On February 14, 2026, the University of the Visayas Pardo Campus became a hub for environmental advocacy as it hosted the first phase of the Earth2Youth initiative. Moving beyond traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations, student leaders and volunteers gathered for an intensive environmental seminar aimed at equipping the youth with the knowledge needed to tackle modern ecological crises. The event was made possible through a dynamic collaboration between the Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente–University of the Visayas Chapter, the Rotaract Club of Central Surigao, SVCAMOOD, and the UVPSS. This educational cornerstone provided a platform for expert speakers to dive deep into the pressing issues affecting our local and global environments, setting the stage for the practical action phases of the Earth2Youth project.
The seminar featured a diverse lineup of topics, beginning with Mr. Ed, who provided a comprehensive look into Coastal Resource Management, emphasizing the vital role that healthy shorelines play in community resilience. Shifting from the coast to our vital lifelines, Mr. Jihn Jeoffrey delivered a sobering discussion on Water Pollution, highlighting the hidden contaminants affecting our water security. The conversation then took a contemporary turn with Mr. Macky, who challenged the audience with his talk, “Trend Now, Trash Later,” a critique of the fast-paced consumerism of clothes and its long-term impact on waste production. Adding a layer of historical perspective and hope, Miss Claire presented “What Once Was Green, Will Always Be Green,” a moving segment on reforestation and the enduring power of nature’s recovery. Finally, Mr. James tackled the logistical and behavioral hurdles of Plastic Waste Management, offering practical solutions for reducing the plastic footprint of the student body. Through these interconnected sessions, the Earth2Youth Phase 1 seminar successfully transformed the UV Pardo Campus into a breeding ground for sustainable thinking, ensuring that the upcoming cleanup and tree-growing phases are fueled by informed and inspired young advocates.
