Youth in Action for Waste-Free Cities and Oceans (Y4O) Program Concludes with an Inspiring Youth Summit
- CORA Philippines
- Dec 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Parañaque City, Philippines — CORA's Youth in Action for Waste-Free Cities and Oceans (Y4O) program culminated with the Youth for Oceans Summit on December 16, 2025 at Parañaque City. Carrying the theme "Baybayin: Walking through our Journey of Youth in Action for Waste-Free Cities and Oceans," the summit celebrated the achievements of young environmental leaders and their commitment to building waste-free cities and healthier oceans.
Inspired by the many meanings of the Filipino word baybayin—to spell out or recount a story, and to traverse along the shore—the summit reflected on the collective journey of the program's Eco-Champs as they transformed learning into meaningful environmental action. The event served as both a celebration of their achievements and a call for young people to continue leading environmental initiatives in their schools and communities.
The summit gathered youth leaders, educators, local government representatives, and partner organizations to celebrate the power of youth-led environmental action across Parañaque City. Participants reflected on the Y4O program's milestones, shared stories from their schools and communities, and celebrated the partnerships that made the initiative possible.
The event was graced by representatives from the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Parañaque, including Mr. Maximino E. Santos Jr., Senior Education Program Specialist; Mr. Edmond B. Obrar, Education Program Specialist; and Ms. Hannah Margareth Dela Cruz, Disaster Risk Reduction Focal Person, reaffirming the education sector's commitment to nurturing environmentally responsible learners.
The summit also featured a keynote message from Engr. Ma. Teresa Quiogue, Assistant Department Head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Parañaque, who emphasized the importance of protecting the city's remaining green spaces and marine resources through sustained community participation and environmental stewardship.
Amplifying Youth Voices for a Greener Future
One of the highlights of the event was a series of inspiring reflections from youth leaders and community partners.
Representing Parañaque National High School–Main, Jairus Philip Moridas, a YES-O member, encouraged fellow youth to embrace environmental leadership, saying, "Let us take the lead for a greener future. I encourage you all to open your eyes and have the heart and passion for the environment."
Representing the elementary school cluster, Marilyn Seminilla of Rogelio Gatchalian Elementary School reminded participants of the importance of acting today for future generations, sharing the message, "Bear in mind that the future depends on what we do now."
Among the youth leaders who shared their experiences was Hon. Haron Catacutan, Chairperson of the Committee on Education of the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay San Martin de Porres. He highlighted the importance of empowering young people to become active partners in environmental protection, emphasizing that every contribution made by students and youth brings Parañaque one step closer to cleaner communities and healthier oceans for future generations.
The summit also featured reflections from Trisha Mae Lagumbay, YES-O President of Don Bosco High School Parañaque and a second-time Eco-Champion, who shared her experiences in leading environmental initiatives and demonstrated how consistent small actions can create lasting impact within schools and communities.
Honoring the Eco-Ikot Champions
A major highlight of the summit was the recognition of the 16 participating public elementary and high schools, with special honors given to the Eco-Ikot Champions—schools that demonstrated outstanding commitment to waste diversion and recycling throughout the program.
Elementary Cluster
🏆 Grand Winner – Rogelio Gatchalian Elementary School, collecting an impressive 739.5 kilograms of recyclables.
Consolation Awards:
2nd Place – Baclaran Elementary School Central
3rd Place – Merville Elementary School
4th Place – Sun Valley Elementary School
5th Place – Sampaloc Site II Elementary School
6th Place – San Antonio Elementary School
High School Cluster
🏆 Grand Winner – Don Bosco High School Parañaque, with an outstanding 3,163 kilograms of recyclables collected.
2nd Place – Dr. Arcadio Santos National High School
3rd Place – Don Galo National High School
Consolation Awards:
4th Place – Sto. Niño National High School
5th Place – La Huerta National High School
6th Place – Moonwalk National High School
7th Place – Parañaque National High School – San Isidro
8th Place – Parañaque National High School – Main
9th Place – Marcelo Green High School
Building Partnerships for Sustainability
CORA extends its sincere gratitude to the organizations whose unwavering support made the Youth in Action for Waste-Free Cities and Oceans program a success.
The organization especially acknowledges the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, whose generous grant support made the implementation of the program possible.
CORA also thanks its local partners—the SK Federation of Parañaque, the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Parañaque, the City Government of Parañaque, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–NCR through the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park—as well as the participating schools, teachers, coordinators, and Eco-Ikot Champions for their invaluable collaboration and commitment to empowering young environmental leaders.
As the Youth in Action for Waste-Free Cities and Oceans program concludes, its impact lives on through the young leaders who continue to champion environmental stewardship in their schools and communities. Guided by the spirit of Baybayin, these Eco-Champs carry forward a shared journey—one that spells hope, inspires action, and charts a path toward cleaner cities, healthier oceans, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.
ABOUT Y4O
Supported by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia under the Blue Nations Initiative, the Youth in Action for Waste Free Cities and Oceans (Y4O) program aims to combat plastic pollution by empowering the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) from 16 barangays and youth organizations in Parañaque City. This project focuses on recovering plastic waste both inland and along the coast, combining data-driven cleanups with circular economy solutions.
Through hands-on action, youth leadership, and science-based strategies, the initiative not only creates cleaner communities but also builds climate-resilient cities, ensuring the youth are at the forefront of both environmental protection and disaster risk reduction.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CORA'S Y4O PROGRAM: https://www.wearecora.org/youth-for-oceans
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