02/10/2026
Change often begins when we finally choose to see what is happening around us.
The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology SEAVIOR Club officers had the opportunity to take part in the AGRIDAM Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program, with the first batch held on July 28โ30 in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, and the second and final leg held on August 25โ27 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. What we experienced was more than a series of activities and discussion, it was an eye opening journey that changed the way we look at disasters, our communities, and our responsibility as young leaders.
We live in a world where disasters can take many forms. Climate change is intensifying risks through stronger and more unpredictable weather events, rising temperatures, flooding, droughts, and other environmental changes. Earthquakes can strike without warning, leaving communities vulnerable within moments. Human activities can also create or worsen disasters through pollution, deforestation, improper waste disposal, destruction of natural habitats, and other actions that place both people and ecosystems at risk.
These realities reminded us that disasters are not only about what happens during the moment of crisis. What happens before a disaster can determine how severely a community is affected, while what we do after can determine how quickly we recover.
Through AGRIDAM, we learned the importance of being aware, prepared, and proactive. Disaster risk reduction is not solely the responsibility of authorities or emergency responders. It is something that every person, organization, school, and community can contribute to.
As Marine Biology students, this lesson carries a deeper meaning for us. Our environment is our first line of protection. Mangroves can help reduce coastal impacts, healthy coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems support resilient coastal communities, and responsible management of our natural resources can help reduce the risks created by environmental degradation. Protecting these ecosystems is therefore not simply about protecting marine life it is also about protecting people.
But awareness alone is not enough.
We can share what we have learned with our fellow students. We can encourage proper waste management, participate in environmental conservation, support mangrove and coastal protection efforts, promote disaster preparedness, and help our communities understand the risks they face. We can become voices that remind others that even small actions can contribute to a safer and healthier environment.
The experience taught us that being a leader means being aware of the problems around us and having the courage to become part of the solution. We may not be able to stop every earthquake, prevent every storm, or immediately reverse climate change. But we can prepare. We can educate. We can protect what we still have. And we can inspire others to do the same.
Our home is not only the place where we live. It is our communities, our coastlines, our oceans, our forests, and the environment that sustains us.
Perhaps the change our world needs does not have to begin somewhere far away.
It can begin with us, by becoming aware, taking action, and choosing to care for our community and our environment today, so that future generations can still call this world their home.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the National Youth Commission (NYC) and AGRIDAM for making this meaningful experience possible. Thank you for creating a space where young leaders could learn, connect, and understand the role we can play in building communities that are more prepared, resilient, and environmentally responsible.
