Leading the Charge. Youth associate members of the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association (TFA) join AboitizPower’s GMEC and GNPD Environment Program Supervisor Kristian San Diego (second from right) for a group photo during the “Youth EcoSkills” workshop in Orani, Bataan. The two-day program equipped these young leaders with a powerful mix of digital literacy and coastal conservation skills to help them protect their community’s natural resources.
By: Alex Q. Galang
ORANI, Bataan — AboitizPower, through GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), recently conducted a two-day environmental and digital literacy training for young members of the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association in Orani, Bataan.
Dubbed “Youth EcoSkills on Digital Literacy and Coastal Conservation,” the program was held on May 7 to 8, 2026, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Orani and the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO).
The initiative aimed to equip local youth with practical digital competencies and environmental knowledge while encouraging active participation in coastal protection and community development efforts.
Held at the Tubo-tubo Function Hall, the activity featured lectures and workshops on mangrove conservation, the Fisheries Code, environmental stewardship, public speaking, team building, and digital tools such as Microsoft Office and Canva.
Knowledge is power. Eng’r. Jay Del Valle, MENRO OIC of Orani, introduces the framework of environmental laws and mangrove protection. GMEC and GNPD’s initiative ensures that local youth understand the legal and scientific foundations of conservation to protect their families’ livelihoods.
According to Mistylyn Gutierrez, involving the youth in environmental governance is essential to ensuring long-term sustainability efforts in local communities.
“We highly value partnerships like this that actively involve our youth in environmental governance,” Gutierrez said. “Teaching them about mangrove protection and the Fisheries Code, alongside modern digital literacy, ensures that local conservation efforts remain sustainable.”
For AboitizPower, the program forms part of its continuing commitment to community engagement and environmental responsibility in its host communities.
“For AboitizPower GMEC and GNPD, supporting our host communities goes beyond plant operations,” said Joseph Paolo Mendoza. “Programs such as Youth EcoSkills reflect our continuing efforts to help create opportunities for local communities while promoting environmental responsibility.”
Young members of the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association diligently take down notes during the digital literacy session. By mastering tools like Microsoft Office and Canva, they are better equipped to handle administrative tasks and lead modern environmental campaigns.
Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain both technical and environmental knowledge that they can apply in school and within their communities.
Participant Renmar Guevarra shared that the training helped him better understand the value of mangroves in protecting coastal livelihoods, while also improving his digital communication skills.
Meanwhile, Andrea Gavino emphasized the important role of the youth in building resilient and environmentally responsible communities.
By integrating environmental education with digital literacy, the Youth EcoSkills program seeks to develop future community leaders capable of advancing conservation initiatives and sustainable development efforts across Bataan.