Sto. Tomas City, Batangas — SM City Sto. Tomas proudly served as one of the key venues for the 13th Global Youth Summit 2025, drawing hundreds of students and youth leaders to engage in dynamic conversations centered around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In partnership with SM Cares, Global Peace Foundation Philippines, Bless Microfinance Corporation, Sto. Tomas Youth Development and Sports Division, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, SM Malls Online, and several youth organizations, the summit created a collaborative space where young minds could exchange ideas, raise concerns, and craft impactful solutions to the pressing issues of today.
This year’s summit was part of a nationwide initiative held across 17 locations in the Philippines — a nod to the 17 SDGs. SM City Sto. Tomas focused on three critical goals: Life on Land (SDG 15), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). These themes were brought to life by expert speakers from the local government of Sto. Tomas:
- Ms. Earl Angelica K. Lesaca, Forest Management Section Head, CENRO
- Ms. Yessa G. Escarez, Air and Water Management Section Head, CENRO
- Ms. Alice Perez-Olarte, Social Welfare Officer II, City Social Welfare and Development Office
Each shared valuable insights on local environmental and social initiatives, urging the youth to actively participate in community-led sustainability efforts.
Adding an entrepreneurial spark to the summit were inspiring testimonies from local MSME representatives Mr. Chito Macapagal Aquino of Chitoe’s Homemade Products and Ms. Liezl Olimpiada of Angel’s Touch Candles. Their stories of resilience and innovation encouraged young participants to pursue their own business ventures and contribute to economic sustainability.
The event culminated in a Youth Pledge, led by volunteer Ms. Anna Lorraine Allego, symbolizing the participants’ collective commitment to driving change through concrete actions aligned with the SDGs.
As a platform built on empowerment, collaboration, and action, the Global Youth Summit 2025 reaffirmed its mission to elevate youth voices and equip tomorrow’s leaders with the tools they need to build a better, more sustainable world.| – Balikas.net
