Last June (2025), the BioChamps 3.0 youth camp was held in Southern Palawan, a meaningful initiative that brought together Indigenous youth from the Tagbanua and Palaw’an communities to celebrate their heritage, deepen their connection with their ancestral lands, and strengthen their role as stewards of the forest.

As part of the project, I co-created the visual identity and camp materials in collaboration with the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA) network in Palawan, which includes the SILG* Program of Forest Foundation Philippines, NTFP-EP Philippines, IDEAS, and ELAC, under an initiative we called Project AMPLYFIED: Awareness Merchandise Production Aimed for Limitless Youths: Forest Conservation Information and Education Camp Kits.

The designs, from the BioChamps Palawan logo to the camp kit illustrations, were all inspired by endemic flora and fauna, local dances and rituals, food, crafts, and valuable insights shared during a co-design Zoom session and consultations with the youth.

A screenshot from our co-design workshop and consultation Zoom session with the Palawan indigenous youth. 

We produced Camp Kits containing t-shirts, tote bags, tumblers, stickers, and other functional items that could serve as daily reminders of their advocacy. Seeing the participants wear the finished items against the backdrop of Palawan’s forest landscapes was a full-circle moment. A visual celebration of the land and the young people working to protect it.

We hope these materials will continue to remind the youth of their important roles in preserving Palawan’s forests and heritage. Truly grateful to have been part of a project that amplifies Indigenous youth voices while championing both biodiversity and culture.

*Thanks so much to Forest Foundation Philippines’ SILG (Sustainable Program team for this meaningful project. <3

• John Mark Ayap
• Nelissa Maria Rocas
• Rosemarie Joy Quetula

* Download a copy of the #ProjectAMPLYFIEDPh Publication for more info on our project.

* Social media project documentation:
1. Introduction to the AMPLYFIEDPh Project
2. Our Youth Are Culture Bearers
3. Protecting Biodiversity = Protecting Our Identity,Traditions, and Culture
4. From Design to Delivery
5. Behind the Scenes Reel
6. Camp Complete! BioChamps Palawan, From Vision to Reality

*On-site activity photos are courtesy of Forest Foundation Philippines

* I post most frequently on Instagram, so for a sneak peek at the latest projects (that might take a while to land here), feel free to follow along there! 😉