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by Marlon Suelto
2025 Director-at-large
From climate action to disaster preparedness and community development, young leaders across Mindanao are stepping up to shape a brighter future for their island. The 1st Mindanao Youth Convergence (MYC), the Apo Youth Congress (AYC) 2025, and the “Future-Proofing Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Interventions” dialogue in Mabini, Davao de Oro, all highlight the power of youth engagement in driving sustainable solutions. These events brought together students, young professionals, and community leaders to learn, collaborate, and develop innovative approaches to the challenges facing Mindanao. With a focus on education, resilience, and community-driven initiatives, these young changemakers are building a foundation for a thriving and sustainable Mindanao.
1st Mindanao Youth Convergence (MYC)
On December 18-19, 2024, in the Ritz Hotel in Davao City, young leaders from all across the island of Mindanao convened for the 1st Mindanao Young Convergence (MYC), an event hosted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in partnership with JCI Davao. Participating young leaders were provided with the information through lecture series, resources, and technologies they needed to take action on climate change and disaster preparation in their communities. The program also covered sustainability, disaster resilience, and climate change discussions, where Mindanaoan youths honed their skills in environmental sustainability via group discussions, capacity-building exercises, and seminars; they also learned about the significance of collective action in reducing the impact of climate change.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and SDG 4 (Quality Education), the MYC reinforces youth engagement in sustainability efforts towards resilient rural and urban development. The event strengthens multi-sectoral collaboration, highlighting the importance of education and responsive leadership in facing the threats of climate challenge. By fostering a more engaged and proactive youth sector, the MYC catalyzes youth-driven solutions, ensuring that the next generation is prepared to lead Mindanao toward a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Apo Youth Congress 2025
Achieving the third iteration of the Apo Youth Congress (AYC) 2025, a joint venture between BAHAGHARI AdDU and JCI Davao, was a triumph in youth empowerment and sustainable development. The event, which took place on January 17, 18, and 31, 2025, provided a vibrant platform for college and high school students to come together and learn how to solve important community problems. The NYC Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023–2028 and the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) provided the foundation for the congress, which encouraged participants to think critically, work together, and talk about ways to solve problems. In order to address the specific socio-environmental issues facing Mindanao and to have a positive impact on sustainability initiatives worldwide, participants took part in workshops, group discussions, resolution-making, and the creation of project proposals.
Through their strategic relationship, AYC and JCI Davao were able to maximize the congress’s influence, providing young leaders with unmatched chances to fortify their advocacy, increase community involvement, and organize projects driven by the community. Over the course of three days, this event gave up-and-coming changemakers a powerful forum in which to share their stories, offer policy suggestions through project proposals, and network with established figures in government, business, and civil society. Youth-led projects created by the participating youths play a crucial role in tackling pressing social and environmental problems in Mindanao; this highlights the need for long-term leadership and civic engagement. Mindanao and beyond will be well-served by the next generation of leaders that are proactive, solution-driven, and committed to inclusive development, sustainability, and resilience, as shown by the overwhelming success of AYC 2025.
Future-Proofing Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Interventions
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), in partnership with the Municipal DRRM Office, effectively organized a one-day Disaster Resilience Dialogue entitled “Future-Proofing Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Interventions among Mabini, Davao de Oro Communities” on February 19, 2025 (Wednesday), from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Mabini Sto. Niño Parish Hall. This event functioned as an essential forum for stakeholders to participate in proactive dialogues, capacity enhancement, and cooperative strategizing, underscoring the significance of disaster readiness in an area particularly susceptible to natural threats.
A notable aspect of the discussion was the informative presentation by JCI Marlon C. Suelto, a geologist, who offered an extensive examination of geohazards and geological dangers pertinent to Mabini, Davao de Oro. His lecture highlighted the region’s vulnerability to seismic and environmental hazards, providing scientific insights to guide disaster risk management measures. Representatives from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and many national government agencies (NGAs) significantly contributed to the talks by providing experience and policy assistance. The event enhanced the collaborative ability of local leaders to create resilient and adaptable communities prepared to tackle future environmental issues via inter-agency cooperation and evidence-based decision-making.
