SUSTAINUnity Magazine | Volume 1 - April 2024 by Western Mindanao UNSDG Summit

T n U S A I N U n i t y M A G A Z I N E LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND VOLUME01|APRIL2024 ISSN3028-0931

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 01 02 S P O N S O R S E D I T O R I A L B O A R D 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 13 12 14 15 16 17 18 21 P A G E N O PARTNERSHIPSFOR THEGOALS SDG17 SDG17 PEACE,JUSTICEAND STRONGINSTITUTIONS SDG16 SDG16 LIFEON LAND SDG15 SDG15 LIFEBELOW WATER SDG14 SDG14 CLIMATE ACTION SDG13 SDG13 RESPONSIBLECONSUMPTION ANDPRODUCTION SDG12 SDG12 SUSTAINABLECITIES ANDCOMMUNITIES SDG11 SDG11 REDUCED INEQUALITIES SDG10 SDG10 INDUSTRY,INNOVATION, ANDINFRASTUCTURE SDG9 SDG9 DECENTWORKAND ECONOMICGROWTH SDG8 SDG8 AFFORDABLEAND CLEANENERGY SDG7 SDG7 CLEANWATERAND SANITATION SDG6 SDG6 GENDER EQUALITY SDG5 SDG5 QUALITY EDUCATION SDG4 SDG4 GOODHEALTH ANDWELL-BEING SDG3 SDG3 ZERO HUNGER SDG2 SDG2 NO POVERTY SDG1 SDG1 II ||| |||

III III ||| |||

S U S T A I N U n i t y MAGAZINE

SUSTAINUnityMagazineispublishedannuallybytheJCIWestern Mindanao2andWesternMindanaoStateUniversitythroughthe officeoftheRegionalCommunicationsDirector.Materialspublished heremaynotbereproduced,copiedinanyformofbyanymeans, withoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher

Editor: CedrickS.Zabala,MPA

AssociateEditor: KerylleGabayeron

CoverDesign/Layout: SairaDulalas FatimaeKalam

ResearchProduction: Ma ssCommunicationDepartment ColleofLiberalArts

CollegeofPublicAdministrationand DevelopmentalStudies

WesternMindanaoStateUniversity

PostalAddress: TheEditor OfficeoftheRegionalCommunicationsDirector JCIWesternMindanao2

WesternMindanaoStateUniversity NormalRd,Baliwasan,7000 ZamboangaCity,Philippines

EmailAddress: zabala.cedrick@wmsu.edu.ph ISSN3028-0931(Print) ISSN3028-094X(Online) Printedby:FreedomCommercialPrinter

s Gov.RamosAvenue,Sta.Maria ZamboangaCity,Philippines 09178733759

ConnectwithUs: www.sustainunitymagazine.com sustainunitymagazine@gmail.com FollowUsonSocialMedia: facebook.com/SustainUnityMagazine @sustainunity.magazine IIII IIIII||| |||

WelcometotheinauguralissueofSustainUnityMagazine,avisionarypublicationwherejournalismmeetsthejoint purposeofsustainabledevelopmentandglobalunity.

Aswestandonthecuspoflaunchingourfirstissueatthe1stWesternMindanaoUNSDGSummit,itismyhonortoshare thecollectivejourneyofinsightfulnarratives,compellingdiscussions,andaunifiedvisionthatou rmagazineembodies. Thisventure,aharmoniousblendofyouthfulexuberanceandseasonedwisdom,isnotjustamagazine—it’samovement.

Theeditorialboard,comprisedofthededicatedBAJournalismstudentsfromWesternMindanaoUniversity,haspoured theirpassionintoeverypage,demonstratingtheprofoundimpactjournalismcanhaveinrallyingacommunitytowards action.Witheacharticle,interview,andfeature,theyhavewieldedtheirpensastoolsforchang e,articulatingthe challengeswefaceandilluminatingthepathwaystoasustainablefuture.

OurpartnershipwithJCIWesternMindanao2hasbeenatestamenttothepowerofcollaboration.Together,wehave soughttobridgedividesandforgebondsthatunderscoretheimportanceofpartnershipsinachievingourgoals.This magazinestandsasacelebrationofwhatwecanaccomplishwhenweunitewithacommongoal:toleaveourworldbetter thanwefoundit.

Heartfeltgratit

udegoestoourstudentcontributors,whosediligenceandcreativespirithavebeenthedrivingforce behindthispublication.Toourpartneragenciesandorganizations,yourwillingnesstoshareyourexpertiseandstorieshas beeninvaluableinenrichingourcontentwithdepthanddiversity.Andtooursponsors,yourgeneroussupporthas transformedavisionintoatangiblebeaconofinspirationandknowledge.

