Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI), one of the CSR arms of the Razon group of companies, continues to help cultivate a new generation of environmental stewards who will play a vital role in safeguarding the country’s natural heritage for years to come.

“If we are counting on the youth for a ‘better tomorrow,’ they need to be taught the value of nature early,” MFI said in a post reporting its series of Environmental Youth Action Camps (EYAC) across its conservation sites in northern Palawan, Oriental Mindoro and Batangas from May to June.

The camps brought together approximately 240 young participants and provided them with meaningful opportunities to deepen their understanding of biodiversity, environmental protection and responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Held over three to four days, each camp saw participants attend lectures on biodiversity and ecosystem services, explore current environmental threats, learn about relevant environmental laws and regulations, and discuss practical conservation measures that can be implemented in their communities.

There were interactive learning activities designed to inspire environmental awareness and action among the youth. Participants had direct exposure to coastal and marine ecosystems to experience firsthand the habitats and natural resources that sustain both biodiversity and local livelihoods.

There were guided field activities for the youth participants to gain a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness between healthy ecosystems and human well-being.

The camps also encouraged personal responsibility and leadership through commitment-setting exercises, where participants identified concrete actions they could take to support environmental conservation. Team presentations further strengthened collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills while fostering a shared commitment to protecting natural resources.

Contributing significantly to the success of the camps were the provincial governments, municipal and city agriculture offices, Department of Environment and Natural Resources field offices, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Agriculture Office, Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI), the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Red Cross.

MBCFI, also a CSR unit of the Razon group, organized the Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) Biodiversity Camp 2026, held in the Province of Occidental Mindoro from 21 to 24 May. The activity brought together youth, biodiversity advocates, volunteers and partners, including the UNESCO-Philippine National Commission, for an immersive field experience, engaging in citizen science activities, marine and coastal appreciation and learning sessions.

One of the Philippines’ most important marine protected areas, ARNP was submitted for preliminary assessment as a World Heritage Site in 2025. It is also located within the Aspiring Biosphere Reserve of Sablayan.

With MFI and MBCFI