By Shanaiyen Salazar
Copyedited by Mekylla Villapaña
Photos: Gabrielle Nicolas
Pasay City made history with the successful launch of the Eco-City Youth Congress on Saturday, March 15, bringing together high school students, youth leaders, and experts under the theme “Tomorrow Starts Today.”
The event served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and action, empowering the youth to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future for Pasay City.
In Hon. Emi Calixto-Rubiano’s address, she emphasized the vital role of the youth in shaping the nation’s future, commending the organizers and participants for their dedication in driving progressive change.
“Ang dating pangarap lamang na Eco-City Youth Congress ay isa nang ganap na katotohanan,” stated by the head organizer and an alumnus of Pasay City National Science High School, Vlad Dominic Paradela, as he recounted the journey of transforming this initiative from a vision into reality with the support of the city’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), local government, and partners.
The event featured prominent speakers who shared their expertise on various social issues.
Serving as the resource speaker, House Representative of Kabataan Partylist, Cong. Raoul Manuel emphasized the role of youth in nation-building, while keynote speaker, Akbayan Youth Chairperson, Justine Balane, discussed the education crisis and the government’s shortcomings in women’s health.
SK Federation President Benedict Angeles delivered an inspiring message to the youth, while federation officers Mr. Jay-Ar Yabut and Mr. Jay Jay Geroza highlighted key milestones and provided insights on disaster resilience.
The head of CFSI’s Park Avenue Initiative, Mr. JC Cardaño, also discussed adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Following that, an open forum was conducted, providing students with the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into the topics discussed.
A key highlight of the event was the project proposal presentation from various schools across the city, where a panel of esteemed judges, comprising youth leaders, innovators, and experts, evaluated the entries.
The team from Pasay City National Science High School under the supervision of Ms. Joanna Marie Luciano were Shanaiyen Leal, Aiyen Salazar, Arkin Zeus C. Espeso, Jose Maria Sinag D. Laya, John Martin P. Lomtong, Santine Mauritius E. Susa, Rolando D. Teves Jr., and Jean Gabriel M. Ylagan with their entry “Project Eco-Wise,” was awarded as the Project Winner and also received the Most Feasible Project award.
The Eco-City Youth Congress 2025 marks the beginning of an annual tradition dedicated to empowering young minds and fostering a more sustainable future, promising to become a beacon of youth-driven innovation and advocacy in Pasay City and beyond.
