More than 200 mangrove seedlings were planted in the coastal community of Bonot Santa Rosa, Calabanga, Camarines Sur, today, April 22 through the joint initiatives of Scouts from Camarines Sur, Siklab Town Scouting, and Bagacay Eagle Scouts Outfit 723.
These revolutionizing efforts on planet protection focuses on communities bound by waters that rely on fishing as their primary source of income as since they are the most vulnerable to climate events which affects their lives and livelihoods.
Samantha Jauco, coordinator and member of Scouts Action for the Environment, affirmed that the youth are the hope of the future and have a commitment to pass on a better Philippines to the next generation.
“This Earth Day 2023, our theme is to invest in our planet. But for us, investing in our planet means investing in our farmers, investing in our [fishermen], and investing in our children. They are the most affected sectors when it comes to the issues of the environment,” Jauco said in an interview with Bicol.PH.
“As Scouts, it is important to protect our environment because we have a duty to do it, and most importantly, we will be the ones who will inherit this planet,” Jauco added.
Following a solidarity lunch with the residents and fishermen of the coastal town, the group has a focus group discussion with the locals about their issues and interactions with the effects of climate change, natural catastrophes, and their livelihood.
Although the campaign focuses mainly on Camarines Sur, it seeks to unify Scouts across the country and turn their individual activities into collective actions with the help of youths from other regions.
The activity was organized by the Amateur Media Association of Philippine Scouts (AMAPS) and SIKLAB Scouting in celebration of Earth Day 2023. | Aaron John Baluis
Photo Courtesy: AMAPS, Khim Gamora