AsyouflipthroughthepagesofSustainUnityMagazine,m ayyoufindnotonlyinformationbutalsoinspiration.Maythe storiesofinnovation,thereflectionsonunity,andtheblueprintsforsustainableactionsparkarenewedcommitment withinyoutobeanagentofchange.Here’stoharnessingthecollectivepowerofjournalismandpartnershipstobuildthe sustainable,unitedworldwestrivefor.

CEDRICKS.ZABALA,MPA

Editor-In-Chief, SUSTAINUnityMagazine

Wedreamedtoachieveabetterandmoresustainablefuture.Asweface globalchallen ges,aheartfullofhopeiswhatweneedto makethisdreamsintoreality.

WelcometothefirstissueofSUSTAINUnityMagazine,apublicationthat envisionasustainabledevelopmentthroughsharedactions.Aswelaunched ourMagazineinthe1stWesternMindanaoUNSDGSummit,itismyhonorto sharethestorieswithconsolidateddreams,andupliftingactionsfrom differentorganizationswhoenvisionabetterandmoresustainablefuture.

TheBAJournalism3Ahascraftedeverystorieswithpassionanddedication. Asweflipeachstoryinthismagazine,mayweberemindedofourself-pledge obligationforhumanity.Itisourhighercallingtostartdoingsomethingto makeourworldacomfortableplacetoliveinthefuture.

KERYLLER.GABAYERON

T O G E T H E R , W E W R I T E , W E I N S P I R E , W E T R A N S F O R M .

W E D O N ’ T J U S T D R E A M , W E M A K E D R E A M S H A P P E N . AssociateEditor, SUSTAINUnityMagazine IIV IV V||| |||

NOPOVERTY

EMPOWERINGCOMMUNITIES:

AlleviatingPovertyandPromotingSocialDevelopment

InthequesttoachieveSustainable DevelopmentGoal1– "Endpovertyinallits formseverywhere" –theDepartmentof SocialWelfareandDevelopment(DSWD)in thePhilippinesplaysacrucialrole.Withits arrayofprogramsaimedatpoverty alleviationandsocialdevelopment,DSWD standsattheforefrontofuplifting marginalizedcommunities.

Onesuchbeneficiaryis

( 4 P s ) s t o u t a s a b e a c o n o f h o p e f o r f a m i l i e s i n n T h i s p r o g r a m , m o d e l e d a f t e r s u c c e c o n d i t i o n a l c a s h t r a n s f e r s c h e m e s i n o d e v e l o p i n g n a t i o n s , p r o v i d e s v i t a l f i n a a s s i s t a n c e t o q u a l i f i e d b e n e f i c i a r i e s m e e t s p e c i f i c c o n d i t i o n s s e t b y t h e p r o g r

Amongitsinitiatives,the Pantawid PamilyangPilipinoProgram(4P’s) stands outasabeaconofhopeforfamiliesinneed. rogram,modeledaftersuccessful conditionalcashtransferschemesinother developingnations,providesvitalfinancial assistancetoqualifiedbeneficiarieswho meetspecificconditionssetbytheprogram.

TitaConstantino Carrasco ,a64-year-oldfrombarangayAyala. Beforebeingenrolledin4P’s,Titafaced numerouschallengesasthesoleproviderfor herfamilyofeightchildren,especiallyafterher husband'sstrokelefthimunabletowork. Despitethesehardships,Titapersevered, takingonoddjobstosupportherfamily.

In2011,agl immerofhopeemergedwhenTita CarrascowasintroducedtothePantawid

PamilyangPilipinoProgram(4P’s)byawell-meaningindividual. Theprogram'sfinancialassistancesignificantlyeasedtheir burden,coveringdailyexpensesandenablingherchildren's participationineducation.Withthestipendsreceived,Tita successfullysentthreeofherchildrentocollege,aremarkable achievementgiventheircircumstances.

TitaCarrasco'sstoryembodiesthevictoryofthehumanspirit inthefaceofadversity.Herperseverance,combi nedwiththe assistanceofprogramslike4P’s,servesasan

i n sp i r a t i o n t o c o u n t l e s s f a m i l ie s s t r i v i n g f o r a b e t t e r l i f e .

