Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday called on the Filipino youth to assume their role as environmental stewards and future leaders of the country.

“As the world confronts a climate crisis, we must acknowledge the youth’s ability to affect change. By highlighting the importance of “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” may we inspire the next generation of Filipinos to reduce their carbon footprint consciously and conserve natural resources,” Duterte said in a statement.

Duterte said the Office of the Vice President, in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other partners, launched the Pagbabago: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign to encourage Filipinos from all walks of life to plant one million trees by 2028.

“This week, we recognize and celebrate the youth’s talent, creativity, and potential for driving positive change and building a more sustainable future for our nation. May you continue using your voices and abilities and serve as a role model among your peers and within your families and communities,” she said.

The Vice President also urged the young people to use their education to make an impactful difference in the lives of those who are most in need.

“Let us work together to build healthier and more resilient communities founded on our shared values of inclusivity, diversity, peace, and sustainability,” she said.

Section 30 of Republic Act No. 10742, or the Sanggunian Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, mandates the observance of Linggo ng Kabataan on the 12th of August, which also coincides with the International Youth Day.

Various activities are being undertaken by the local government units to celebrate the Linggo ng Kabataan 2023.

In this city, the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) kicked off the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration by introducing the first-ever Davao City Junior Officials search.

CSWDO Children’s Welfare and Youth Division head Gilda Salvaña said it is one of the highlights of the Linggo ng Kabataan, in which the junior officials aged 13 to 17 render services in their respective roles as mayor, vice mayor, city councilors, and City Hall department heads. (PNA)