The Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) headed by YDO Levinia Jarejolne, in partnership with the City Agriculture Office led by City Agriculturist Maria Gina Alberto, spearheaded a coffee tree growing and wellness activity titled Project Kasanyangan: Growing Coffee, Nurturing Minds on September 14, in Kapatagan Grande.
The initiative seeks to address two pressing challenges faced by the youth in Basilan: environmental degradation and rising mental health struggles. By bringing young people together to plant coffee trees, the project aims to promote both ecological sustainability and personal well-being—helping participants heal, connect, and grow as individuals and future leaders of their communities.
The activity began with an orientation on the importance of sustainable agriculture and mental health. This was followed by a hands-on coffee planting session facilitated by the City Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (CENRMO). Youth participants successfully planted at least 160 coffee tree seedlings during the event.
Complementing the environmental action was a wellness session led by the Youth Advocates for Compassion and Peace (YACAP), trained youth advocates for mental health. The session focused on mindfulness, stress management, and emotional awareness, providing young participants with practical tools to nurture their mental well-being. (Details by MA Agustin, LYDO/Photos by City Agriculture Office)
