by Dana Jamela Loot

Editor’s Note: Dana is the AGGA Philippines Focal Person for Visayas, and the Vice Chairperson for External Affairs of the Western Visayas State University Development Communicators’ Society.

Climate action is often felt and discussed in statistics, from the degrees of continued global warming, tons and tons of carbon emissions, hectares of forest lost, heat index for tomorrow, to the numbers of communities at risk. More than an opportunity to explore new places I had not been to, the exposure visit organized by the ASEAN Green Generation Alliance (AGGA) was both an opportunity and a responsibility to expose myself to how governance, education, and culture come together and intersect to push forward climate action initiatives. A week-long journey across Metro Manila and the Bicol Region reminded me that behind all the institutions we visited, communities are trying to make sense of a changing world and finding ways to respond to it, giving the children of tomorrow a chance to thrive. Each institution gave me a different perspective that offered a piece of a much larger picture: climate action is only meaningtul when people are able to participate in it.

Offering more than a series of institutional visits, the AGGA Exposure Visit was an opportunity to look closely at how climate action and development take shape in bringing climate education closer to people. A particular quote during the Seal the Deal with Green Covenant Network: Strengthening Local Climate Change Education Through Policy and Partnerships, by the words of Camarines Norte Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Rez Salazar, left an impression on me: “The Earth is not a resource to consume, but a gift to protect.” His words deeply resonated with me, instilling in me the importance of having accessible climate conversations with every sector of society, because the responsibility of caring for the environment does not fall on a select few’s shoulders—it is a shared responsibility. Reflection after reflection, his talk ended with me agreeing that “Ang usaping bangkalikasan ay usapin ng katarungan, pananagutan, at pagmamahal sa kapwa [Environmental issues are matters of justice, accountability, and love for others].” Anything climate-related should not be confined to environmental organizations or scientific spaces alone; it belongs with the people, to the communities most affected, and to the sprouting generations whose journey has onlv beaun.

Starting strong with our first stop, together with the delegates from AGGA Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia, I was given an opportunity to take a sneak peek into the Philippine legislative process at the House of Representatives. For me, it was a great experience to be in the halls where laws governing the country are crafted, and where national policies affecting my countrymen are deliberated, debated, and shaped. The tour of the building, especially the made a seshien Hale pres museum eve mending eider plena save decisions in me the idea of just how many issues at the community level fight and find their way into the crevices of policy and decision-making, and how many do not.

Having learned that communication and governance go hand in hand, issues surrounding development and the climate cannot solely be addressed through awareness and community initiatives; they can only do so much. I believe that with policies that connect with the realities of the people, more initiatives can be done, more people can be reached, and more action can be taken. With decisions made in government institutions having direct consequences for people on the ground, it is important to understand how this power is a double-edged sword-either alleviating environmental risks faced by communities or exacerbating the vulnerabilities they already experience. And with this, the role of communication in bridging gaps becomes even more apparent, serving not only as a powerful tool to connect people but also as an intervention and a guiding hand that empathizes, empowers, and elevates realities.

Exhausted yet still as excited as ever from the 12-hour-long journey to Naga City, our next destination started early at Ateneo De Naga University (ADNU), an educational institution that practices development work at its core. Several offices were toured during the visit, including the Center for Local Governance, the Ateneo Social Science Research Center (ASSRC), the Institution for Environmental Conservation and Research, the Center for Community Development, and the ADNU Magis TBI. Each has their own way of advancing climate action initiatives and development projects by doing more, being more, and putting their faith at the center. Moving from one office to another, I was able to take a glimpse of their areas of work, realizing how interconnected they are.

Among the offices I had the chance to enter, my favorite one would be the ASSRC. As someone whose undergraduate program is closely related to research, interventions, and working closely with people, ASSRC’s works stood out to me most. I appreciate how they approach research as a means of bringing it closer to people and informing action, not only treating communities as production of data. Their work combines together research and the lived realities of communities to develop and pilot interventions that are grounded in the needs and demands of the people. Their use of citizen science allows me to feel at home, allowing community members to become active contributors to the entire research process rather than treating them as subjects of the study. Aside from making the research participatory, it empowers people and gives greater value to the unique experiences present within their bubble.

Before capping the day off in Naga, I had a great time during our visits to the Our Lady of Deñafrancia Museum and the Museo mi Jesse, where beyond governance and education, their political, cultural, and religious heritage of Naga City allowed me to ponder on how history and identity shape communities to what they are today. We also had a sumptuous dinner with JET×Naga at Chef Doy’s, where we got to share stories over an array of good food. After a long day of travel, learning, and exploring Naga City, a comfortable seat at a restaurant was the best way to experience Bicol-through the warmth of the people and the flavors of the region.

Early the next day we began our journey to Camarines Norte for the Seal the Deal with the Green Covenant Network. For me, this was the highlight of the whole trip where the importance of climate intersects with different sectors of society—particularly the church, government, and education. What made the day especially meaningful was seeing these sectors not as separate actors, but as institutions that had come together to respond to climate change. These three have a powerful influence on people. The government holds power to shape policies and systems that directly influence people’s lives. Schools are assigned to help young people acquire knowledge and develop critical perspectives as they understand their responsibilities as members of society. The church, being a place of values, faith, and beliefs, is deeply embedded in the lives of many communities, especially Filipinos, and has the ability to shape and change perceptions. The convergence of these important institutions makes a potential for climate action to even become more sustainable, stronger, and collective in the process. They shape how people think, feel, and act toward climate change and climate action initiatives. Through this partnership, I have come to realize that climate action cannot and should not be limited to classrooms, organizations, or policy spaces, but all of the above.

