Empowering Change: How First Gen Fuels Student-Led Climate Innovations in Local Communities

First Gen Corporation recently hosted the Youth for Climate and Energy Leadership Summit (YCELS) in Batangas City and Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. This two-day event brought together 62 young leaders from local schools and communities near their power plants.

The summit focused on hands-on workshops. Participants learned about community visioning, project development, and analyzing root causes of environmental issues. By the end, they designed creative solutions tailored to their communities. The best projects received P30,000 in seed funding and mentoring support from First Gen and its partners.

Some standout projects included converting plastic bottles into cleaning tools, a solar-powered vending machine for use during power outages, and water dispensers to cut down on single-use plastics in schools.

YCELS is part of First Gen’s broader initiative called “Create for the Climate.” This program emphasizes environmental awareness and is backed by experts from organizations like the Oscar M. Lopez Center, Foundation for the Philippine Environment, and the Climate Change Commission.

First Gen’s vice president, Ged Cajucom, along with Joshua Reyes, head of hydro operations, participated as speakers, sharing insights and strategies for climate action.

The participants represented various groups, including public schools and organizations like the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization and the Sangguniang Kabataan. First Gen is committed to enhancing community engagement and promoting climate action at the grassroots level.

Recent studies show that youth-led initiatives can significantly impact local environmental actions. A 2022 survey revealed that 70% of young people feel motivated to lead climate initiatives in their communities. As the climate crisis worsens, empowering young leaders is more crucial than ever.

So, what kinds of grassroots initiatives can further support community-led climate actions? Let’s hear your thoughts!

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