PENRO Aklan launches Project KAMPEON to empower youth as environmental champions

TANGALAN, Aklan — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) Aklan has launched Project KAMPEON, a youth development initiative aimed at empowering young leaders to become active champions for environmental protection and conservation.
The two-day Environmental Youth Camp, held on August 12–13, 2026 at the DENR Regional Training Center in Barangay Jawili, Tangalan, brought together student leaders from Aklan State University (ASU)–Banga and Ibajay campuses, representing the Biology Students’ Association (BioSA), Forestry Students’ Organization (FSO), and Environmental Science Society (ESS).
Project KAMPEON, which stands for “Empowering Young Leaders as Environmental Champions,” was designed to equip young people with knowledge, practical skills, leadership capabilities, and the confidence to translate environmental awareness into meaningful action.
LEARNING, LEADERSHIP AND ACTION
The first day focused on environmental education, leadership development, hands-on learning and team-building activities.
Among the sessions was “Climate Catalysts: A Challenge for Youth Leaders,” facilitated by Ms. Juvi T. Trieste, Project Development Officer of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of the Province of Aklan.
Ms. Jorgia Amor O. Dagohoy, Conservation Specialist of Haribon Foundation, Inc., discussed “Environmental Issues Today: Impacts, Challenges and Solutions,” alongside a Project Development Workshop designed to help participants develop solutions to environmental concerns.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of the Local Government Unit of Tangalan, led by Mr. Jude Joenel M. Tungala, also provided training on basic survival and disaster preparedness skills.
The participants then put their learning into practice through the Eco Challenge Series, featuring activities on blue ecosystems, tree growing and potting, and wildlife handling and restraint.
The activities were facilitated by DENR-PENRO Aklan Ecosystem Management Specialist II Ms. Cecile D. Poblador; Mr. Sherwyn Eutiquio D. Teodosio III, Project Manager of the Mechanized and Modernized Forest Nursery; and Mr. Stewart G. Chen, Animal Keeper of the Wildlife Rescue Center.
The first day concluded with the Kampeon Camp Challenge, where the participants demonstrated creativity, teamwork and camaraderie through cheers, yells and handmade canvas banners.
FROM LEARNING TO COMMUNITY ACTION
On the second day, the young environmental champions began with a Zumba exercise before participating in a coastal clean-up activity.
The participants and facilitators then proceeded to Vivo Integrated School in Barangay Vivo, Tangalan, where they took part in a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) activity and Project CoCo Year 4.
The activity gave the young leaders an opportunity to move beyond being learners and become facilitators, educators and role models. Through interactive environmental activities and games, they engaged younger students and encouraged them to appreciate and take greater responsibility for the environment.
The integration of Project KAMPEON and Project CoCo provided the participants with a practical platform to apply the knowledge and leadership skills they gained during the camp while helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
DENR-PENRO Aklan said the initiative represents an important step in strengthening youth participation in environmental conservation—from educating young people about environmental challenges to empowering them to lead community-based environmental action.
Project KAMPEON carries a clear message: learning is only the beginning. True environmental leadership means taking action, inspiring others and becoming a champion for nature.
Through the initiative, DENR-PENRO Aklan aims to nurture a new generation of young environmental leaders who are ready to learn, lead and act for the environment.
Together, let us nurture a generation of Environmental Kampeons.