Glan, Sarangani Province – Seventy young participants from the seven municipalities of Sarangani convened for SarBay Heroes, an initiative designed to enhance awareness of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) and the marine life it sustains.
This three-day environmental camp, which ran from May 24-26, 2024, was hosted at Roque Adarna Integrated School, coinciding with the festivities of the Sarangani Bay Festival.
Serving as the advocacy arm of the SarBay Festival, the camp's mission was to instill environmental awareness and advocacy among the youth.
The camp offers an interactive experience for Sarangan youths aged 15 to 30, who are eager to become true Heroes of Sarangani Bay. This transformative event aims at cultivating a profound connection with the bay, its marine inhabitants, and the surrounding communities.
The camp comprised five teams—Butanding, Pating, Dugong, Lumba-lumba, and Pawikan—each representing the bay's cherished marine species.
SarBay Heroes invited some notable speakers for their event. Dr. Roy Mejorada spoke on the topic of 'Rescuing Stranded Marine Life in SBPS'. Cirilo Lagnason Jr., the Protected Area Superintendent of SPBS, discussed 'SBPS 101'. Val Amiel Vestil shared insights on 'Environmental Journalism'. Lastly, Robert Baluyot presented on 'Swimming 101' and 'Water Search and Rescue'.
The initial two days were dedicated to lectures, culminating in a simulation on the final day, where participants applied their acquired skills.
"The youth play a significant role in safeguarding SarBay. Many are unaware that Sarangani Bay is a protected seascape. Educating our youth is straightforward, and we aim for them to join us in informing the public about SarBay," said Camp Manager Victor Melitante Jr.
SarBay Heroes was initiated by the Provincial Government of Sarangani, through its Provincial Youth Office, the Local Youth Development Council, PPSK Sarangani, and the Youth Development Offices of the seven municipalities.
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