Team Projico Launched Project DUGONG with 7 Youth Teams Implementing their Plastic Waste Projects in Sarangani Province, Philippines 

Reported by Jick L. Acupan and Prince Nico U. Geolaga

Team Projico is united by a shared commitment to protecting the environment from plastic pollution. They initiated Project DUGONG: Developing Urgent Guidance for Ocean Navigating Generations. This is a youth-led movement that empowers young people to take meaningful action for marine conservation. The project includes selecting youth-led teams, providing small seed funding and online environmental education, community immersion, project ideation, implementation, and evaluation, and guiding participants from learning to leadership.  

In partnership with the Provincial Government of Sarangani, the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape – Protected Area Management Board, the League of Youth Development Officers of Sarangani (acting as Mentors), and other organizations, Project Dugong aims to nurture a new generation of environmental leaders who empathize with communities, think for communities, and act as a community toward a sustainable future. 

E-SEAssion is Project Dugong’s digital learning component designed to deliver online learning to the participants who are living in distant and underserved communities. The program is composed of three modules: “Ridge to Reef,” which explores the interconnectedness of ecosystems from the mountains to the seas; “The State of Us,” which examines the current environmental challenges and human impacts in Buayan-Malungon River Basin and Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape; and “From Solutions to Resolutions,” which teaches the participants on how to make the projects sustainable through resolutions and paper-approved projects.  

Key takeaways 

The 3 main outcomes of the activity: 

1. The participants were able to grasp their personal connection to the pollution in the environment. The first online session tackled “The Ridge to Reef”, focusing on the question “How am I part of the Problem?”, all relating on the Laws of Ecology and human contribution, the 5R’s (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) of the Environment, and lastly the Waste and Brand Audit. Denoting how their small actions have a greater impact and contribute to increasing the number of pollutants in the environment. 

2. The participants gained insights into the current state and condition of the place where they live. With the second online session discussing the “State of Us”, focusing on the question “What is happening in my community”, imparted knowledge to the participants of the inspirational and discerning events and activities happening around the Buayan-Malungon River Basin and Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.  

3. The participants got an in-depth understanding of the problem-solution formula and increased the chance of sustainability of the solutions. On the third online session, with topics concerning “Solutions to Resolutions” focusing on the question “How can I help?” strengthened the participants’ knowledge and skills in crafting solutions based on data — creating a path to sustainability through resolutions. This last online session tackled the National Environmental Code, Defenses of the Environment, and Introduction to Resolution Making. With the data they’ve gathered from their respective Waste and Brand Audit, the participants then drafted a Resolution that will cohabit their solutions/project in mind while giving emphasis on the data from the collection of waste. 

Main highlights 

September 6-20, 2025 
Zoom (Online Session) 
Team Projico and Volunteers 
Participants: 

• Team Bantayog: Franz Jay C. Villanueva, Jarvis T. Muto, Neanne Ley O. Baril, Afrah Athea K. Angkanan, with their mentor, the Local Youth Development designate of Maitum, Ms. Marife M. Cambel, RN.  
• Team Balikalikasan: Wealth Fred A. Omas-as, Fu B. Maluya, Renalyn Grace R. Bueno, Samantha Faith D. Mendoza, with their mentor, the Local Youth Development Officer II of Malungon, Ms. Shiela S. Manocay, MPSA. 
• Team Malahluntian: Jester E. Sumil, Gillian Fheb S. Balucan, Curtney Fotrema B. Fermasis, Daniela Anica B. Rabor, with their mentor, the Local Youth Development Officer III of Malapatan, Mr. Jomari P. Estrera, LPT. 
• Team Nautica: Glee Lianne L. Elem, Daril Dave W. Obas, Marian U. Atlubulan, with their mentor, the Local Youth Development Officer designate of Glan, Mr. Jovencio L. Sentillas, Jr. 
• Team Saccampi: Merrene Ruth P. Maningo, Julliene Rose P. Berdida, Shamara O. Paulma, Ian M. Villasan, with their mentor, the Local Youth Development designate of Alabel, Mx. Alfie Q. Agang, LPT. 
• Team SeaDivas: Vincent L. Cuizon, Christian Lloyd A. Hemoros, Lawrence Jay O. Canono, Alyssa Joy O. Fauni, with their mentor, the Local Youth Development designate of Maasim, Mr. Patrick B. Dancel. 
• Team Urchin: Rod Edison B. Bergado, Joseph Ryan E. Numos, Norcia B. Amponga, Marlyn Joyce S. Tugaoen, with their mentor, the Local Youth Development designate of Kiamba, Ms. Hapsa U. Andona, RSW. 

Activities Implemented 

The participants were selected through a selection process conducted online. The selection criteria include experience, motivation, and ideas. We have chosen groups who have experience and are at least slightly exposed to community activities and projects to increase the probability of good management, following their motivational essay as a key component of why they are chosen as a participant in the project. Lastly, they also shared a project idea that they are looking forward to implementing during Project Dugong. Potentially making it possible to further improve and be adapted for a larger-scale development.  

