UPV students win PHP 100,000 in grants at UP SDG Youth Summit

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Student leaders from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) secured recognition and funding for community-based sustainability initiatives during the UP Youth Summit on Sustainable Development Goals 2026, held March 12–13 at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, University of the Philippines Diliman.

Two capstone project proposals were presented by the UPV delegation, namely Balik-Bacauan and Tambon Padayon, which were each awarded a PHP 50,000 grant to support their implementation. The projects were developed as part of the summit’s culminating workshop, where participants collaborated to design initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Balik-Bacauan is a community-based initiative aimed at rehabilitating and sustaining the mangrove ecosystems of Bacauan, Miagao, Iloilo, through community-led mangrove rehabilitation, environmental education, and community capacity-building. Meanwhile, Tambon Padayon seeks to revitalize fishing activities through tambon fishing practices among the fisherfolk community of Damilisan, Miagao, Iloilo.

Balik-Bacauan received additional recognition, earning the Most SDG-Aligned Project and Best Community Impact Potential awards. The initiative highlights community-driven environmental restoration and sustainable coastal practices. Both projects were developed under the guidance of capstone project mentor Asst. Prof. Steve Janagap.

The UPV delegation included student representatives from several organizations: the Philippine Association of Food Technologists – Iota Chapter, UP Fisheries Guild, UPV Oikos Ecological Movement, UPV PH Pub, and the UPV University Student Council.

Organized by the University of the Philippines Office of the President through the UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs – Office of Student Development Services, the summit was conducted in partnership with UP-CIFAL Philippines and the UP Asian Center. The event gathered around 300 student leaders from across the UP System for a two-day capacity-building program focused on sustainability, leadership, and grassroots innovation.

Through lectures, workshops, and collaborative project development, the summit aimed to deepen student leaders’ understanding of sustainable development and equip them with practical tools to implement community-based initiatives, with resource speakers from various sectors providing mentorship to help participants refine their capstone proposals. The program also emphasized the crucial role of youth in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global framework addressing pressing challenges such as poverty, hunger, education, climate change, and inequality.

With recognition and funding secured during the summit, the UPV delegates are set to move forward with Balik-Bacauan and Tambon Padayon over the next 12 months. The initiatives aim to translate the proposals into concrete actions that benefit fisherfolk communities in Miagao, Iloilo, while contributing to the global SDG agenda. (Rogelio II Lacre/ UPV USC)