23/05/2024
๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ต ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐
SEAD | The Studentsโ Environmental Alliance of Davao (SEAD) organized the 6th Environmental Youth Congress with the theme "Pag-agak: Pagpanalipod ug Paglantaw sa Kalambuan para sa Kinaiyahan" on April 27 and 28 at Brokenshire College of Davao. The two-day event brought together student representatives and youth leaders from various schools and organizations, all dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability.
The congress featured renowned speakers and storytellers who shared their expertise and insights on important environmental issues. Some of the speakers included Maje Egent, Ninya S. Sarmiento, Milky Shane Gindon, Rara Ada, and Datu Joel Buntal. Additionally, storytellers Jey Macalawa and Christian Caile Dayrit captivated the audience with their narratives, adding depth and inspiration to the discussions.
Jasmin Salazar, a delegate from Ateneo de Davao University - Senior High School, shared her profound insights from attending the 6th Environmental Youth Congress organized by the Studentsโ Environmental Alliance of Davao (SEAD). Reflecting on her experience, Salazar expressed, โAttending my first youth congress organized by an external school group, I found the insightful speakers, storytellers, and the plenary session particularly memorable."
Salazar emphasized the diverse perspectives presented by the speakers, each offering unique insights based on their backgrounds and experiences. She acknowledged the continuous learning journey regarding environmental issues and various ways to address them. Salazar noted, โI realized there is still much to learn about our environment and various ways to care for it, each speaker offering unique perspectives based on their backgrounds and experiences. Additionally, the plenary session provided a unique opportunity for me to experience listening to and critiquing brilliant minds as they presented their resolutions for environmental issues.โ
In her aspiration to lead a sustainable lifestyle, Salazar gleaned valuable insights from the speakers and storytellers. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of unsustainable capitalism on third world countries, attributing it to actions and development by first world nations. Another crucial takeaway was the necessity to prioritize reducing and redesigning products for sustainability over recycling, emphasizing the importance of rethinking consumer choices. Salazar underscored the significance of embodying the principles of a transformational leader in inspiring others to adopt sustainable behaviors. She concluded, โUltimately, I realized that embodying the principles of a transformational leader is essential to inspiring others to adopt sustainable behaviors, making knowledge actionable.โ
Christian Caile Dayrit, the Executive Director of the Studentsโ Environmental Alliance of Davao (SEAD), successfully organized its sixth annual event this year, despite facing numerous challenges. The preparations for the event proved tough, as is often the case, with the recurring issues of budgeting and securing delegate participation.
This year presented additional difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances necessitating last-minute adjustments. However, Dayrit and his working team managed to navigate these obstacles with greater ease than in previous years. He attributed this success to the dedication and enthusiasm of the working team behind him. "This time they are more enthusiastic, more helpful and they have the initiative to take the tasks in their own hands and fulfill it within their own capabilities.," Dayrit said. "I wasn't stressed as much because I know things were being handled accordingly."
The technical working group (TWG) played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth ex*****on of the event. Their efforts resulted in fewer issues needing troubleshooting during the event. Dayrit emphasized the importance of teamwork and individual initiative, stating that these elements significantly eased the event's organization.
One of the event's highlights was the launch of the SEAD's merchandise, which featured t-shirt designs promoting SEAD. The models who showcased these designs contributed significantly to the success of the launch. "Thanks to them our launching for the merchandise was successful," Dayrit noted.
The main highlight of the congress was the resolutions crafted by the delegates. Out of 18 proposed resolutions, 11 were passed. These resolutions included concrete, sustainable, and feasible ideas for environmental protection, which will be lobbied with respective school administrators and City Councilors. "I hope this time the resolutions will come into the limelight and inspire everyone to be stewards of the environment," Dayrit expressed.
The event facilitated important partnerships and collaborations, with delegates committing to advocate for the resolutions developed during the event to their school administrations and city councilors. The Technical Working Group played a crucial role in guiding discussions and ensuring the success of the congress. The Environmental Youth Congress provided a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collective action towards a more sustainable future. As SEAD continues to empower youth leaders and promote environmental stewardship, the impact of this congress is expected to resonate within schools and communities, inspiring positive change and nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility.