In the Mandaya dialect, “𝗔𝗠𝗨𝗠𝗔” means care. But in Baganga, care has taken root — quite literally.

What began as a simple project pitch by Renz Louie Matabalan, Co-Founder and Creative of SEANAG Silangan, has grown into a youth-led environmental movement. Through the convergence of passionate partners and institutions, that idea has transformed into Project AMUMA, a collaborative mangrove awareness and conservation initiative officially launched on February 15, 2026, at the LUMARWA Activity Area in Barangay Lucod, Baganga, Davao Oriental.

Spearheaded by SK Barangay Lambajon and SK Barangay Kinablangan, Project 𝗔𝗠𝗨𝗠𝗔 brings together DENR Baganga, LUMARWA, YES-O CERNHS, SK Federation Baganga, SEANAG Silangan, and dedicated community volunteers — proving that when youth lead, communities follow.

For SEANAG Silangan, represented in the MOA signing by Lorjie Bation, Co-Founder and Writer, the project represents more than partnership. It is a commitment to:

• Mobilize and empower young environmental leaders

• Strengthen environmental education and awareness

• Document and amplify conservation efforts

• Sustain community-driven action for mangrove protection

Mangroves are more than trees. They are barriers against storm surges. They are nurseries for marine life. They are climate warriors storing carbon beneath their roots. And through Project AMUMA, they are now symbols of youth leadership in action.

This initiative directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 14 – Life Below Water

• SDG 13 – Climate Action

• SDG 15 – Life on Land

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

• SDG 4 – Quality Education

• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Project 𝗔𝗠𝗨𝗠𝗔 reminds us that real change does not begin in conference halls — it begins in muddy coastlines, in shared commitments, in young hands planting hope into the ground.

Because when care becomes collective, it becomes powerful.

𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘨 𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘢𝘨-𝘢𝘴𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘯.

For our mangroves, youth, people and the planet. | Photo credits: Lumarwa, Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Kinablangan and Sangguniang Kabataan - Barangay Lambajon

#SeanagSilangan #YouthInAction #MangroveConservation #Baganga #EnvironmentalLeadership #AMUMA