SEAnag Silangan President Cardiff Vann S. Burgos Jr., representing Dyesabel Philippines Inc., served as a resource speaker and facilitator during Mangrove Camp 2026: Empowering Young Climate and Disaster Actors for Coastal Resilience, held from July 17 to 19, 2026, at Hijo Resources Corporation in Tagum City.

His participation reflected support for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among civil society organizations, youth groups, government institutions, and environmental advocates in strengthening coastal resilience and advancing community-based climate action.

On the first day of the camp, Burgos facilitated a session on mangroves and climate change resilience. He discussed the ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems and their role as nature-based solutions to climate-related hazards. Mangroves help protect coastal communities from storm surges and erosion, provide habitats for diverse species, store carbon, and support the livelihoods of people who depend on coastal resources.

The session was followed by an interactive role-playing activity in which participants envisioned and developed models of ideal, climate-resilient coastal communities. The activity encouraged the young leaders to examine how environmental protection, disaster preparedness, sustainable livelihoods, responsible governance, and community participation can be integrated into local resilience planning.

On the second day, participants took part in field-based learning activities designed to strengthen their capacity to observe and understand mangrove ecosystems through a scientific lens. Burgos guided the participants in examining ecological conditions and recognizing important characteristics of the mangrove environment. He also emphasized the application of appropriate safety measures and efficient fieldwork practices, ensuring that environmental observations could be conducted responsibly and systematically.

The three-day engagement concluded with a renewed commitment to environmental advocacy and youth-led climate action. During the closing program, Dyesabel Philippines Inc. joined the Tagum City Youth and Sports Development Office in awarding certificates to the participants, recognizing them as emerging eco-leaders capable of promoting mangrove conservation and climate resilience within their respective communities.

Mangrove Camp 2026 was organized by the Tagum City Youth and Sports Development Office, in partnership with the Young Climate and Disaster Actors and JCI Davao. The program brought together selected youth leaders from Tagum City for environmental education, experiential learning, leadership development, and community action planning.

Burgos’ participation demonstrated the value of institutional partnerships in equipping young people with scientific knowledge, practical skills, and leadership competencies. It also affirmed the shared commitment of SEAnag Silangan and Dyesabel Philippines Inc. to coastal ecosystem conservation, environmental education, youth empowerment, and the development of climate-resilient communities.