The activity was anchored on the global theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” which emphasizes the importance of indigenous and local knowledge systems in wetland conservation and management. A total of 20 students (7 males and 13 females) from Sta. Monica High School and Sicsican High School, currently undergoing On-the-Job Training (OJT) at the office, actively participated in the activity.

The lecture was divided into two major discussions. CMEMP Officer Rene Von Ubani, discussed and highlighted the importance of wetlands to the planet. He underscored how wetlands support livelihoods, particularly in coastal and rural communities. The second discussion by Jessa Mae Sabiga, an IEC member, focused on environmental protection and degradation, aligning her talk with the significance of the World Wetlands Day celebration.

Following the engaging discussions, the students took part in a quiz bee activity to reinforce their learning. The participants were divided into four groups, fostering teamwork and healthy competition. The activity concluded with the awarding of IEC collaterals to the winning team as a token of recognition.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually every February 2, marking the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The celebration aims to raise global awareness about the importance of wetlands and encourage actions toward their conservation and sustainable use. Through activities like this environmental lecture, PENRO continues to strengthen environmental awareness among the youth, empowering them to become future stewards of the environment.