in the recently concluded “Klimathon: Our Race Towards Net Zero Reality,” a joint initiative of the Climate Change Council (CCC) and Nestlé Philippines, providing a platform for youth to develop innovative and sustainability-based solutions to combat the impacts of climate change.
The Klimathon Finals Ceremony was held virtually on April 22, 2022, with the top ten finalists presenting their project concepts to judges moderated by CCC National Technical Expert Panel Dr. Maria Angela Zafra, member Adona Princesa San Diego Environment & Natural Resources Department of Science and Technology (DENR); Ms. Laarni Piloton, Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Ms. Antoinette Taus, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and Founder of CORA Philippines; and Ms. Jasmine Estacio, Head of Innovation Portfolio Management, Nestlé Philippines.
The proposals were judged on their relevance to climate action, innovation, community impact and sustainability.
marathon champion
The Econique team from Ateneo De Naga University won the third place for “PH green energy harvesting using an improved triboelectric nanogenerator (M-TENG)”, while the proposal “GENOPLAS: Revolutionary” from the Genoplas team from Mabini College won Second place comes from sustainable multifunctional bioplastics that upcycle recycled fish waste components. “
The Neutralizer team at the University of Mindanao has become the first-ever Klimathon champion with its project concept “Synthesis of Engineered Bamboo Nanocomposites via Sol-Gel Techniques: A Breakthrough in Automated Vertical Farming Using Hydroponics in the Philippines”.
“We are truly honoured to be the first ever Klimathon Champion. All the hard work we have done to refine and improve our proposal over the past six months has been worth it. We would like to thank CCC and Nestlé Philippines Believing in what young people can do for the environment; giving us the opportunity to present our ideas and learn directly from industry experts through a mentoring programme,” said Jeremiah Malalis and Larry Competente of the Neutralizer team
The top three winning teams receive cash prizes, which they can use as seed funding to further develop and/or implement their project concepts. Special awards are also given to teams that develop and promote gender empowerment, originality, and community engagement:
⦁ The Genoplas Team – Gender Empowerment
⦁ Team Econique – Creative
⦁ Team Tagubtub – Community Engagement
“As we mark Earth Day, let us continue to invest more in our youth, our communities, and our creativity and wisdom as a nation for sustainable development and resilience. This is how we ensure a better nation The only way to the future,” said Secretary Robert EA Borje, CCC Vice-Chairman and Executive Director.
Youth as Heirs of the Earth
On the show, House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda expressed her support for Filipino youth and what they are doing for the environment with a special message.
“It’s inspiring to see young people already being very active in climate action, especially as you are doing so in the face of the enormous challenges and uncertainties posed by the pandemic. You are an inspiration to all of us ,” said Deputy Speaker Legada. “The coming years will be critical to ensuring a livable future for humanity. To do this, we need to stimulate and scale innovation. The world’s youth will be key partners in this effort.”
Youth participants pledged to use their abilities to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions through the Klimathon Pledge led by Ms Taus.
In closing remarks, Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki emphasized the importance of initiatives such as Klimathon, in keeping with an inclusive approach to empowering youth and consumers to take action.
“Through Klimathon, we are honoured to work with young people in particular to provide a platform for developing science-based solutions to climate change,” he said. “To our youth participants, you are one of the most passionate and creative members of society and you can make a difference. You should apply the knowledge and insights you have acquired to become the change-makers that today’s world needs .”
To achieve its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Nestlé Philippines continues to build partnerships with like-minded stakeholders and work with different sectors of the country.
