Beyond the Shore; Empowering the Next Generation

Roxas City- As the world marks critical environmental milestones throughout June, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Capiz has issued a bold challenge to the next generation, to become the active guardians of their future.

On June 03 to June 04, 2026, a total of forty-eight (48) motivated young leaders gathered in the coastal community of San Ramon, Pilar, Capiz for Ocean Camp 2026, with the theme: “Waves of Change: Empowering Youth for Ocean Conservation and Climate Resilience.” Held in partnership with the DENR 6 Conservation and Development Division (CDD), the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO), local youth volunteers, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) Pilar.

The camp served as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between environmental theory and community-based action highlighting the youth as the movers. Participants engaged in a two-day immersion designed to deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems and the “ridge to reef” approach to conservation. Through technical lectures and communication training, the youth were equipped with the tools to translate scientific knowledge into effective environmental advocacy.

The DENR’s primary objective throughout the camp was to challenge these young individuals to recognize that environmental degradation is not merely a distant scientific concern, but a direct threat to their own future. By facilitating team-building exercises, project proposal development, and interactive role-playing sessions on issues like solid waste management and coral bleaching, the agency encouraged the campers to move beyond passive observation. The program reached an emotional peak during a candle-lighting ceremony and environmental pledge, where participants committed themselves to becoming the vocal, solutions-oriented stewards their province needs to face modern climate challenges.

Brgy. San Ramon, Pilar was choses as the venue for this year’s Ocean Camp event was highly intentional and deeply symbolic. The provincial government and environmental agencies are currently spearheading a significant push to designate the area as a formal Protected Area, largely due to the immense ecological value and biodiversity of the nearby Tucad Reef. By hosting the camp in this specific location, the DENR underscored the urgency of local preservation efforts and ensured that the youth of today are actively invested in defending this vital marine sanctuary, reinforcing the community’s collective responsibility to protect their natural resources. /DENR 6