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL1:

CARRASCO

TITACONSTANTINO

by: Aires Miajas, Alianie Cole, and Angelo Cofino

01 0 01 1||| |||

ZEROHUNGER SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL2: ZEROHUNGER

KIDSWHOFARM: EndingHunger,OneSeedataTime

Today,millionsofchildrenarefacingthe world’sworsthungercatastrophethatno onehaseverseen.Theglobalhungercrisis scalecontinuouslybecameenormous, leavingpeoplewithnoknowledgeofwhere theirnextmealiscomingfrom.

Amidfoodcrisisandinsecurity,anon-profit organizationhasbeenpavingitswayand servesasabeaconofhopeinfostering agriculturaldiscussionthroughoutthe realm.

oundedbyfatherdaughterduo,Moncini “Muneer”andRaaina Hinay,theKidsWho Farm(KWF)isan advocacyinitiative centeredonequipping Filipinoyouthwith knowledgeandskillsinfoodproductionand makinggreenjobsavailabletothem.

TheKWFnarrativebeganin2019with Raaina'sninthbirthday.Thiscausewas startedbyherpleatopreventherschoo l gardenfrombeingdevelopedintoanew building.

Intendingtomakefarmingfunandeasy, Raainaandhisfatherbroughttheideatolife. Lateron,astheydecidedtomaketheirideas comeintoanon-profitstart-up,theylaidout anadvocacyfocusingonurbanagriculture farming.

Theseapproachesincludecontainer gardening,asoil-basedplantingtool,a gardenator,aningeniousverticalbarrelmicrofarmingtool,raisedbedmicro-farming,a freestandinggardenbeds constructedabove groundlevel,andatarpotapproachthat transformspoliticaltarpaulinsinto“tarpots”.

Nowadays,KWFhasbeenabletoestablish almost50micro-farmsinvariousplacesacross thePhilippines.Withthehelpofpartnersand institutions,theywereabletotrainover5,000 youth,women,andadultsinurbanfarming.

Indeed,KWFisproofthatthepoweroftoday’s youthcannourishcommunitiesanddevelop newstrategies.

KidsWhoFarm outlinestheir ultimategoal ofmakingthe organization “irrelevan

o n c e rn inthewholeworld.

RAAINAHINAY MONCINI“MUNEER”

ITISNEVERTOO

by: Jocel Carreon, Sitti Marwa Ismael, and Wilnalyn Alawi

YOUNGTOMAKEA

E N C E

D I F F

t”in Moncini“Muneer”andRaainaHinay

ofthe

KidsWhoFarm thefuture,asto f o o d i s n o l o n g e r a c

Gardenator, a vertical barrel garden, and food waste composter in one Image courtesy of Kids Who Farm Gardenator, averticalbarrelgarden,andfoodwaste composterinone.ImagecourtesyofKidsWhoFarm. Hydroponics, a low-tech approach to soilless food production Image courtesy of Kids Who Farm. Hydroponics,alow-techapproachtosoillessfood production.ImagecourtesyofKidsWhoFarm. 02 0 02 2||| |||

BEYONDBLOOD: TheRedCross'sIntegralRolein AdvancingHumanity

by: Cyril Rivera, Sheena Arnado, Lorie Erot

ThePhilippineRedCrossZamboangaCityChapterepitomizes compassion,resilience,anddedication,providingessential servicestoupliftcitizens.Withover100chaptersnationwide, theysupplementhealthandwelfareservices,offeringdiverse programstailoredtolocalneeds.

TheirBloodService,equippedwith modernfacilities,ensuresasteady supplyofbloodthroughdonor recr uitmentandcommunity outreach.Comprehensivetraining infirstaidandemergencymedical services,alongwithstrategically locatedambulances,ensuresswift responseduringcrises.Welfare initiatives,includingwaterprojects andhealthcampaigns,promote communitywell-beingand resilience.

Duringcrises,theyprovideessentialaidandsupport,conducting pre-disastertraininganddeliveringassistancetoaffected communities.Healthcaravansande ducationaloutreach programsaddresshealthissuesandensureaccesstoquality healthcare.Throughtheirunwaveringdedication,theyembody compassion,solidarity,andservice,inspiringotherstolenda helpinghand.

Together,theystriveto a

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

WELL-BEING GOODHEALTHAND WELL-BEING

GOAL3: GOODHEALTHAND

d v a

c e h u m a

i t y a n d c r e a t e a m o r e c o m p a s s i o n a t e w o r l d . 03 0 03 3||| |||

QUALITY EDUCATION

QUALITY EDUCATION SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL4: ANGAT

BUHAY

YouthEmpoweredVolunteerism

“Itisnotyouragethatwouldtellyouwhatto do,butyourheart.” AngatBuhayLearning Hub-ZamboangaCityChapter begins aroundtheageofCOVID-19pandemic.The programisanevolutionoftheoriginal communitylearninghubthatwas establishedbytheOfficeoftheVice President,FormerVicePresidentofthe PhilippinesLeniRobredo.Theintentionof theprogramwastogivethestudentsa QualityEducationthrougho utthepandemic.

