Over 30 youth leaders from Central Luzon converged at the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation’s (PDRF) Emergency Operations Center in Clark for Camp HARAYA—a pioneering three-day disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) camp aimed at empowering the next generation of resilience champions.

Launched by PDRF in partnership with Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and with support from Give2Asia, the camp—short for Harnessing Advocacy and Resilience for the Advancement of Youth in Action —is PDRF’s first youth-focused initiative on DRR.

Participants included representatives from youth organizations, Sangguniang Kabataan federations, and universities under the Metro Clark Advisory Council. The immersive program combined workshops, site visits, and community-building activities, giving young leaders a deep dive into disaster resilience and climate action.

CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes Devanadera underscored the importance of collaboration in crisis. “You cannot respond to a disaster alone. You have to be part of a community. And building that community begins with knowing each other,” she said.

The camp featured expert-led sessions from PDRF, DICT, Ayala Corporation, Clark Water, UNICEF, and more. Youth participants also toured Clark Water’s facilities and took part in commitment-setting and oath-taking ceremonies as newly minted youth DRR advocates.

“Even small actions can lead to real solutions,” shared participant Arvie Curioso, describing the experience as “deeply moving” and transformative.

PDRF President Butch Meily, in his address, hailed the participants as heroes. “By helping your families and your communities, you are helping countless Filipinos become safer and more resilient,” he said.

Camp HARAYA is part of PDRF’s ongoing mission to foster inclusive, community-based resilience through youth engagement, capacity-building, and education. The event was also supported by Coca-Cola, Shell Philippines, and Clark Water.