Written by Vince Xyrex Aglosolos | Photo by Asst. Prof. Kim Bondoc
The University of the Philippines (UP) convened its first-ever Youth Summit on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), titled “Champions of Change and Innovation,” on March 12 to 13, 2026 at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The summit gathered student leaders from UP constituent units, alongside representatives from Ateneo de Manila University.
Over the two-day event, delegates examined the Philippines’ progress in achieving the SDGs through a series of panel discussions that linked these global goals to pressing social realities. The sessions emphasized the critical role of the youth in advancing the SDGs, particularly as the 2030 deadline set by the United Nations approaches.
Workshops formed a key component of the summit, enabling participants to develop capstone project proposals grounded in specific SDGs and responsive to the needs of their respective communities.
UP Cebu delegates were divided into two groups, each presenting distinct proposals addressing local concerns in Cebu City. Team A introduced “HIMANTAY,” a project focused on addressing the rise of sexually transmitted diseases and combating stigma surrounding sex education and reproductive health. Team B presented “B.A.H.I.G.O.N.,” a community-based waste management initiative promoting waste segregation and the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae to convert biodegradable waste into sustainable resources.
Among the entries, Team B’s “B.A.H.I.G.O.N.” earned the Most Innovative Project award, securing ₱50,000 in seed funding for its implementation in UP Cebu.
The summit fostered collaboration among student leaders while reinforcing the importance of youth-driven, community-rooted solutions in advancing the SDGs.