The 2023 Siargao Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) Week was concluded with the successful conduct of the Culmination Night at the Municipal Convention Center of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, on October 13, 2023, with an inspiring event dedicated to promoting environmental advocacies through youth empowerment. 

The event brought together Local Government Units (LGUs) and major stakeholders to participate in and support the remarkable talent show of the youth. The event highlighted a series of competitions aimed to recognize and foster young talents to become advocates for the environment. 

The contests included “Hiyas sa SIPLAS,” the young women who participate in this platform serve as inspirational leaders and role models to their communities as agents of environmental conservation and promotion; “Huni sa SIPLAS,” a singing competition with original music composition highlighting the importance of the impacts of climate change or express concern for the environment and importance of youth as front-liners in biodiversity conservation; and “Sajaw sa SIPLAS,” a dance competition infused with the spirit of environmental message.

“I believe that the youth, as our future leaders, have the power to drive positive change and protect the natural beauty of Siargao for generations to come,” said Samuel L. Malayao, the Protected Area Superintendent of PAMO-SIPLAS.

"This event would not be possible without the support of the nine (9) Local Government Units in Siargao, the major stakeholders including USAID-SIBOL, SIKAT, Inc., RARE Philipines, STOA, Lokal Lab, Inc., Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine National Police (PNP)-Maritime, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), all the youth leaders and students and the organizers," he added.

The SIPLAS Culmination Night was a testament to the unity and dedication of the Siargao community in safeguarding the jewel of Siargao Island. 

𝐇𝐈𝐘𝐀𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒

Hiyas nan SIPLAS 2023 - Ms. Ethel Mel M. Escobal (Sta. Monica) 

1st Runner Up - Ms. Mery Rose E. Macabodbod (Del Carmen) 

2nd Runner Up - Ms. Aira Mae C. Gallano (San Benito) 

𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐈 𝐒𝐀 𝐒𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒

1st Prize – Sta. Monica

2nd Prize - Del Carmen 

3rd Prize – San Benito

𝐒𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐖 𝐒𝐀 𝐒𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒

1st Prize - San Benito NHS Bugsay Lajag Performing Arts 

2nd Prize – San Isidro 

3rd Prize – AnyBodyCanDance (ABCD) Troup- Del Carmen