Focused on Promoting a Sustainable Use of Our Ecosystems and Preserving Biodiversity

AS part of their efforts to inspire the youth to become catalysts for change, SM Cares and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) conducted the Olongapo leg of the 2024 Global Youth Summit (GYS) last August 1, 2024, 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 passionate students and youth leaders from Bataan, Zambales and Olongapo attended the Global Youth Summit, a day full of inspiring talks, impactful sessions and fantastic networking opportunities.

Mr. Royston A. Cabuñag, Assistant Vice President of Mall Operations and SM Cares Program Director for Children and Youth said in his opening message, “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”.

The event featured notable speakers, including Atty. Marife Castillo, PENR Officer DENR-PENRO Zambales, discussed SDG 15: Life on Land; Renan Gilig, Exec. Secretary Laoag Integrated Fisherfolk Association, talked about SDG 14: Life Below Water; Edward Olaguer, Asst. Director Food for Life Philippines, talked about SDG 2: Zero Hunger; and Mr. Ingill Ra, Regional President of Global Peace Foundation Asia Pacific, discussed SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Ra, who traveled from Korea, shared his insights on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, emphasizing 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.

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.

Aside from its Programs on Children and Youth, SM Cares also has programs on the environment, women and breastfeeding mothers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. 