AS CLIMATE CHANGE, environmental degradation, and unsustainable patterns of living continue to threaten communities across the country, environmental advocates, educators, policymakers, and citizens are set to gather for the State of Nature Assessment 2026 (Green SONA 2026) to promote collective action for a more sustainable future.
With the theme “Green Actions for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” the two-day event will be held on August 12-13, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the International Convention Center of Cavite State University (CvSU) in Indang, Cavite. This was announced by Green Convergence president, Victoria, Segovia, and organized by Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy (Green Convergence)in partnership with Cavite State University (CvSU), First Philippine Holdings (FPH), and other collaborating institutions.
Since its inception in 2007, the Green SONA has served as a platform for reviewing the country’s most pressing environmental issues and developments over the past year. Held in different regions of the Philippines, the event provides a venue for discussing local environmental concerns within the broader national context while encouraging collaboration among stakeholders in advancing sustainable solutions.
IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT
This year’s program will focus on the growing impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and unsustainable development practices. Local and national experts are expected to lead discussions on key environmental concerns and practical approaches to addressing them through science-based policies, community engagement, and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Participants from the academe, local government units, civil society organizations, the business sector, and faith-based communities are expected to join the discussions. Organizers said the assembly aims to produce a resolution reflecting the participants’ recommendations and proposed actions, which will be submitted to relevant government agencies and institutions for consideration.
Beyond policy discussions, Green SONA 2026 also seeks to inspire personal and community action. The second day will feature an educational workshop on the “Ako ang Bukas Movement,” including an introduction to the Carbon Footprint Calculator, which encourages individuals to measure and reduce their environmental impact. Participants will also attend an information session highlighting the importance of Philippine native trees in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
COMMITMENT ACTIVITY
The event will culminate in an Arbor Day tree-planting activity within the Cavite State University campus, symbolizing a shared commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development.
Green Convergence emphasized that active public participation is vital in raising awareness of environmental issues and strengthening collective efforts toward genuine sustainability. By bringing together various sectors of society, the organization hopes to encourage meaningful action that will benefit both present and future generations.
Participation in Green SONA 2026 is free of charge, although interested participants are encouraged to pre-register on or before August 7, 2026, as attendance will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
About the Author:
Prof. Victoria Segovia is an environmental educator, public advocate, and academic leader known for her extensive work in sustainable development, environmental management, and clean air policy.
She currently serves as an Associate Professor and the Head of the Environmental Science Program at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU).
She previously managed the Environmental Studies Institute at Miriam College in Quezon City, where she published research on integrating sustainable development into higher education.
