Bringing forth a policy to a deeper understanding through pertinent discussions on climate and labor action through a collective series of seminars and conferences, the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPS) of the University of Baguio saw direct involvement during the Regional Trade Union Youth Conference on Just Transition: Advancing Youth-led Climate Action, held from April 23 to 24, 2026.
Policy Building: Insights from the 2026 Regional Trade Union Youth Conference on Just Transition
Organized by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the ASEAN Trade Union Council (ASEAN-TUC), and the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), the conference featured meaningful exchanges with esteemed student delegates and professionals from six (6) countries. namely, the Philippines, Indonesia, Timor Leste, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The forum introduced and examined the Just Transition policy, which seeks to ensure that the shift to a green economy is fair and inclusive—protecting workers and communities from economic disruption while advancing climate action.
One student from the University of Baguio BAPS department, School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), Mr. Trent Justin Casiquin, observed sessions in which trade union youth, government agencies, and policy bodies engaged in dialogue. Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), Climate Change Commission (CCC), and National Youth Commission (NYC) debated practical ways to align climate initiatives with labor protections. Through listening and note-taking, Casiquin gained insight into connecting climate policy and labor rights without compromising either priority.
Alt Text: UB BAPS student, Mr. Trent Justin Casiquin (3rd from left), sharing his reflections during the conference
Having his internship under the guidance and wing of representatives from the Office of Senator Camille Villar (OSCV), Mr. Casiquin shared reflections drawn from the discussions; from his viewpoint as a duly noted student participant, he suggested ways the Just Transition framework could be adapted to local communities and acknowledged the value of perspectives offered by youth and institutional delegates.
Advancing through involvement with institutions that foster knowledge building for better and aligned perspectives in local, regional, and national communities (maintained through the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 8, 10, 13, 16, and 17), the encounter demonstrated that political science is not limited to textbooks. Seeing policy discussions personally demonstrated how concepts are developed in practical contexts and how internships may convert academic knowledge into real-world applications. The practicum’s significance in training students to engage thoughtfully with public policy and civic leadership was highlighted during their time with the OSCV.
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Written by: Marianne Basoyang
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