The succeeding days were as productive as the previous ones. We visited different key institutions in Daet, beginning early with a seafood feast at the Pandawan Port. Starting with a filling, delicious breakfast before proceeding to the landmarks in the itinerary, I was able to enjoy the food prepared before indulging in the tour. I remember the day to be very hot, but the view of the Bagasbas Beach was more than a compensation for the sweat dripping off my body. The long stretch of wide beach and fine sand makes Bagasbas a popular destination to unwind and ride the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Holding such a moment for the Philippine surfing history, we were able to learn that surfing activities in the area can be traced back as early as 1966, cementing its place in the surfing culture of the country.

From the coast to one of the most recognized heritage sites in the province, we visited the famous Rizal Monument, the first to be dedicated to celebrate the enduring influence of the Philippine national hero. The monument of Rizal made me reflect on the values of nationalism, reminding me how it should not be found in the pages of history alone but should be practiced in our daily lives. Just across the plaza, we also visited the Daet Heritage Center and Museum, a repurposed municipal hall turned museum in 2005. The transformation of the museum is amazing to note how historical spaces can breathe new meaning to serve the community and tourists alike. We explored exhibits and artifacts that led me to understand more of Daet’s history.

Before lunchtime, we went on to finish the morning tour at the Wenceslao Vinzons Shrine. Known as the Father of Student Activism in the Philippines, Wenceslao Vinzon’s life flashed through the screen as we learned more of his dedication towards public service. His young age did not hinder him to become part of meaningful chance; instead, his story became a reminder that youth are not only future leaders waiting for their turn, but they are also capable people who can lead and influence conversations, challenge systems, and take action on issues that matter. His legacy pushed the idea and the power of young people to take space and participate in different movements. Lunch was also served at the former legislator’s home, stuffing us with delicious meals as we indulge in a tour that was not only productive but also enjoyable.

After lunch, we explored more of Daet by going to souvenir shops, appreciating the Vinzons Church, and visiting the regional office of Reboot Philippines as our last stop. Urban Gardening and Agricultural Center, or UGAT, became my favorite visit during the Daet Exposure Visit, where lessons of self-sufficiency and food production connected us to another dimension of climate action. We were introduced to urban gardening and regenerative agriculture as ways of producing food while appreciating ecosystems and resources. This visit became an avenue for me to understand that we do not need large spaces or extensive resources to grow our own food—all it takes is commitment, consistency, and a small garden. This is particularly close to me because in my home, we also grow our own vegetables for our consumption. This idea reduces our dependence on external food systems, where we can rely on our own produce for our own consumption, making it sustainable in the long run. Growing one’s own food is also an act of resilience in this crisis and disruptions we face.

Through the act of growing your own food, we can care for our environment while providing our own needs. I have always been a firm believer that change always starts with us, and UGAT reminded me that sustainable practices do not always have to start big; sometimes, it can begin at the household level. Seemingly small actions, when done and participated by many, can contribute so much more to broader problems we face. Not only is it practical, but also we get to develop and strengthen our relationship with the environment.

Before the conclusion of the events in Daet, we also visited Mabini Colleges, where we had the chance to engage with members of the institution and talk about the sustainable practices through a short forum. After days of moving around offices, museums, and communities, the visit became a fitting opportunity to pause and exchange perspectives. Although simple and short, the forum connected us with the initiatives that Mabini Colleges is practicing at the institutional level. The role of schools in climate action is further reinforced back into focus as young people spend so many parts of their lives and formative years in these spaces, where lessons should not only stay at the four corners of the classroom. The visit was meaningful and special for me. After the visit, we went back to our accommodation for the workshop, which I really enjoyed. I just wished we had more time for the workshop because it was a great way to end the whole visit, serving both as a debriefing and an opportunity to process everything that had happened.

As the chapter comes to a close, I found myself understanding the connections that ties together the institutions we visited. From the halls where policies are made, to universities that produce knowledge, museums that preserve culture and heritage, and churches that influence values, each stop offered another layer of climate action. More than anything, the trip made clear that climate action is not a one-man job—but a shared responsibility that belongs to all. When different societal sectors work together, their influence becomes more powerful—powerful enough that it can be felt, seen, and heard.

The words of Hon. Engr. Joseph V. Ascutia stayed with me even after I came back to my hometown, “What binds us together is our love for our country and our flag.” Beyond patriotism, I came to understand these words not only as a reminder during setbacks, but also as a guiding force to create a common ground from which the foundation of collective action can grow.

The exposure visit may have taken us to places foreign and unfamiliar to a native llongga like me, but its lessons stayed far after the visits ended. Climate action begins when people acknowledge their part in the process and choose to participate in something larger than themselves. Throughout the AGGA Exposure Visit, I have met a long list of new friends, acquaintances, and fellow advocates whose stories, perspectives, and fervent passion for the environment taught me that collective action is built upon people who are willing to listen, learn and unlearn, and act together towards a common goal.