Sincethepandemicstarted,themobilitywas atriskduetotheinfectiousvirusgoing around.Oneofthesectorsthatwaslargely affectedistheEducationSector.As studentsarenotallowedtogototheschool, TheEducationSectorintroducedthe ‘BlendedLearning‘wheremodulesofthe subjectwereprintedanddistributedtothe students.TheBlendedLearningStrategy offeredbytheEducationSectorpromotes theessenceof“self-learning”whileinthe p andemic.Buttherealityis,itismore challengingtotheparentsofthestudents, aswellasthestudentstolearnduringthis timeduetolackofattentiongiventothe learnerattheirhouse.Theprogram originallyaimstocontinuethelearningthat issupposedlydoneattheschool.The LearningHubwasrunbythevolunteerswho areyoungbutcommittedtosparetheirfree timetoofferqualityEducationinthemidst ofpandemic.

The AngatBuhayLearningHub-Zamboanga City wass pearheadedbytheiroperations Head,Mr.ChesterHansTolentino.After gatheringsomethought,Tolentinotook initiativestooffertheirvacantspaceintheir house,tobetheplacetoofferfreeteaching tothosestudents.

by: Maui Degillo, Kyla Coleen Sereño, Almarie Millor

FormerVicePresidentofthePhilippines LeniRobredo'sinitiative,whichaimedto providefreeeducationtochildreninthe community,wasinitiallysupportedby teenagerswhowerehersupporters. Despitechangesinapproach,theinitiative pers istedwiththesamegoal.Tomaintain educationalquality,the AngatBuhay LearningHubpartneredwiththeUP CollegeofEducationinManila.

The AngatBuhayLiteracyHub symbolizes thestrengthofcommunity,uniting volunteersofallagestoguaranteethat everychildreceivestheeducationthey deserve.Despitetheobstaclespresented bythepandemic,ithashighlightedthe emergenceofheroesdedicatedto ensuringourchildren'sfuture.Moving ahead,let'ssustain ourbackingfor initiativeslikethis,whichencapsulatethe essenceof' AngatBuhay '–aspiritof communaladvancementandmutual growth. E

r i n g e v e r y c h i l d ' s e d u c a t i o n

s k e y t o o u r n a t i o n ' s a d v a n c e m e n t .

p o w e

: 04 0 04 4||| |||

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL5:

GENDEREQUALITY

Successstoriesinthefieldofentrepreneurship frequentlyrevolvearoundthemesof determination,resilience,andpassion.These attributesareprovenbyJuliepyY.Estorco's journeyfromthefieldofentrepreneurship,but herstoryalsoshowshowasinglemotherdeals withthecommercialworldinthefaceof obstaclesandcriticism.

Embarkingonaquesttofindabusinessventure thatresonatedwithhertruepassion,Juliepy Estorcodefiedsocietalnormsandstereo types. Despitefacingskepticismasasoloparent,she persisted,carryingherhumblebeginningsand aspirationswithher.Fromthisjourneyemerged AwesomeCorner,aventurerootedinEstorco's lovefordesignandbaking,startingwithnothing morethanahumblepot("Caldero")andahand mixer.

ItwasnotaneasyjourneytocreateAwesome Corner.JuliepyEstorco,exploredvarious venturesincludingnetworking,ukay-ukay, charcoal,andsoftdrinksales.Butwhatreal ly madeherrealizethatfollowingherloveisthe pathtotruebusinessfulfillment,

whichiswhatmotivatedherto concentrateonbaking.

Accordingtoher, "IthoughtI'man introvertedperson andcan'tdescribe myselfasawesome, butIcancreateawesomethings."

Eveninthefaceofobstacleslike managinginventoriesandalabor shortage,AwesomeCorner perseveres.Thecompanythrives asaresultofitsdedicationto qualityandcustomersatisfaction.

JuliepyEstorco

Insteadoffocusingonlyonpricing,it highlightsthevalueofbothpriceandquality, makingsurethatonlythebestingredients areusedinitsproducts.

