Project Coco: Youth for Environment

Madalag, Aklan– In a world where human beings seek sustainability, and nature strives for its survival, the probability for both to co-exist without the latter slowly being deprived is lower than the ocean floor. The significance of these natural resources to humans has left nature to rot on its own bed, and human beings have failed to recognize its vulnerability, causing ignorance.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Offices (DENR), through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENRO) in the province of Aklan, initiated Project CoCo (Collect and Connect): Collect Seedlings to Connect to Nature Year 3, an engaging project wherein the youth are encouraged to partake in safekeeping the environment by gathering seedlings in exchange for essential school supplies – bags, crayons, notebooks, scissors, etc.

In line with the opening of classes in June, Project CoCo has launched its campaign drive in Medina Integrated School (MIS) on June 5, 2025. The school is located at Brgy. Medina,
Madalag Aklan, barangay within the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve (ARWFR) a Protected Area (PA) in the province. Seventy-five (75) students of MIS were selected as
beneficiaries of the project.

By the second phase of the project, on June 11, 2025, the culmination has successfully collected a total of 25,491 wildlings of indigenous and fruit trees like Narra, Langka, Rambutan,
Banai-banai, wrapped using the mud packing technique to ensure its higher survival. These seedlings were then delivered to the Mechanized and Modernized Forest Nursery (MMFN)
located at Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan for potting and nurturing, and then allocated to stakeholders for planting activities.

“The project has yet again proven itself to be a groundbreaking innovation in raising environmental awareness and in providing a better educational experience for the youth,” DENR
Region 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla said.

“We at the DENR lauded this kind of innovation and youth envolvement activities, because after all, we believe that the youth is the hope of our future and answer for
environmental sustainability,” he added

The constant and consistent urge to preserve mother nature prolongs its provisions and guarantees sustainability for the future generations. It's restoring not only the roots that have held
the earth firm, but the roots of knowledge that will eventually ensure the security, sustainability, and proper management of the environment. The innovative minds of those who stand for the
same cause are exactly what keeps the vegetation protected and the endangered species preserved.