Children, youth and local partners of ChildFund Philippines came together in Puerto Princesa, Palawan for the Eco-Scout Summit 2025—a five-day gathering that celebrated shared responsibility, community action, and the importance of caring for the natural world.
Held from May 19 to 23, the summit brought together 31 child and youth Eco-Scout delegates, along with 22 adult support staff and facilitators, seven local partners, and one country partner. Participants shared personal stories, reflected on experiences in their own communities, and explored how nature and people can work together in ways that support learning, safety, and everyday life.
The program included field visits to the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park and nearby communities practicing sustainable tourism and conservation. These experiences allowed participants to see how environmental care is not just about protecting nature but also about supporting local livelihoods and building stronger, more connected communities.
Throughout the week, children and youth shared what they’ve been doing in their own barangays to raise awareness and promote simple, doable actions. They learned from each other, exchanged ideas, and developed new plans they could adapt and bring home.
The summit also marked an important step in our program transition. As we move from the Children and Youth Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CYDRRM) program to the more integrated Environmental and Community Resilience and Sustainability (ECRS) framework, our focus remains the same: supporting youth leadership, child protection, and strong community involvement. What has expanded is our collective effort to include nature-based solutions, environmentally responsible practices, and longer-term ways of building resilience through community action.
During a group reflection, participants spoke about the lasting impact of Typhoon Odette in Palawan. The experience helped deepen their understanding of how the environment shapes the lives of families and communities. One message stood out across the conversations: Nature can survive without us, but we cannot survive without nature.
The Eco-Scout Summit was not just a learning event. It was a reminder that children and young people are already leading in their own ways. When given the chance to come together, share their voice, and take action, they become powerful stewards of both people and the plane.
