OLONGAPO CITY – Pursuant to their efforts to inspire the youth to become catalysts for change, SM Cares and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) hosted the Olongapo leg of the 2024 Global Youth Summit (GYS) on Aug. 1 at SM City Olongapo Central.
Olongapo is one of the host cities for this year’s 17-leg event aimed at representing all 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). For the Olongapo leg, GYS focused on SDG 15: Life on Land, which aims to promote a sustainable use of our ecosystems and preserve biodiversity.
A total of 314 students and youth leaders from Bataan, Zambales, and Olongapo attended the GYS in “a day full of inspiring talks, impactful sessions, and fantastic networking opportunities.”
In his opening message, Royston A. Cabuñag, assistant vice president of mall operations and SM Cares program director for children and youth, said “We are all stewards of tomorrow, and it’s our responsibility to protect and enhance our planet. We are here to address a critical challenge, SDG 15-Life on Land”.
Featured speakers in the event included: DENR-Zambales provincial environment and natural resources officer Atty. Marife Castillo on SDG 15: Life on Land; Laoag Integrated Fisherfolk Association executive secretary Renan Gilig on SDG 14: Life Below Water; Food for Life Philippines assistant director Edward Olaguer on SDG 2: Zero Hunger; and Global Peace Foundation Asia Pacific regional president Ingill Ra on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
In his talk, Ra, who traveled from Korea, emphasized sustainable community development through youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
He highlighted the phrase “Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa” from the Philippines’ patriotic oath “Panatang Makabayan,” noting its deep connection with the Korean ethos “Hongik Ingan,” which translates to “build a nation that benefits humanity.”
Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino, Jr. gave a special message expressing the local government’s support for youth initiatives and reminded the participants to take care of our environment because he said “if it disappears, we will too—it’s that simple”.
Interactive question-and-answer sessions following each speaker’s presentation and spontaneous interview sessions where participants shared their insights enriched the discussions.
The participants also affirmed their commitment to be changemakers by reciting the GYS Youth Pledge.
The GYS is one of SM Cares’ numerous programs on children and youth supporting all 17 UN SDGs. The others include The Book Nook, a free library and community hub where parents and children can bond over books, workshops and activities; and supporting UNICEF’s Programs for Education of Children.
SM Cares also has programs on the environment, women and breastfeeding mothers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. SM-PR
