The 3rd Bicol and 8th Masbate Environmental Youth Leaders’ Summit 2025 officially opened at Liceo de Masbate, Masbate City, bringing together around 170 youth delegates from colleges, universities, and Sangguniang Kabataan chapters across the Bicol Region. Held from April 14 to 16, 2025, the summit served as a platform for young leaders to strengthen their commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.
The opening ceremony was graced by Dr. Rodolfo B. Burac Jr., Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, and Innovation of Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT), and Rev. Fr. Jiovanni C. Gulmatico, President of Liceo de Masbate Colleges, Inc. Ms. Ma. Sharie Ascutia Bailon, Education Supervisor II of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V, also delivered an inspiring keynote message that encouraged youth participants to become active contributors to sustainable and resilient communities.
The summit brought together key partners from different sectors, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units, the Provincial Government of Masbate, state universities and colleges (SUCs), Liceo de Masbate, local universities and colleges (LUCs), private higher education institutions, and Sangguniang Kabataan organizations. Through this broad collaboration, the activity strengthened the shared responsibility of government agencies, educational institutions, youth organizations, and communities in responding to environmental concerns and advancing sustainability initiatives in the region.
The event also provided an important venue for cross-sectoral dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By convening representatives from government, higher education institutions, youth groups, and other community stakeholders, the summit enabled participants to exchange ideas on environmental protection, climate action, disaster risk reduction, and local resilience. Such dialogue helps identify pressing environmental challenges, promote collaborative strategies, and encourage youth participation in developing community-based solutions that support SDG implementation.
During the first plenary session, Mr. Gerald Palacios, Chief Designate of the Research and Planning Division of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Masbate, shared valuable insights on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Systems. He emphasized the role of preparedness, risk-informed planning, community participation, and coordinated action in reducing disaster impacts and protecting vulnerable communities.
The 3rd Bicol and 8th Masbate Environmental Youth Leaders’ Summit 2025 marks another step toward building environmentally conscious and action-oriented youth leaders. Through meaningful partnerships and sustained dialogue among government agencies, academic institutions, local communities, and youth organizations, the summit reinforces the collective commitment to a greener, safer, and more resilient future for Masbate and the Bicol Region.
Ladies and gentlemen,
