La Mesa Ecopark celebrates World Environment Day with youth #ECOmmitments for climate action

In celebration of World Environment Day 2026, Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark recently hosted a gathering dedicated to youth-led environmental advocacy. 

In honor of World Environment Day 2026, the Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark recently hosted an event focused on youth-led environmental advocacy. 

Based on this year's theme, #NowForClimate, youth leaders and representatives from various youth organizations gathered at the La Mesa Ecopark to participate in a series of targeted eco-activities. The event successfully highlighted the importance of the younger generation as future climate champions prepared to face escalating environmental challenges.

The celebrations began with a special screening of the inspirational documentary "The Foresters: A Story of Climate Keepers," in association with MAD Travel. By showcasing real-life tales of youth and grassroots groups collaborating to save the environment, the film inspired viewers to actively engage in conservation and collaborate with cultural communities. 

After the screening, the young participants put their inspiration into practice by writing down their personal #ECOmmitments. By outlining concrete, achievable steps they will take to practice responsible environmental stewardship, these commitments emphasized the significance of individual accountability in building a sustainable future. 

Following that, the young leaders took a guided #BiodiverCity Walk through the La Mesa Ecopark's rich sanctuary of protected tree species. 

The trail included an educational visit to the Butterfly Garden, which offered a closer look at the delicate, thriving ecosystems. 

To demonstrate the long-term benefits of reforestation and have a positive, long-lasting effect on the watershed, a ceremonial tree-planting event was held. Young participants planted two Mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus) seedlings, a rare tropical hardwood native to the Philippines that is also known as Philippine Ironwood. The ecologically significant seedlings were donated by the Malampaya Foundation, demonstrating effective cross-sectoral collaboration in environmental conservation. 

The celebration ended with a hands-on seed extraction activity. After admiring the towering Kupang (Parkia timoriana) trees earlier on their BiodiverCity Walk, participants enjoyed extracting seeds from their pods. The collected seeds will be nurtured at Bahay Punlaan before being dispersed throughout the La Mesa Ecopark and adjacent La Mesa Nature Reserve. 

The World Environment Day event serves as a preview of additional eco-activities at the La Mesa Ecopark, which will open Phase 2 in July. The public can expect more areas for groups and families to engage in leisure activities, teambuilding, and connecting with nature.

Anchored on this year’s theme, #NowForClimate, youth leaders and representatives from various youth organizations gathered at the La Mesa Ecopark to engage in a series of targeted eco-activities. The event successfully highlighted the vital role of the younger generation as future climate champions equipped to address escalating environmental challenges.

During this World Environment Day celebration, the Manila Water Foundation and La Mesa Ecopark successfully demonstrated the wave of collective action fueled by youth passion, demonstrating that the next generation holds the key to creating a sustainable, climate-resistant world.