In celebration of World Environment Day 2026, Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark recently hosted a gathering dedicated to youth-led environmental advocacy.
In celebration of World Environment Day 2026, Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark recently hosted a gathering dedicated to youth-led environmental advocacy.
Anchored on this year’s theme, #NowForClimate, youth leaders and representatives from various youth organizations gathered at the La Mesa Ecopark to engage in a series of targeted eco-activities. The event successfully highlighted the vital role of the younger generation as future climate champions equipped to address escalating environmental challenges.
The celebration kicked off with a special screening of the inspiring documentary, “The Foresters: A Story of Climate Keepers,” organized in partnership with MAD Travel. Chronicling real-life stories of grassroots communities and young individuals collaborating to safeguard nature, the film motivated participants to take an active role in conservation and working with cultural communities.
Following the screening, the youth participants translated their inspiration into concrete action by writing down their personal #ECOmmitments. These pledges outlined explicit, actionable steps they will take to practice responsible environmental stewardship, underscoring the power of individual responsibility in building a sustainable future.
Anchored on this year’s theme, #NowForClimate, youth leaders and representatives from various youth organizations gathered at the La Mesa Ecopark to engage in a series of targeted eco-activities. The event successfully highlighted the vital role of the younger generation as future climate champions equipped to address escalating environmental challenges.
The youth leaders then went on a guided #BiodiverCity Walk, exploring the rich sanctuary of diverse tree species protected within the La Mesa Ecopark. The trail included an educational visit to the Butterfly Garden, offering a closer look at the delicate, thriving ecosystems.
To leave a lasting, positive footprint on the watershed, a ceremonial tree planting activity was held to emphasize the long-term benefits of reforestation. Youth participants planted two Mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus) seedlings—a rare tropical hardwood endemic to the Philippines, commonly known as Philippine Ironwood. The ecologically valuable seedlings were donated by the Malampaya Foundation, symbolizing robust cross-sectoral collaboration in environmental conservation.
The celebration culminated in a hands-on seed extraction activity. Having marveled at the towering Kupang (Parkia timoriana) trees earlier during their BiodiverCity Walk, participants enjoyed taking the seeds out from the pods. The collected seeds will be nurtured at the Bahay Punlaan and eventually propagated across both the La Mesa Ecopark and the adjacent La Mesa Nature Reserve.
The World Environment Day event is a preview of more eco-activities in the La Mesa Ecopark as it is set to open Phase 2 in July. The public can expect more spaces available to be enjoyed by groups and families for leisure activities, teambuilding and connecting with nature.
Through this World Environment Day celebration, Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark successfully demonstrated the wave of collective action fueled by youth passion, proving that the next generation holds the key to building a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
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