Contents
Youth Leadership Training Empowers Future Environmental Leaders
TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Youth leadership training took center stage as JCI Davao partnered with the Tagum City Youth and Sports Development Office (TCYDO) to facilitate Mangrove Camp 2026, a three-day environmental leadership bootcamp held from July 17–19, 2026 at Hijo Resort, Tagum City. The program gathered youth participants from across Tagum City for an immersive learning experience focused on environmental stewardship, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and community leadership.
JCI Davao was invited by TCYDO to design and facilitate key components of the bootcamp, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to developing young leaders who can create sustainable positive change within their communities. Leading the JCI Davao delegation was John Chin, Head Trainer for the program and Deputy Area Skills Development Director of JCI Philippines Area V – Mindanao, who guided participants through a series of interactive leadership and capacity-building sessions.
As part of JCI Davao’s ongoing commitment to leadership and community development, the organization continues to implement impactful programs featured on its Projects.
Youth Leadership Training Through Environmental and Disaster Preparedness
Mangrove Camp 2026 combined classroom discussions, experiential learning, and outdoor activities to provide participants with practical knowledge that extends beyond environmental awareness. Throughout the three-day camp, participants learned how leadership can be applied to address real-world challenges such as climate change, disaster preparedness, and environmental conservation.
The program featured a diverse lineup of facilitators from JCI Davao and partner organizations.
Representing the Philippine Red Cross, Arman Miguel Montero, President-Elect, facilitated a comprehensive session on Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Disaster Mapping, equipping participants with practical knowledge on emergency preparedness, hazard identification, and community resilience.
Jerry Acido, Jr., Regional Skills Development Director of JCI Philippines Davao Region, conducted an engaging session on Environmental Leadership, encouraging participants to become advocates for sustainable practices and environmental responsibility within their respective communities.
Meanwhile, Ralph dela Cerna, 2026 Deputy Vice President for Business Opportunities of JCI Davao, guided participants during the Youth Action Plan Presentation, where teams presented innovative solutions addressing environmental and community concerns.
The program concluded with meaningful reflection sessions facilitated by Miguel Sandino Palileo, 2026 Vice President for Business Opportunities, and Bernard Felipe Capalit (Baby Jaycee), allowing participants to process their learning experiences, reflect on personal leadership growth, and identify concrete actions they can implement after the camp.
Youth Leadership Training Through Hands-On Environmental Action
One of the highlights of Mangrove Camp 2026 was the hands-on mangrove tree planting activity facilitated by the Tagum City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). Participants not only planted mangrove seedlings but also learned about the critical role mangrove ecosystems play in protecting coastal communities, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The environmental education sessions reinforced the importance of balancing leadership with environmental responsibility, demonstrating that effective leaders must also become responsible stewards of natural resources.
Participants also attended a special learning session delivered by Aboitiz, providing valuable insights into sustainability, environmental initiatives, and the role of the private sector in promoting responsible development.
The culmination of the bootcamp was the Youth Action Plan Presentation, where participants applied everything they had learned by developing practical community-based projects addressing environmental and social challenges. To encourage the implementation of these ideas, one outstanding group received ₱20,000 in seed funding to transform their action plan into a community initiative.
Through this experiential youth leadership training, participants gained confidence in translating ideas into actionable projects capable of creating measurable impact within their communities.
Strong Partnerships Advance Youth Leadership Training
The success of Mangrove Camp 2026 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of government agencies, youth organizations, private sector partners, and community leaders who share the common vision of empowering young people through leadership development and environmental action.
JCI Davao extends its sincere appreciation to the following partners and collaborators:
- Tagum City Youth and Sports Development Office (TCYDO)
- Young Climate and Disaster Actors – Tagum City (YCADA)
- Angat GenC
- Dyesabel PH
Their support made it possible to provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience that combined leadership education, environmental conservation, disaster preparedness, and community engagement.
Collaborative initiatives like Mangrove Camp demonstrate how partnerships can strengthen youth leadership training while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of changemakers.
Continuing the Impact of Youth Leadership Training
Leadership is most meaningful when it inspires action. Throughout the three-day bootcamp, participants discovered that true leadership is not measured solely by titles but by the willingness to serve, collaborate, and create lasting solutions for the benefit of others.
Mangrove Camp 2026 empowered young leaders to view environmental protection as a shared responsibility while equipping them with practical leadership skills that they can apply in schools, organizations, and communities.
By combining environmental education, disaster preparedness, teamwork, and project development, the program demonstrated how youth leadership training can cultivate responsible citizens capable of addressing today’s most pressing environmental and social issues.
Many of JCI Davao’s leadership development and community impact initiatives are featured in The Quill, the organization’s official online publication.
Individuals interested in becoming part of future leadership and community development initiatives are encouraged to visit JCI Davao’s Get Involved page. To learn more about the broader movement dedicated to developing active citizens, visit Junior Chamber International and JCI Philippines.
Through initiatives such as Mangrove Camp 2026, JCI Davao continues to demonstrate that investing in youth leadership training today creates empowered leaders who will build stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable communities tomorrow.
