Written by Harold Deane Piog, Gabrielle Cabredo, Nadine Faye Layug, Milagros Guinsad
In the 11th year of the Philippines I Transform! Leaders’ Convention, the University of Baguio Student Leaders has once again united with the Youthlead Philippines Inc. to champion the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) with this year’s theme, “A Decade of Action: Saving our Seas, Saving our Planet”. The convention was held last November 14 to 19, 2024 at the Baguio Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City. This convention aims to empower young leaders to echo out their voices in order to make an impact as development catalysts, community champions, and social innovators all with the fervent pursuit of fully realizing the UN-SDGs.
This convention was attended by JSIII Jun Maoican, JSIII Harold Deane Piog, JSII Hance Pascua, JSII Tommy Crosby III, JSI Milagros Guinsad, JSI Nadine Faye Layug, JSI Christine Joy De Guzman, JSI Lexter Nico Mahusay, and JSI Gabrielle Cabredo. These representatives were chosen as volunteer staffers who underwent the Staffership Academy Mandatory Training to be confirmed and elevated in their position.
(In photo: Participants from UB: Velasco, Pineda, Banggawan, and Portin)
Furthermore, delegates from the University of Baguio were also present as participants, namely, Genesis Velasco, Richelle Andrei Pineda, Kristine Gabriel Banggawan, and Barbie Kyla Portin.
This year’s convention was particularly focused on five (5) UN-SDGs:
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals
These goals were further explored through plenary sessions featuring experts in marine, coastal, and environmental sciences. Notable speakers included Dr. Deo Florence Onda, who discussed “Unlocking the Power: Understanding the Critical Role of Seas and Oceans,” EnP. Jhorace Tupas on “Awaken New Depths: The Philippines Marine Biodiversity in Frame,” and Mr. Joaquin Silvestre on “West Philippine Sea: Why It Matters Ecologically.” The plenary sessions fully-delved into the frameworks and policies that play a significant impact on the protection and preservation of the seas and oceans, including the West Philippine Sea. Furthermore, the convention also highlighted some of the best innovations from various provinces which are on their way or have already been at an international recognition such as the Zero Waste initiatives of the Apo Island. This event has encouraged participants from different places around the Philippines to become proactive leaders to create a change in their communities with the various keynote lectures.
In addition to the intellectual exchanges, the University of Baguio Performing Arts showcased their exceptional talents, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the event. The convention opened with a captivating cultural dance performance by the University of Baguio’s BIBAK Ubbun Kaafuan (UBBUK), followed by the entrance of colors by the UB Color Guards. The UB Voices Chorale also graced the opening ceremony and brought the event to a heartfelt close with a moving performance on the final day.
It was also worth noting that the Super Typhoon Pepito had a significant impact on the 11th I Transform Leader’s Convention, leading to the cancellation of Day 3, which included the Primus Young Leaders Tourney and the SDG Fest. In response, an Incident Command System (ICS) was swiftly activated, transitioning UB volunteers from staffers into active responders. A well-organized command structure was established to ensure the safety, security, and adequate provision of food and medical supplies for all participants. This swift and effective response highlights YouthLead’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its participants, showcasing both its preparedness and leadership in times of crisis. As a result, the Junior Staffers from the university were honored with the Magnum Serbitium Award for their exceptional service as part of the ICS during the Super Typhoon Pepito Disaster Management Operation.
In recognition of its invaluable partnership and support, the University of Baguio was also presented with the Magnus Testimonial Award at the convention. This award is a testament to UB’s ongoing collaboration with YouthLead Philippines in advancing their shared mission to empower youth and promote sustainable development.
Through this event, the University of Baguio continues to be a strong partner of YouthLead Philippines, playing an important role in the shared mission of empowering youth and promoting sustainable development. The partnership between UB and YouthLead is based on a common goal of building leadership, innovation, and community-driven change, ensuring that young people have the skills, knowledge, and passion to make a real difference. The convention provided youth leaders with a valuable opportunity to learn, collaborate, and take action to protect our environment, particularly our seas and oceans, for future generations.
As UB continues to support YouthLead’s work, the university remains dedicated to developing socially responsible leaders who are ready to face the challenges of today. This partnership will inspire a new generation of proactive individuals committed to creating positive change, addressing climate change, and helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
