May 16, 2026

May 16, 2026 – The Sama Bajau Eco Village in sitio Panubigon, Brgy. Lipata, Surigao City, transformed into an outdoor classroom for environmental advocacy as JCI Surigao North rolled out the second module of “KATIG KABATAAN: Empowering the Voyage of the Sama Bajau Youth (Empowered Bajau Phase IIP”.

Appropriately titled: SUYOG: STEWARDS OF THE GIFTED SHORES, this week’s session shifted the focus toward coastal conservation, waste management, and ecological responsibilities. Building directly upon the sense of community pride established during the previous week’s opening, the module aimed to teach the youth that treating their new relocation site as a precious gift requires active, hands-on protection of its marine ecosystems.

This critical leg of the voyage was made possible though a dynamic partnership with the Surigao Youth Convergence (SYC). Capitalizing on their expertise in youth-led advocacy, the dedicated SYG fellows facilitated a comprehensive, creative, and highly engaging discussion centered around the localized environmental storybook, “Wikan, Ang Batang Pawikan” .

By navigating the narrative of Wikan, a young sea turtle facing the threat of marine pollution, the Same Bajau youth were able to easily connect complex ecological habits with real-world consequences. The interactive storytelling session successfully underscored the importance of keeping plastic waste off the beaches and out of the ocean, inspiring the participants to become defensive lines for their local waters.

By translating environmental governance into an immersive, youth-friendly format, the collaborative effort between JCI Surigao North and the Surigao Youth Convergence directly advance UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). The afternoon concluded with the youth demonstrating a shared commitment to keeping their shoreline clean, proving that they are rapidly transitioning from mere residents into proactive guardians of the Eco Village.

A Module 2 draws to a successful close, the Katig Kabataan roadmaps turns its sight towards Module 3, where the youth leaders will soon begin navigating the vital concepts of civic duty, community safety, and emergency response.

#JCIPhilippines#SustainTheFuture#LakbayKatutubo2026#JCISurigaoNorth#HouseOfTheNorth#WeTheNorth#JourneyOfServiceAndPurpose