Picture this: three days surrounded by crystal-clear waters, lush mangroves, and vibrant wildlife on Danjugan Island. Sounds like paradise, right? But this isn’t just a retreat—it’s a call to action.

This was what the #ParaSaKlima Camp [Translated #ForTheClimate] was all about—a unique opportunity for participants – LGU, academe, People’s Organizations and the Youth– from Southern Negros Occidental to come together, learn, and act for the planet.

The goal: to create a Community Climate Fund that includes clear processes, management strategies, sustainability plans, and a roadmap for effective implementation.

What went on in the camp?
At #ParaSaKlima, the campers learned about:
1. The Science of Climate – Unveiling the “why” behind the crisis shaping our planet’s future.
2. Laudato Si / Caring for Our Common Home – Inspiring collective action to protect everything we love and live for.
3. Climate Justice – Fighting for fairness in a world where the heat isn’t equally shared.
4. The Intersectionality of Climate – Connecting the dots between the climate crisis and gender and development. The climate crisis disproportionately impacts women, especially in vulnerable communities, as they often bear the brunt of food, water, and resource shortages while having limited access to decision-making. Despite their critical role in climate adaptation and resilience, systemic inequalities continue to marginalize their voices in policy and action.
5. Environment and Climate Initiatives and Implementation – From vision to action: driving real solutions for a better tomorrow.
6. Brainstorming for opportunities for local communities to take agency over their lives – Building grassroots power to protect and sustain our shared resources.

After every talk, the campers gathered around to share their own insights and reflections on what they had learned.
For them, the whole experience was more than just about learning; it was about connecting the dots between knowledge and action. It was all about activating individuals to become agents for change in their communities.

Malyn Pateño, from the Sipalay City local government, noted that their existing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials often lack depth, making them less effective in delivering their message. Reflecting on her experience at the camp, she shared:
“I found the topic on the science of climate the most interesting and helpful. This knowledge will empower us to create more impactful IEC materials that truly resonate with our target audience.”

Why Danjugan Island?
Danjugan Island is more than a venue for the camp—it’s a living classroom. This marine and wildlife sanctuary is a pristine environment that shows what’s at stake if we don’t act now. Every wave, tree, and bird reminds us of what is worth protecting.

Be Part the Change you want to see in the world
The #ParaSaKlima Camp was a chance for like-minded individuals to converse, learn from experts, and leave inspired and motivated to take steps towards a more climate-resilient world.  The result? The first-of-its-kind South Negros Climate Action Network – a community of changemakers ready to take action for a sustainable future.

Project ACE Coordinator and Communications Officer Jaya Ariola gives her insight on the camp, “There are so many things I’m proud of in this 3-day climate camp: we were able to establish the the first ever South Negros Climate Action Network, and we also discussed the creation of a Community Climate Fund where people from communities can pitch local climate solutions to be funded by their LGUs with mentorship support from Project ACE. I’m also glad we were able to reconnect to the Earth and how to protect Her, learn about the science and intersectionality of climate, and deepen our relationships and community-building for climate justice.”

Project ACE: Actions for Communities and Environment, on its 3rd year, is a collaboration between CfN, LMAX Group and Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation.

Stay tuned for the continuing story of Project ACE and see how we’re building a climate-resilient future for Southern Negros Occidental—and beyond. With multiple sectors working hand-in-hand, we are transforming conversations into solutions, one step at a time.

Photos: Darcey delos Reyes