January 29, 2026 — The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) reinforced its commitment to environmental protection and climate resilience as it hosted the Students & Stakeholders’ Forum on Environmental Protection and Climate Action at the College Function Hall, bringing together national leaders, local officials, uniformed services, environmental advocates, and students in a unified call for action.
The program officially opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Rodolfo B. Burac Jr., Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation and Officer-in-Charge Vice President for Academic Affairs, who underscored the critical role of state colleges in advancing climate research, innovation, and community-based environmental initiatives.
Prior to the start of the program, guests were ceremonially welcomed by the DEBESMSCAT Marching Band, setting a dignified and festive tone for the multi-sectoral forum.
Strong national support was conveyed through recorded messages. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing climate change, while Senator Loren Legarda highlighted the urgency of environmental protection, climate education, and youth leadership. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go also expressed his support, stressing the importance of disaster preparedness, grassroots participation, and the role of educational institutions in building climate-resilient communities, particularly in disaster-prone areas such as Masbate.
A key highlight of the forum was the message delivered by Gen. Albert P. Dela Cruz Sr., Director General and Commissioner of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), who underscored the urgency of translating climate policies into concrete, community-level actions. He emphasized that climate change is not only an environmental concern but also a national security and development issue, requiring strong coordination among government agencies, local institutions, and the education sector.
Gen. Dela Cruz stressed the vital role of state colleges and universities in shaping climate-aware citizens, noting that youth and academic institutions serve as critical partners in data-driven planning, disaster preparedness, and sustained environmental advocacy. He further called for strengthened inter-agency collaboration and proactive disaster risk reduction efforts to safeguard communities and ecosystems, particularly in climate-vulnerable provinces such as Masbate.
The Statement of Purpose was presented by Engr. Lucas Y. Dabalos, District Climate Commander and Provincial Director, who outlined the objectives of the forum and the establishment of a unified Climate Change Task Force in the Province of Masbate. Messages of support followed from BGEN. Atty. Galma T. Arcilla, CCC Bicol Regional Director and Hon. Kristine Salve Hao-Kho, Mandaon Municipal Mayor, both highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration and public participation in climate initiatives.
Representatives from the uniformed services reiterated their commitment to climate action. PCOL Jefferson B. Araojo delivered his message through Mandon COP PMaj. John Kesser Labao, while LT GEN Gerardo Zamudio, CFT Commandant, was represented by MGEN Ruth Z. Rances, CCTF Deputy Commandant, who discussed the role of security forces in environmental protection and disaster response.
Another major highlight of the activity was the oathtaking and pledge of commitment of the Climate Change Task Force of the Province of Masbate, which formally recognized DEBESMSCAT students as key partners in climate action and environmental advocacy.
The program also featured a barn dance performance by the DEBESMSCAT Performing Arts Group, reflecting youth engagement and cultural expression. Guest Speaker LT JG John Louis Sibayan delivered a message on leadership, preparedness, and shared responsibility in addressing climate-related challenges, followed by the awarding of certificates to members of the Climate Change Task Force.
Support for science-driven climate initiatives was further affirmed through the message of DOST Region V Director Rommel Serrano, CESO III, represented by Engr. Jose Ryan R. Amante, Supervisor and Science Research Specialist.
During the plenary session, COL Kimberly Ann V. Castillo (RV Administration and Personnel), COL Jhon Paul A. Villa (RV Budget and Finances), and Ferdinand L. Baltazar, DENR PENRO Masbate, discussed governance, resource mobilization, and environmental management strategies.
An open forum enabled participants to exchange insights and propose collaborative actions. This was complemented by the presentation of the Board of Trustees–approved policy, “Clean and Green DEBESMSCAT: A Student-Centered Waste Management and Greening Policy,” spearheaded by the Supreme Student Council to promote proper waste segregation, campus greening, and active student and community participation.
Closing remarks were delivered by Wilfred C. Pagorogon, Director of the DEBESMSCAT Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), who called for sustained commitment beyond the forum.
The activity concluded with a tree-planting activity participated in by members of the Climate Change Task Force and DEBESMSCAT officials, symbolizing a shared pledge to protect the environment and strengthen climate action efforts in the Province of Masbate.
Ladies and gentlemen,
