The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) officially launched its second round on February 10, 2025, at the Promenade, Bay Walk in San Francisco. Organized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Francisco and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the event gathered environmental advocates, young leaders, and local officials who are committed to tackling climate change through sustainable projects.
The event began with a welcoming message from Ms. Adrienne A. Arquillano, setting the tone for a day of impactful collaboration. Mayor Alfredo A. Arquillano Jr. then delivered an inspiring video message, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in leading climate action. Mr. Maximilian W. Dodson also provided a recap of the first round of YCAF, showcasing the success of past projects and highlighting Bloomberg Philanthropiesโ continued support for the initiative.
One of the key highlights of the event was the recognition of outstanding projects from the first round of YCAF. The Ka-saka Project, which focuses on microbial composting, was awarded the Most Creative Project for its innovative approach to organic waste management. CTU San Franciscoโs Carbon Storage Management, which successfully planted 2,500 native trees in Lake Danao, received the Most Cooperative award for its large-scale reforestation efforts. Meanwhile, the Eco Wash Garden & Botelya Mo, E-Connect Mo! from Montealgre was named Most Implemented for its widespread adoption of eco-friendly gardening practices and plastic bottle repurposing.
The awardees shared their experiences and detailed how their projects are contributing to environmental sustainability. Ms. Adrienne A. Arquillano reminded everyone that the initiative is not a competition but a collective effort to address various environmental needs across communities, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building a sustainable future.
