24/04/2026
ara sa Kalikasan: Highlights from TESDA Earth Day Forum 2026
In celebration of Earth Month 2026, with the theme “Our Power, Power Planet: Driving Sustainability through Green Skills,” a total of 235 participants composed of trainers and trainees from TESDA Central Office and training centers gathered for the Earth Day Forum held on April 22, 2026, at the TESDA Central Office Auditorium.
The forum served as a platform to deepen environmental awareness and inspire action on pressing ecological issues. It highlighted the importance of sustainability, climate action, and community engagement, with experts sharing valuable insights and practical strategies for building a greener future.
Among the resource speakers were:
Mr. Rafael Dionisio, Co-Founder of Make a Difference (MAD Earth / MADTravel), who discussed Sustainable Tourism in Practice: Community-Based Environmental Stewardship, emphasizing community-driven solutions;
Mr. Jerome Ilagan, Chief, Policy Research and Development Division of the Climate Change Office, who tackled Climate Action in the Philippines: From Policy to Local Implementation, highlighting the importance of strong local ex*****on of national policies;
Prof. Leah E. Endonela, PhD, Associate Professor at UPLB – Institute of Crop Science, who presented Strengthening Agrifood Resilience and Green Development through Skills-Based Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources, underscoring innovation and resilience in agrifood systems; and
Ms. Maraida Licerio, Senior Technical Advisor of GIZ Philippines and the Pacific, who shared insights on Scaling Climate and Environmental Solutions: Global Practices and Local Applications, focusing on adapting global solutions to local contexts.
The event emphasized the collective role of institutions and individuals in protecting the environment, reinforcing the call for proactive and inclusive climate action.
Complementing the forum, participants explored the Sustainable Living Fair featuring Bambike, Bambuhay, ECHOstore, The Eco Shift, Cafe Leopoldo, PASSFI, and The Learning Lab, alongside Greenovation exhibitors such as ToJo Motors Corp., Geocycle - Holcim Philippines, Plastic Odyssey and Make Sense Asia, Hytec Power Inc., and DA Philippines Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech). These exhibits showcased eco-friendly products, green innovations, and sustainable practices that promote responsible living.
The program concluded with closing remarks from the Deputy Director General for Administration and Innovation Galo B. Glino III, who underscored the importance of sustained collaboration and action in advancing environmental sustainability initiatives.
This initiative reflects TESDA’s continued commitment to integrating environmental awareness into technical education and skills development—empowering Filipinos to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