JuliepyY.Estorco'sstoryisnotjustabout entrepreneurship;it'saboutempowerment. It'satestamenttothestrengthand resilienceofwomeninthefaceofadversity. Herjourneyinspiresotherwomentopursue theirpassions,defyst ereotypes,andcarve outtheirpathsinthebusinessworld.Aswe celebratewomen'sempowerment,letus drawinspirationfromtrailblazerslikeJuliepy Y.Estorco,whoprovethatwith determination,passion,andperseverance, anythingispossible.

AwesomeCornerisnotjustabusiness;it'sa symbolof...

e m p o w e r m e n t a n d a t e s t a m e n t t o t h e e x t r a o r d i n a r y c a p a b i l i t i e s o f w o m e n e n t r e p r e n e u r s e v e r y w h e r e .

EMPOWERING ENTREP RENEURS W O M E N

E M P O W E R I N G by:

Guinit, and Georlyn Nano 05 0 05 5||| |||

Habiba Sahidaini, Donna

WATERRESILIENCE: EnsuringSustainableSolutions forZamboangaCity"

by: Mavile Lacadman and Danise Constantino

Waterservesasasilentyetessentialpartnerinourdaily routines.Itservesasafundamentalnecessityforvarious biologicalprocesses,includinghydration,digestion,and temperatureregulationinlivingorganisms.Beyondits significanceforindividualhealth,wateralsosupports ecosystems,servingashabitatsforaquaticl ifeand facilitatingnutrientcycles.However,somefactorsaffect itsrolesuchastheElNiño.ZamboangaCitydeclareda stateofcalamityduetolackofwaterandtheextremeheat thatsurroundsthecity.

ThelocalgovernmentandZamboangaCityWaterDistrict workedtogethertoaddresstheseproblemsandsupply cleanwaterforeveryoneeveninthesesituations.ZCWD existstoprovideadequate,affordable,andsustainable supplyofpotablewater,developandprotectth ecity's waterresourceandmanagewastewatersystemsin accordancewithnationalandinternationalpoliciesand standards.

Today,theyareintheprocessofmakingtheir SeptageManagementprogramandnowworking fortheISOaccreditationofDOH.Theysupport programssuchasWASHthatarebeingdoneby differentschool's.Toassureitssustainability andlongtermimpacts,ZCWDhastheirwater septicplanandWaterDemandManagementto ensurethesafesupplyofwateran dtokeepthe peopleawayfromharm."Ifthewaterhasno bacteriadoesn'tmeanit'scleanalready,itcan alsohaveironandmanganesethatcancreate cancer"Mr.ReynaldoCabilin(Actingmanager) said.TheirwaterfollowstheNationalDrinking Standardwhichisimportanttodeliverclean water.SpringsourcesincludeLumaya,Labuan, VitaliandTalisayan.Ifthesewatersourcesdry up,ZCWDwillbeforcedtodevelopwaterfrom seawhichwillcost10timesitsoriginalprice.

AsZCWDcelebratesits50thyearanniversary, theysecurestocontinueinfindingandcreating watertreatmentplanstoalwaysprovidewater forthecity.Everyactionwetake,nomatterhow small,hasthepowertomakeadifference.Let usbeinspiredbytheresilienceofnature,driven bytheurgencyofthechallengesweface,and unitedinourcommitmenttosafeguardingthe environment.

CLEANWATERAND SANITATION SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL6: CLEANWATERAND SANITATION

T o g e t h e r , l e t ' s e m b a r ko n a j o u r n e y o f c o n s e r v a t i o n , i n n o v a t i o n , a n d c o m p a s s i o n , k n o w i n g t h a t o u r c o l l e c t i v e e f f o r t s t o d a y w i l l s h a p e t h e w o r l d o f t o m o r r o w . 06 0 06 6||| |||

AFFORDABLEAND CLEANENERGY AFFORDABLEAND CLEANENERGY

ZAMCELCO’s OneoftheCheapest RatesinMindanao

by:HafeezaMukattilandMegawatiSindy

ZamboangaCityElectricCooperative (ZAMCELCO)is oneoftheelectriccooperatives(EC)inthe Philippines,andtheonlyECinZamboangaCity.Itisa distributionutilitywhereinelectricityisbeing distributedtotheMember-Consumer-Owners(MCOs). Itmaintainsasoneofthetop5cheapestr atesamong electriccooperativeinMindanao.

Bybalancingenergysourcesbetweenhydroand conventionalpowerplants.ZAMCELCOensuresenergy affordabilityforallmembers,includingthoselowincomebackgroundlike PantawidPamilyangPilipino Program(4Ps) thereisalifelinediscountprovidedthat areeligiblebelowthepropertythresholdbutthereisa criteriaforthoselow-incomeearnersmustbe70 kilowattperhourbelow.

