The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has called on the Filipino youth to actively take part in climate action through ocean-based solutions.
In his message at the culminating event of the Month of the Ocean 2025: Ocean and Climate Forum in Quezon City on May 30, DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. stressed the Philippines’ vulnerability as an archipelagic nation. He cited the vital role of young people in developing and advocating transformative climate responses.
He said with over 7,600 islands, the Philippines is already on the frontlines of climate change, from experiencing rising sea levels to increasingly violent typhoons.
Adobo said with around 20 tropical cyclones every year, the effects of climate change are getting worse.
“But we have a key resource — our oceans. They are natural carbon sinks, and if we protect and restore our coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses, they can help mitigate the crisis,” Adobo said.
However, he noted that the country’s marine biodiversity itself is now also under threat, stressing the need for actions to safeguard it.
“As young people, we’re in the perfect position to lead efforts to restore these ecosystems. We’ve got the energy, creativity, and passion to make a real difference,” he said.
The forum brought together stakeholders from government, academe, civil society and youth organizations to discuss the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems and enhance coastal resilience in the face of worsening climate impacts, while highlighting the value of partnerships.
Adobo acknowledged the continuing collaboration between the DENR and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), noting the joint efforts under the BMB (Biodiversity Management Bureau)-BFAR Convergence Initiative to promote marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries. PNA
