AboitizPower subsidiaries GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD) conducted a two-day training program in Bataan aimed at equipping youth with digital literacy and coastal conservation skills.
The “Youth EcoSkills on Digital Literacy and Coastal Conservation” program, held May 7 to 8, gathered young members of the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association for workshops on environmental stewardship, leadership and digital skills development.
The initiative was conducted in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Orani and the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO).
“We highly value partnerships like this that actively involve our youth in environmental governance,” said Mistylyn Gutierrez, environmental management specialist of PG-ENRO.
“Teaching them about mangrove protection and the Fisheries Code, alongside modern digital literacy, ensures that local conservation efforts remain sustainable,” she added.
“Programs like Youth EcoSkills bridge the gap between traditional community knowledge and modern advocacy tools.”
Participants attended sessions on mangrove protection, the Fisheries Code, Microsoft Office, Canva, public speaking and team building.
Joseph Paolo Mendoza, Reputation and Stakeholder Management manager for GMEC and GNPD, said the program forms part of the company’s broader community engagement efforts.
“For AboitizPower GMEC and GNPD, supporting our host communities goes beyond plant operations,” Mendoza said. “Programs such as Youth EcoSkills reflect our continuing efforts to create opportunities for local communities while promoting environmental responsibility.”
Participant Renmar Guevarra said the training highlighted the importance of environmental protection and teamwork.
“I learned that mangroves don’t just protect our shores; they protect our families’ livelihoods,” Guevarra said.
“The Canva and tech skills are a huge help for school, but the biggest lesson was how unity and communication make us stronger as a team,” he added.
Another participant, Andrea Gavino, said the activity encouraged greater youth involvement in community initiatives.
“Activities like this show us that we aren’t just the future — we are the present,” Gavino said. “We have a role to play right now in building safer communities.”
Organizers said the program aims to help develop a new generation of community leaders capable of supporting environmental conservation and local development efforts in Bataan.