ZAMCELCOpromotesRenewableenerg yadoption throughpartnershipandinitiatives,itscollaboration withPSALMforhydroelectricpowerandacceptance ofnetmeteringapplicationsincentiveinvestmentin renewableenergysystem.Anditsfocusremainson providingaffordableelectricitywhileadvancing sustainableandrenewableenergy.

LolitaKasipitan, aresidentofBarangay KasanyanganZamboangaCity,isarecipientofthe financialassistanceprovidedbythe4Psprogram.

Priortoherinvolve mentwithZAMCELCO,her familyfacedsignificantchallengesinmeetingtheir electricityneedsduetotheirlimitedincome. However,herlifetookapositiveturnwhenshe becameeligiblefortheLifelineDiscountProgram.

TheLifelineDiscountProgram,implementedby ZAMCELCO,isdesignedtoprovideelectricitybill discountstoeligiblelow-incomehouseholds.The programoffersalifelineratetoqualified beneficiaries,ensuringthattheyhaveaccessto electr icityatamoreaffordablecost.

Thisinitiativewasestablishedbasedon ZAMCELCO'scommitmentto

s o c i a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y a n d t h e i r d e s i r e t o u p l i f t t h e l i v e s o f t h e i r c o n s u

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL7:

LOLITAKASIPITAN 07 0 07 7||| |||

m e r s .

DECENT WORKANDECONOMICGROWTH DECENT WORKANDECONOMICGROWTH

CultivatingEconomic Prosperity: TheRoleofYouth EmploymentandLivelihoodCommittee inBarangayTumaga

IntheheartofBarangayTumaga,agroupofdedicated SKmembersisworkingtirelesslytofostereconomic developmentandprovideopportunitiesfortheyouth intheircommunity.TheCommitteeonYouth EmploymentandLivelihood,headedbyHon.John ReddAng,togetherwithHon.Van’nessCapuyand Hon.RoxleEspinosa,aremakingsignificantstridesin promotingyouthemploymentandenhancingthe livelihoodofresidents.

Thecommittee hasinitiatedseveralprogramsaimed atempoweringtheyouthandimprovingtheir economicprospects.Theseincludejobfairs,training sessionsforout-of-schoolyouthincollaborationwith TESDA,andauniquecontestencouragingresidentsto cultivatevegetablegardensintheirbackyards.Despite facingchallengessuchaslackofenthusiasmamong someconstituents,thecommitteeremainscommitted toitsmission.

Collaborationplaysacrucialroleinthecommit tee's efforts.Theyjoinforceswithvariousstakeholders, includingtheDepartmentofLaborandEmployment (DOLE),DepartmentofEducation(DepEd),Technical EducationandSkillsDevelopmentAuthority(TESDA), andotherNGOs.Thiscollaborationnotonlyenhances theeffectivenessoftheirprogramsbutalsohelpsin budgetallocation.

Thecommittee'sworkhasalreadyyieldedpositive results.TheKKProfilinginitiative,forexample,has instilledasenseofco mmunityspiritandthe importanceofvoluntarismamongtheyouth.The positivefeedbackfromthecommunityhasfurther motivatedthecommitteetocontinuetheirefforts.

Regularassessmentsareconductedtoensurethatthe needsandconcernsofallresidents,including marginalizedgroups,areaddressed.These assessmentsalsohelpidentifyproblemsthatneedto besolved,particularlyintermsofyouthemployment andlivelihood.

by:ArnelBoniteandMushaifaAbsari

Lookingahead,thecommitteeplan stoimplement moreinitiativesandcreateadditionalopportunities fortheyouth,assoonassufficientbudgetis available.Theyarealsoopentocollaborationswith anyonewillingtocontributetowardsimprovingthe economicaspectsofthecommunity.

TheCommitteeonYouthEmploymentand LivelihoodinBarangayTumagaisashining exampleofhowdedicatedeffortscanfoster economicprosperityandempowertheyouth.Their workservesasaninspirationforother comm unitiesandunderscorestheimportanceof

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL8:

i n c o m m u

i t y d e v e l o p m e n t .

c o l l a b o r a t i o n , i n c l u s i v i t y , a n d v o

u n t a r i

08 0 08 8||| |||

ANDINFRASTRUCTURE

DOSTRegion9:EmpoweringCommunities ThroughSustainableDevelopment

by:DorothyJunairiandKateMerylleLamoste

TheDepartmentofScienceandTechnology(DOST)inRegion9,undertheleadershipof Mr.RicardoJ.ApolinarioIII,isspearheadingtransformativeinitiativesaimedat upliftingmarginalizedcommunitiesinZamboangaCityandIsabelaCity.Onesuch endeavorinvolvessupportingBarangayLikomo’s“Sal”group,knownforproducinghighqualitydanggitandginamus.Throughinnovativeinter ventions,DOSTaimstorebrand theseproductswithZamboanga’sidentity,addingvaluetothelocaleconomy.

