“Lumaki kami sa kwentong puro doktor, pulis, o firefighters ang bida. But what we didn’t realize until this camp was that there are other heroes, too—those who silently worked behind the scenes. They understood the climate, protected the oceans, and cared for our future.”
These were the moving words of Sylldhea Jaireh B. Bayud, a high school student from General Santos City, as she reflected on her experience at the 2025 Climate Science Youth Camp (CSYC).
Together with 39 fellow students and 20 teachers from Mindanao, Bayud travelled to Camiguin for a ten-day immersive learning experience on meteorology and oceanography.
Camiguin: A natural laboratory for learning
Known for its unique microclimate, marine biodiversity, and exposure to extreme weather, Camiguin provided the perfect setting for understanding climate impacts and the urgency of science-based solutions.
From May 30 to June 7, this island province served as the campers’ laboratory as they explored coral reefs, mangrove forests, and weather-monitoring stations in the area.
Through sessions led by experts from the University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), students and teachers engaged in a variety of experiential modules.
Meteorology sessions tackled fundamental topics such as weather forecasting, hydrometeorological hazards, and the critical role weather stations play in disaster prediction and mitigation.
Meanwhile, oceanography modules explored topics on the relationship between the ocean and climate, discussing thermohaline circulation, climate resilience, and the role of bioshields as land-to-ocean filters.
The immersive field exposure also included a visit to DOST-PAGASA’s Synoptic Weather Station, giving the participants a closer look at how weather instruments and data inform public weather forecasts.
From learning to leading
But the camp wasn’t just about learning science—it was about becoming leaders grounded in community realities.
In a special session, DOST-SEI Director Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio introduced the fundamentals of community-based research.
A professor of sociology prior to entering the government, Dr. Cornelio shared his experiences and taught the students how to conduct an effective focus group discussion (FGD) with community members.
Insights from his session were practiced by the students when they engaged with members of the Municipality of Sagay. They conducted FGDs with teachers, students, barangay officials, tourism workers, farmers, and fisherfolk.
A professor of sociology prior to entering the government, Dr. Cornelio shared his experiences and taught the students how to conduct an effective focus group discussion (FGD) with community members.
Insights from his session were practiced by the students when they engaged with members of the Municipality of Sagay. They conducted FGDs with teachers, students, barangay officials, tourism workers, farmers, and fisherfolk.
Through these conversations, participants heard real stories about how climate change affects daily life and livelihoods. What they learned then shaped their climate action plans.
Ideas ranged from school-based to community-based initiatives. Groups proposed school-based eco-friendly fashion shows and climate awareness competitions. Other teams suggested the need for community-based waste management and recycling programs.
A mission to carry forward
As the boats left Camiguin’s shores, campers carried more than field notes and certificates—they carried a mission.
They had seen vulnerable coastlines. They had spoken with climate-affected communities. They had worked alongside scientists. Now, they were returning home not just as students, but as stewards of nature.
With programs like CSYC, DOST-SEI continues to invest in Filipino youth who will lead with compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to building a resilient nation.