The chosen groups are as follows: 

• Team Bantayog, a team from Junior Officials and SSLG, that brings a transformative perspective by intertwining faith and environmental action, showing how care for creation is both a moral and spiritual calling. Their initiative inspires communities to protect nature through devotion, reflection, and responsibility: proving that faith can be a powerful force for ecological change. 
• Team Balikalikasan, a group of friends that champions a behavioral shift against single-use plastic dependency through their “Walang Plastikan!” campaign. By promoting eco-friendly habits and creative recycling, they turn awareness into action — empowering communities to build a sustainable and waste-free future. 
• Team Malahluntian, a newly created friendship which redefines waste management through innovation and creativity. Their project “Binlikha” transforms discarded plastics into functional bins, highlighting how simple, inventive ideas can transform pollution into purpose and inspire a culture of environmental responsibility. 
• Team Nautica, a friendship that turns into advocates, stands out for turning coastal conservation from a one-time activity into a continuous movement. Through the BASA Program (Barangay Action for Shoreline and Aqualife), they combine cleanup drives with community education — nurturing a mindset where awareness naturally evolves into action. 
• Team Saccampi, a team created after a camp, embodies the power of consistent, small actions that lead to lasting environmental change. Their clean-up drives and educational efforts cultivate community discipline and unity, proving that simple acts, done with purpose, can make a big difference. 
• Team SeaDivas, classmates in BS Fisheries that showcases resilience and passion through their commitment to waste management education and coastal cleanups. Their story reflects that meaningful impact comes not from numbers but from dedication, teamwork, and a shared vision for cleaner seas. 
• Team Urchin, YES-O leaders who lead a strong community-driven response to improper waste disposal through KALINAW: Kiamba Against Litter. Their initiative combines discipline, education, and local collaboration to reduce pollution and prevent flooding — exemplifying how grassroots action can safeguard both people and the planet. 

In partnership with the League of Youth Development Officers – Sarangani, we have paired these participants according to their respective local youth development officers. In this, we can ensure thorough assistance during the implementation of their respective proposals to their local community. The selected participants are to attend the different sessions designed for Project Dugong, equipping them with knowledge, skills, and inspiration to work and improve on their respective projects along the way. The participants, after the sessions, will be granted seed money amounting to Php5,000 to implement their projects in their own local communities. The mentors will then assist the participants with the alignment of their projects to the local codes and processes, ensuring safety and building rapport to the local executives, and create pathways for the participants to implement their projects. 

The online learning phase, E-SEAssions, consisted of three weekend sessions, each focusing on a specific theme to provide participants with a strong foundation in ecology, waste management, policy awareness, and actionable strategies, while also inspiring them through interactions with speakers from different walks of life. 

The first E-SEAssion (The Ridge to Reef) opened with team introductions, allowing participants to share the meaning behind their team names and structure, fostering collaboration and a sense of shared purpose. This was followed by a brief orientation on the project, covering the modules, onsite training, implementation activities, and the culminating event. 

Adding a youth perspective, Ms. Jen, a college student and project leader, shared an inspiring environmental initiative from Lao PDR, demonstrating how young people can create real-world impact. Her session motivated participants to consider how they could lead similar projects in their own communities. 

The third E-SEAssion (From Solutions to Resolutions) focused on linking knowledge with actionable solutions and policy understanding. Ms. Aziza Eto introduced participants to the National Environmental Code, providing guidance on national laws and regulations for environmental protection. Mr. John Oliver Tablazon presented key network agencies and partnership opportunities, enabling participants to plan collaborative and sustainable initiatives. 

Mr. John Demdam guided participants in developing resolutions aligned with their projects, encouraging them to integrate policy and sustainability considerations into their proposals. The E-SEAssion concluded with an interactive and motivational talk by Mr. Hajime, a high school student, who inspired participants to actively engage in environmental protection and underscored the importance of youth participation across all ages. 

The E-SEAssions collectively offered a comprehensive and multi-faceted learning experience, combining ecological knowledge, practical strategies, policy insights, and motivational guidance. The three inspirational speakers—from a professional fellow to a college student, to a high school student—provided participants with diverse perspectives, demonstrating that environmental leadership is attainable at every stage of life. 

This phase successfully equipped participants with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration necessary to transition into the onsite training and community-based implementation, laying a strong foundation for meaningful, ridge-to-reef environmental action. 

Feedback 

Some of the feedback from the participants include, “What I liked most about the session was how open the speakers were to answering questions. They took the time to respond thoughtfully, which made the discussion more interactive and meaningful. It showed that they really knew their topics and were genuinely interested in helping us understand more.”  

Another feedback from the participants stated that “For me, I like the part that Sir Vik and Ma’am kim asked about what’s the important or useful things/items in our desk, and then I realized that even in the simplest thing that we’ve seen always as nothing but it was one of the most important thing in our life.” 

Upon remembering the lessons they have gained, participants highlighted that, “I learned from the session that the 5Rs teach us not only to care for the environment but also to develop discipline and creativity. It challenged me to look at waste differently and to see opportunities where others may only see trash.” Also, “I loved the 4 laws of ecology WaBA topics by sir Vik. It really cleared and inspired me to be more idealistic.” 

While the participants truly admired the initiative of team SalaSara from Laos who turned the waste problem in their temples into an impactful project. The participants were grateful of her, “Thank you so much, Pathanoe Atvaly, for your inspiring words, you reminded us that no matter where we come from, our shared actions and compassion can create positive change for our communities and the world.” 

All in all, the E-SEAssions, though it is really struggling especially in the context here in the province, I am certain that the participants were able to gain enough and beyond what has been expected, and we look forward to their respective project pitching and implementation. One realization and changes we look forward to is to make it possible to conduct the sessions face-to-face together with the project management, the topics are all ready and open for improvement in the module crafted. Thus, a little bit of funds might be needed to be outsourced, and we are excited to plan and reach out for more partners to implement such improvements.