JULY 17, 2025, CLARK, PAMPANGA—The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), with the support of Give2Asia and in partnership with Clark Development Corporation (CDC), recently launched its first youth-oriented initiative on disaster risk reduction (DRR), Camp HARAYA (Harnessing Advocacy and Resilience for the Advancement of Youth in Action), at the PDRF Emergency Operations Center in Clark, Pampanga.
Camp HARAYA participants at the PDRF Emergency Operations Center
Camp HARAYA brought together over 30 youth participants from youth organizations, universities, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federations under the Metro Clark Advisory Council for a three-day activity aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to community-based DRR and climate change adaptation (CCA) initiatives.
CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes Devanadera emphasized the importance of building a community first to build resilience. “The first step is to get to know one another. That’s the beginning of having knowledge on resilience. That’s the start of building a community. You cannot respond to a disaster alone. You have to be part of a community,” she said.
The camp opened with sessions on disaster resilience and climate adaptation and a site visit to Clark Water facilities as part of the learning immersion.
Experts from various sectors also shared their insights and experiences with the participants. These included representatives from PDRF, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Pampanga and Tarlac Provincial DRRM Offices, Ayala Corporation, Clark Water, UNICEF, JCI Manila, Baha Brigada, Green Economy Ready, and Grow School.
The second day focused on exploring various actors in DRR-CCA and identifying their role in community action. The final day emphasized youth empowerment through insights sharing, commitment setting, and oath-taking as new youth DRR advocates.
Camp HARAYA participants during the World Cafe activity
One of the participants, Arvie Curioso said that Camp HARAYA provided a “deeply moving experience.” “Hearing from inspiring speakers lit a fire in me, particularly with their passion, honesty, and belief in youth, which showed me that even small actions can lead to real solutions in disaster resilience and climate action,” she added.
In his opening message, PDRF President Butch Meily reiterated the importance of youth in building resilience. “I want you to know that you are among our heroes. Whatever path you choose—whether as a meteorologist, geologist, news anchor, humanitarian, or working with PDRF to help others—you are a hero in your own way. By helping your families and your communities, you are helping countless Filipinos become safer and more resilient.”
Camp HARAYA was part of PDRF’s continuing efforts to promote inclusive and community-based approaches to resilience by engaging and empowering the youth sector through education, capacity-building, and advocacy. The event was sponsored by Coca-Cola, Shell Philippines, and Clark Water.