ThisprogramisinlinewithSustainableDevelopmentGoal9(SDG9)whichaimsto buildresilientinfrastructure,promoteinclusiveandsustainableindustrialization,and fosterinnovation.Inlinewiththeirvisionforthefuture,DOSTinRegion9plansto implementdesalinationfacilitiestoaddresswaterscarcity,convertingsaltwaterinto potabledrinki ngwater.Withafocusoncommunitydevelopmentandenvironmental stewardship,DOSTcontinues

TheZamboangaRecoveryProject: ATestamenttoHopeandResilience

InZamboangaCity,theZamboangaRecoveryProjectis makingasignificantdifference.Thisinitiative,supported byvariousinternationalandlocalbodie s,hastransformed thecityandimprovedthelivesofnumerousfamilies.It hasprovidedpermanenthomesto400familiesand extendedlivelihood,psychosocial,andprotection assistancetoatleastathousandmore.

Theproject,morethanjustconstructinghouses,isabout rebuildinglives.BeneficiarieslikeMalaya,amotherof three,astrugglingprovider,haveseentheirliveschange significantly.Malayanowownsahome,andhishusband cansupporthisfamilythrou ghhisnewfishingbusiness.

TheZamboangaRecoveryProjectembodiesSustainable DevelopmentGoal(SDG)#9,emphasizingresilient infrastructure,inclusiveandsustainableindustrialization, andinnovation.Theproject'ssuccessisseennotjustin thephysicaltransformationsbutinthehopeithas instilledandthelivesithaschanged.AsweaimforSDG #9,thelessonsfromZamboangaremindusthat

investing in infrastructure and innovation means building hope, lives, and a brighter future.

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL9:

t o p a v e t h e w a y f o r i n c l

s i v e g r o w t h a n d r e s i l i e n c e i n t h e r e g i o n .

ANDINFRASTRUCTURE

INDUSTRY,INNOVATION,

09 0 09 9||| |||

REDUCEDINEQUALITIES REDUCEDINEQUALITIES

InZamboangaCity,Mujer-LGBTOrganization, Inc.emergesasaguidinglightfortheLGBTQ+ community.Foundedin2015byagroupoffive friends,educatorstrainedbytheDepartmentof Health,thisvolunteer-driveninitiativehasbeen committedinitsmissiontochampionhumanrights andadvocateforequality.Theorganization’s journeybeganonSeptember25,2015,underthe nameMujerOrganization.However,initialeffortsto secur efundingweremetwithchallengesdueto misconceptionsabouttheorganization’sfocus. Despitetheirdedication,theystruggledtoattract donorsasthename“Mujer”ledmanytoperceive themasawomen’sorfeministgroup.Recognizing theneedforrebranding,theyadded“LGBTQ”totheir namein2016,becomingMujerLGBTQOrganization. Thispivotaldecisionopeneddoorstofunding opportunitiesandinternationalengagement,paving thewayfortheirimpactfulworki nZamboangaCity.

Overthepasteig htyears,Mujer-LGBTOrganization, Inchasleftanindeliblemarkonthecommunity, spearheadinginitiativesthatpromoteinclusivityand empowermarginalizedgroups.Oneoftheirmost significantachievementswasthesuccessfulpassage ofZamboangaCity’sComprehensiveAntiDiscriminationOrdinance(Ordinance543).This landmarklegislation,signedbyMayorMariaIsabelle “Beng”Climaco-SalazaronOctober14,2020provides vitalprotectionfortheLGBTQ+ communityandother marginalizedsectors.Alvin“ToniGee”Fernandez,the organization’sExecutiveDirector,playedapivotal roleinproposingandpresentingtheordinanceto CouncilorLilibethMacrohonNuño,whosefirm supportwasinstrumentalinitspassage.

