Parker Shane Manalaysay Shares High Seas Youth Ambassador Experience
This blog post was authored by Parker Shane Manalaysay, a 2025 EarthEcho High Seas Youth Ambassador.
Educational Forums and Screenings
Parker participated in the national film screening of Ocean with David Attenborough, representing youth voices in the accompanying forum. He extended this educational initiative by organizing film screenings at Silliman University and San Carlos School of Cebu (SHS), where he facilitated discussions with students about the High Seas Treaty and its implications for Filipino youth. These screenings provided platforms for meaningful dialogue about ocean conservation and the treaty's significance.
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Government and Legislative Engagement
In a significant effort to influence policy, Parker took part in a legislative forum that examined the scientific, diplomatic, and economic impacts of the High Seas Treaty on the Philippines. This forum was presented directly to representatives from senator offices, demonstrating commitment to engaging decision-makers at the national level.
Student Government Outreach
Parker conducted targeted presentations to the environment committees of two major student governments: Silliman University Student Government and Foundation University Student Government. During these sessions, he discussed opportunities to integrate High Seas Treaty discussions into their planned events and activities, building institutional support for ocean advocacy among student leaders.
Community Engagement
During Silliman University's Founders Day celebration, Parker registered and managed a High Seas booth at the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences Open House. He prepared educational materials including collectible cards and brochures about the high seas for visitors, creating accessible entry points for public education.
Digital and Social Media Campaign
Parker created a dedicated social media page to promote the High Seas Treaty in the Philippines. The page produced numerous posts and content pieces that generated significant engagement from the online community. This digital platform will continue operating beyond his ambassadorship term, ensuring sustained awareness efforts.
Documentary Project: Dagat Stories
Parker initiated "Dagat Stories," an ongoing documentary campaign featuring short films about Filipinos' personal connections to the high seas. He has filmed two of three planned stories featuring a coastal youth resident, a local fisherfolk, and a marine biologist. These films aim to humanize the treaty's impact and are intended for publication on Oceana Philippines' page, reaching broader audiences through storytelling.
Team Building and Volunteer Coordination
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Parker recruited and organized a team of volunteers to support his ambassadorship activities. He conducted online discussions with this team about the program's purpose and objectives, building capacity for sustained advocacy work.
Looking Ahead
Parker's future plans include completing the third installment of the Dagat Stories documentary series and maintaining the social media campaign page to ensure continued public engagement with High Seas Treaty advocacy in the Philippines.
"The High Seas Ambassador program is transformative. It not only deepens your own understanding and connection to the high seas, but empowers you to inspire that same connection in others. It has been a life-changing experience that shaped how I view my role in ocean advocacy." - Parker Shane Manalaysay
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