• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Student-leaders from Bacolod City and Negros Occidental gathered for this year’s Global Youth Summit (GYS), initiated by SM Cares, in partnership with Global Peace Foundation Philippines, at Skyhall, SM City Bacolod, Aug. 17.
SM Bacolod mall manager Mary Jane Losaria, who welcomed the participants, said that through the GYS, “SM Cares is committed to creating a space where young people can be empowered to dream, equipped to lead, and inspired to take action.”
Empowering the youth means empowering the communities, she stressed. “And when we empower communities, we strengthen the foundation of nation-building. We believe that collaboration is key to unlocking the incredible potential of the next generation. When our young people come together with schools, organizations, government, the private sector, and community leaders, we create an environment where ideas can grow into solutions and where conversations can become meaningful action.”
She said that SM City Bacolod is proud to open its doors to this community of young changemakers. “For us, our malls are not only places where people come together—they are also spaces where communities connect, ideas are exchanged, and positive change can begin.”
Kier Aventurado, program director for Youth Development of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, said that for 14 years, the Global Youth Summit has been creating spaces for young people to connect, learn, and turn ideas into action.
“For Global Peace Foundation, we always believe in ‘Building With, Not For’. Hindi lang kami gusto nga ang youth ara lang sa audience, listening, and waiting. We want young people to be part of the conversation, part of the decisions, and most importantly, part of the action,” he stressed.
Discussions during the half-day summit focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by psychologist Donalyn Lastima, president of Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, with John Dyrick Dormis, program manager of the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment Inc.; and SDG 15: Life on Land, with Joakim Isyru Decena, wildlife educator at Negros Forest Park.
Messages of support were also delivered by Jonathan Diaz Jr. on behalf of Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya; and social welfare officer Ederlyn Samson, for Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Now in its fourth year in Bacolod, the summit is a youth-centered platform that brings together young leaders, changemakers, advocates, and members of the community for meaningful conversations, learning, and collaboration, SM Bacolod public relations manager May Castro said.
Anchored on SM’s “Mall for All” commitment, the summit aims to create an inclusive and welcoming space where young people can amplify their voices, connect with others, and be inspired to turn ideas into meaningful action toward building a more inclusive and resilient future, she added.
GYS 2026 was capped off with the Youth Pledge, with young leaders committing to becoming active contributors to positive change. | CGC
