A three-day capacity-building programme connected young advocates with climate experts and civil society organisations to develop locally driven renewable energy proposals and strengthen youth participation in the Philippines’ clean energy transition.
As the Philippines struggles with rising energy insecurity and intensifying climate threats, a new generation of young leaders is stepping forward to push for community-based renewable energy solutions and a more inclusive clean energy transition.
The Climate Reality Project Philippines brought together 17 young climate advocates from across the country for the first-ever REalTalk Youth workshop held from July 7 to 9, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to develop renewable energy initiatives in their own communities.
The Philippines, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, continues to face the impacts of extreme weather events, rising temperatures and energy challenges linked to dependence on fossil fuels. Against this backdrop, youth advocates say they must have a stronger voice in shaping the country’s energy future.
“We’re here right now because we know that the youth possess the creativity, the urgency and the leadership needed to promote campaigns for renewable energy and community-based clean energy initiatives,” said Aimee P. Oliveros, Branch Manager of The Climate Reality Project Philippines.
Young leaders building local renewable energy solutions
The three-day REalTalk Youth workshop brought together participants from different regions, including Romblon and Davao, selected through a month-long screening process based on their commitment to community engagement and climate action.
The initiative built on the broader REalTalk series, which has engaged different sectors across the Philippines in discussions on renewable energy advocacy and clean energy transition.
During the workshop, participants explored the Philippine energy landscape, renewable energy policies, greenhouse gas emissions monitoring, climate mitigation strategies and community organising approaches through interactive discussions, expert sessions and project development activities.
The programme was supported by partner organisations including Reboot Philippines, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and 350 Pilipinas.
“While enthusiasm and passion are of course a good start, knowledge, networks and skills that young leaders gain from capacity-building initiatives like REalTalk are critical,” said Charles Jason Diaz, Senior Data Analyst at ICSC.
John Anthony Jacob, Programme Director of Reboot Philippines Renewable Energy Transition Institute, stressed that young people must be part of energy discussions because energy affects every aspect of daily life.
“I believe that the active participation of young people and students in energy-related matters is important because energy is one of our basic needs,” Jacob said.
Turning ideas into climate action
Beyond learning about renewable energy, participants were challenged to transform their ideas into practical community-based solutions.
Through project proposal writing sessions, young leaders developed renewable energy initiatives designed around local needs while integrating principles of climate justice and a just transition.
Participants received feedback from experts and fellow youth advocates as they refined their proposals and explored how renewable energy could address both climate challenges and community concerns.
At the end of the workshop, participants presented their ideas, highlighting the potential of youth-led solutions to address energy insecurity and climate impacts.
Eleazar G. Anaya said the workshop changed the way he understood the connection between energy, climate change and community resilience.
“I am excited to return to my community because I know I have something to give back to them: a programme that can respond to the electricity and climate crisis,” Anaya said.
Youth leadership at the heart of the clean energy transition
Organisers said renewable energy is not only a solution to electricity shortages but also a critical pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing global warming.
The Philippines’ continued reliance on fossil fuels has contributed to carbon emissions, while communities across the country face increasing risks from climate-related disasters.
Climate Reality Leader Jonas Marie Dumdum said young people should not be excluded from conversations about energy and climate policy.
“People think it’s complicated for the youth to participate, and I totally disagree with this notion because the youth are the ones who are more curious, more hungry to know more about how energy impacts them and how they can play a role,” Dumdum said.
Her session focused on greenhouse gas emissions accounting and how young leaders can use data to strengthen renewable energy proposals and advocate for evidence-based climate solutions.
Chuck Baclagon, Corporate Secretary of 350 Pilipinas, said youth-focused programmes are essential to creating a future free from fossil fuels.
“Building a fossil-free future entails investing in leaders who will usher in this reality now,” Baclagon said. “Trainings like this are critical because they facilitate the process of theory, action and reflection needed to build a future that is low-carbon, sustainable and equitable for all.”
From future leaders to leaders today
Despite being among those most affected by climate change, young people remain underrepresented in energy policy discussions and decision-making spaces.
Participants said many Filipino youth grow up believing that energy issues are only for scientists, engineers and politicians, limiting their participation in decisions that directly affect their lives.
Joven James Bonjoc said this perception must change.
“To address this, we need to stop seeing the youth as future leaders and start recognising them as leaders today,” Bonjoc said. “We must invest in climate and energy education, create seats for youth in local decision-making and support youth-led renewable energy projects that bring real solutions to communities.”
The call for stronger youth participation echoes across climate-vulnerable countries in Asia, where young activists are increasingly demanding a fair and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels. From the Philippines to Bangladesh and Indonesia, youth movements are pushing for renewable energy, climate justice and community-led solutions.
As governments face growing pressure to accelerate climate action, initiatives like REalTalk Youth highlight a growing reality: young people are not waiting for tomorrow’s leadership opportunities. They are already building the clean energy future they want to see.
