SLSU Bontoc Dean Salamida Empowers Youth for Greener Future

On November 29, 2024, Associate Professor Jimmy Salamida, Faculty Dean of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Bontoc Campus, in partnership with the College of Maasin, Inc., hosted an environmental awareness session at the Abgao Gymnasium.

The event aimed to inspire first-year students enrolled in the National Service Training Program (NSTP) – Civic Welfare Training Service to take an active role in environmental preservation, emphasizing the importance of youth-led initiatives in addressing pressing environmental issues.

Assoc. Prof. Salamida, presentation, titled “Aquatic Environment and the Threats They Face: The Southern Leyte Experience and the Significant Role of Youth-led Initiatives,” emphasized how young people can be powerful agents of change in creating a sustainable future.

In his talk, he also underscored the Philippines' position in the Coral Triangle, recognized as the global center of marine biodiversity, highlighting the country's vital role in worldwide marine conservation efforts.
“Awareness of the environment and the conservation of its resources is very important to attain sustainability,” Salamida added.

Assoc. Prof. Salamida also showcased the valuable contributions of SLSU Bontoc Campus organizations such as the Agriculture Students Society, Fisheries Society, Students for Environmental Sustainability and Solid Waste Action Team, and Marine Biology Society, illustrating how these student groups are leading efforts to build sustainable communities.

The event marked an important step in inspiring students to take responsibility for the environment, equipping them with the knowledge and motivation to engage in meaningful actions that contribute to local and global environmental sustainability efforts.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land.