Climate Change Commission validates Siargao youth nominee for PH Resilience Award
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The representatives from the Climate Change Commission (CCC) recently visited Barangay Anajawan in the town of General Luna, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte and conducted an on-site validation activity for Ervie Ann C. Conte, a nominee for the Youth Champion category of this year’s Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA).
The Philippine Resilience Awards is a program of the National Resilience Council, together with the Climate Change Commission, one of its program partners. It recognizes climate and disaster resilience champions across the nation. It aims to showcase scalable solutions that enhance adaptive capacity in vulnerable Philippine coastal communities.
The field evaluation assessed the implementation and impact of Conte’s community program dubbed ‘Paglajag,’ a Surigaonon term which means to sail. She advocated for grassroots-led climate resilience and community development initiatives for the vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
Named after the local Surigaonon concept of navigating or charting a journey, the Paglajag was launched as an integrated and multi-sectoral initiative designed to address the interconnected challenges faced by island communities in Siargao.
According to Conte, her program integrated the seven key pillars of long-term sustainability namely environmental workshops, performing arts and creativity sessions, values formation, literacy program, nutrition program, livelihood and income-generating initiatives, and a scholarship program.
“Through sustained implementation, Paglajag has achieved significant tangible results, including the collection of over 26,000 plastic bottles and more than 16,000 plastic wrappers, the establishment of island-wide waste management systems through strategically placed bins, and a major behavioral shift from turtle consumption to conservation, resulting in the creation of a marine protected area ordinance for the protection of sea turtles and nesting sites,” she added.
“Resilience is not merely about surviving storms – it is about empowering communities to shape their own future. Through Paglajag, we aim to demonstrate that young leaders in small island communities can lead meaningful, holistic climate action,” the youth nominee underscored.
The Climate Change Commission evaluation team was led by Doctor Leticia M. Espiritu-Afuang and Doctor Blesshe L. Querijero. Alongside local stakeholders, they facilitated community interviews, program document reviews, and site inspection in Barangay Anajawan, General Luna. The team also assessed how the program on Paglajag aligns with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) framework.
Meanwhile, Barangay Anajawan, a secluded island community of approximately 700 residents in General Luna town, is establishing itself as an ideal destination for travellers who are seeking for a serene and off-grid escape. It is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, clear waters, and tranquil environment.
The place also offers an authentic rural coastal experience. Accommodation options feature eco-friendly and solar-powered facilities. While the island provides a minimalist, low-connectivity retreat, modern communications remain accessible through local satellite internet facilities. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
