYA DAVAO 2025. Gawin natin itong isang hindi malilimutang kaganapan, isang kaganapan kung saan ang tinig ng kabataan ay maririnig, ang kanilang aksyon ay makikita, at ang pangangalaga sa ating planeta ay magiging pangunahing priyoridad ng bawat isa.

Isinulat ni ✍️: Mayumi Ashy Toraque

29/03/2025

𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗛𝗜𝗡 | 𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗸, 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿-𝗕𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻

Isang makabagong pag-aaral mula sa Boston University ang nagpapakita ng nakagugulat na koneksyon sa pagitan ng mikroplastik at pagtaas ng antibiotic resistance (AMR) sa mga bakterya. Ang mga maliliit na plastik na ito, na laganap na sa ating kapaligiran, ay hindi lamang nagdudulot ng polusyon, kundi pati na rin ng potensyal na panganib sa kalusugan ng publiko.

Ayon sa pananaliksik ni Gross et. al. 2025, ang mikroplastik ay nagiging isang tulay sa pagbuo ng mas matibay at makapal na biofilms ng bakterya, partikular ang Escherichia coli. Ang mga biofilms na ito ay nabuo sa presensya ng mikroplastik at nagiging mas mahirap pasukin ng mga antibiotics, na nagreresulta sa mas mataas na antas na pangagamba sa resistensya. Ayon sa pag-aaral, ito ay nagpapakita na ang mikroplastik ay maaaring maging isang "hotspot" para sa pagpapalitan ng genetic material na naglalaman ng AMR genes sa mga bakterya.

Ang mga pahiwatig ng pag-aaral na ito ay lalong nakababahala para sa mga komunidad na may mataas na antas ng polusyon ng plastik at limitadong pagkuha ng malinis na tubig.

Ang mga lugar tulad ng mga komunidad sa mga iskwater, kung saan ang basura ay nag-iipon at ang mga bacterial infection ay madaling kumalat, ay partikular na mas malapit sa panganib na ito.

Ang pagtaas ng AMR sa mga lugar na ito ay maaaring magdulot ng mas matinding hamon sa paggamot ng mga impeksyon.

Ang mga mananaliksik ay nagbabala na ang mikroplastik ay maaaring maging isang mahalagang salik sa pagtaas ng mga "superbugs" o mga bakterya na lumalaban sa maraming uri ng antibiotics.

Ang pananaliksik ay nagbibigay-diin sa pangangailangan ng agarang aksyon upang mabawasan ang polusyon ng mikroplastik at maprotektahan ang kalusugan ng publiko.

Ang mga hakbang tulad ng mas mahusay na pamamahala ng basura, pagbabawas ng paggamit ng plastik, at pagpapaunlad ng mga teknolohiya para sa pag-aalis ng mikroplastik ay mahalaga upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng AMR.

Nananawagan ang mga mananaliksik para sa karagdagang pananaliksik at pagsusuri upang mas maunawaan ang mga kumplikadong interaksyon sa pagitan ng mikroplastik, bakterya, at antibiotics.

Isinulat ni ✍️: Mayumi Ashy Toraque

11/12/2024

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀’ 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 (𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗗) 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆'𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

SEAD | Last November 29, 2024, The Students’ Environmental of Davao (SEAD) was once again awarded as the Most Outstanding Youth Organization in Davao City. The prestigious recognition was received by the Executive Director, Caile Dayrit, along with the officers and members of SEAD during the awarding ceremony.

The Most Outstanding Youth Organization award serves as a testament to SEAD’s unwavering commitment to environmental advocacy and youth empowerment. This recognition highlights its projects, programs, and efforts to address environmental challenges in Davao City and beyond. Through the collaborative efforts of its members, SEAD continues to lead initiatives that promote sustainability, climate action, and community engagement.

For more information, please see: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Wtem5Tb4D/

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