Y4E-SEA launches PH's first Italy-IRENA Action for Climate Toolkit (I ACT) for Young Leaders

Youth for Energy Southeast Asia (Y4E-SEA) in collaboration with the Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, the Embassy of Italy - Manila, and Green Economy Ready, officially launched the Philippines’ first Italy-IRENA Action for Climate Toolkit (I ACT) training program at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila.

Held on May 23, I ACT brought together over 82 young Filipino climate leaders to strengthen youth capacity in climate action, renewable energy literacy, and peer-to-peer education.

“The I ACT initiative empowers young leaders by giving them the tools and training they need to educate others in their communities,” said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

This sentiment was echoed by His Excellency Ambassador Davide Giglio, Ambassador of the Embassy of Italy - Manila, who underscored the importance of Filipino youth engagement. “It is important that young people get involved and develop an awareness of the implications of climate change,” he said.

Dr. Gary Ador Dionisio, Dean of the Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance also delivered opening remarks, highlighting the role of I ACT to empower young people. Ms. Amira Bilqis, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Y4E-SEA, also emphasized the importance of collaborative youth efforts in supporting a just and inclusive energy transition.

I ACT is a global initiative led by IRENA and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, together with the SDG7 Youth Constituency and UNICEF, to strengthen youth climate literacy and leadership.

Developed in response to young people’s call for accessible climate education, the global toolkit equips youth with the knowledge and skills to conduct peer-led training on the energy transition, climate action, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The training program includes six learning modules covering dispelling common myths, introduction to climate and renewable energy, renewable energy for climate action, energy for development, just and inclusive transitions, and youth engagement.

The program also highlighted strong support from Philippine government institutions in empowering young people to contribute to the country’s climate and energy transition efforts.

Providing expert insights on the Philippine energy landscape and climate initiatives were Ms. Liza V. Pangilinan, Chief Science Research Specialist from the Department of Energy (DOE), Dir. Sharon Ocampo-Montañer from the Market Operations Service of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and Asst. Sec. Noralene Uy, from the Policy, Planning, International Affairs, and Climate Change of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Additionally, the launch spotlighted national climate and sustainability initiatives through presentations by Ms. Christianne Santos, Executive Director from the WeGeneration Initiative and Ms. Ann Hazel D. Javier, OIC Chief of the Strategic Alliance and Environmental Partnerships Division from the DENR.

The workshop sessions were facilitated by the Philippines’ 2025 I ACT Peer Educators selected by IRENA - Ms. Bernadette Anne Buensuceso, Ms. Lara Jean L. Salaysay, and Mr. Stvenson George T. Tupas.

“The youth are our next generation of energy policymakers and energy actors. Strengthening their knowledge, building their capacity, and empowering them ensures that we continuously include everyone in the energy transition,” Buensuceso, Y4E-SEA Philippines Country Director expressed.

The inaugural I ACT delegates represent a diverse array of lived experiences and intersecting advocacies. Among the participants was undergraduate student and food security advocate Stephen Godfrey Oafallas, who affirmed that climate and energy are both social and political issues that must be addressed to achieve an equitable and sustainable life.

“I think the concept of energy is broad and interconnected with other advocacies through inclusivity, law, and food security,” Oafallas reflected. “I plan to share it within my space and with my communities, especially with those who lack the resources to raise awareness of their situation.”

Following successful implementations in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore, I ACT Philippines marks the fourth Southeast Asian rollout of the I ACT toolkit by Y4E-SEA. The program concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening youth engagement in the climate and energy nexus, reaffirming the importance of peer education and inclusive participation in advancing the region's climate resilience.