Mujer-LGBTOrganization:

Pioneersof Equality and Inclusionin Zamboanga City

by: Steffi Reyes and Jeanelle Lubiano

Additionally,Mujer-LGBTOrganization,IncadvocatedfortheinclusionofSOGIESC (SexualOrientation,GenderIdentity,Expression,andSexCharacteristics)provisionsin theGenderandDevelopmentCodeofZamboanga.Theireffortsledtothe institutionalizationofkeyprogramsandactivities,includingPrideMonthcelebrations, PrideCongress,InternationalDayAgainstHomophobia,Biphobia,a ndTransphobia,and WorldAIDSDay.Throughassertiveadvocacy,theyensuredthatthevoicesandrightsof theLGBTQ+communitywererecognizedandrespectedatboththelocalandnational levels.

InAugust2023,Mujer-LGBTOrganizationreceivedwell-deservedrecognitionfortheirexemplaryGender andDevelopment(GAD)initiativesduringthePagduyog2023:Sharingof

BestPracticesCongress.Thiseventshowcasedthecommitmentof localgovernmentunitstoadvancingtherightsandwelfareof genderandsexualminorities,highlightingZamboangaCity’s significantstr idestowardsinclusivityandgenderequality.

Despitefacingchallenges,Mujer-LGBTOrganization,Inc continuestothrive,fueledbythededicationofitsmembervolunteersandpartners.Theirfirmandassertiveadvocacy hastransformedZamboangaCityintoamoreinclusive andequitablecommunity,whereeveryone,regardlessof sexualorientationorgenderidentity,canlivewithdignity andrespect.Mujer-LGBTOrganizationremainsconsistent initscommitme ntto

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL10:

c h a m p i o n i n g h u m a n r i g h t s a n d c r e a t i n g p o s i t i v e c h a n g e f o r a l l . 10 1 10 0||| |||

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL11:

SUSTAINABLECITIES ANDCOMMUNITIES SUSTAINABLECITIES ANDCOMMUNITIES

A VANTE VANCIAO STA.MARIA:

by: Joan Bebio & Piolo Pascual Rodriguez

ZamboangaCity,situatedinthesouthernPhilippines,hasbeenrenownedforits innovativeadvancementsandcelebrationofitsrichculturallegacy,earningthe moniker"Asia’sLatinCity"duetoitsstrongSpanishinfluenceinlanguage,customs, andbeliefs.However,recentyearshavewitnessedatransformationinthecity's story,markedbyunforeseentrialsliketheCOVID-19pandemic,destructivefires,and persistentfloodingimpactingvariousbarangays.Th esechallengeshaveprompted ZamboangaCitytonavigateanewnarrative,highlightingresilienceamidstadversity.

BarangaySta.Maria,oneofthecity’sresidentialareasthathasbeenaffectedby theextensivefloodingandproblemsthatriskthesafetyoftheresidentsofthe community,headedbyHon.LosEli“KapLos”B.Angelesandotherbarangayofficials havecontinuouslymadeeffortstoprovideaservicethatwillbenefittheir constituents.Frommonthlyactivi tiesandrecentlytheclean-updriveprogramknown asRioLimpio,withtheobjectiveofembodyingtheessenceofthecity'seffortsin promotingmoresustainablecitiesandcommunities.

RioLimpio,isaprogramoftheCityMayor'sOfficeunderthesupervisionofthe CityEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesOfficer(OCENR),focusesonthecleanliness ofthecity,fromsweepingstocleaningupcreeksandriverbanksinSta.Maria.The programkickedoffitsoperationsonMarch 11,2024,followingtheleadofother barangayslikeTumaga,Talon-Talon,Pasonanca,andCaminoNuevo,whichinitiated similarprogramsintheyearsfollowingtheCOVID-19pandemic.And,sinceits inception,ithasprovided25residentswithjobopportunities.

WhatsetsRioLimpioapartisitssustainedeffortoverthepastfewyears.While manyprogramstendtolosesteam,RioLimpiohaspersevered,conductingclean-up drivesregularly.Despitethechallenges,thep rogramhasmaintaineditsgoalswith thehelpofthededicationofthebarangaycouncilanditsworkers.

OneofthemainchallengesfacedbyRioLimpioisthelackofcooperationfrom someoftheresidents,especiallytheinformalsettlerslivingneartheriverbanks. Despiteeffortstoencouragethemthroughcampaigns,manystilldonotparticipate intheclean-updrives.Thisposesasignificantobstacletotheprogram's sustainability,astheseareasoftenbecomedirty soonaftertheyarebeingcleaned. However,thebarangaycouncilremainsundeterred.Andthisyearthebarangayis planningtohaveInformation,EducationandCommunication(IEC)asnewstrategies tohavetheparticipationoftheresidentsandtheyareplanningtoinstalldrainage netforeasymonitoring.

Theclean-updrivecontinuesregularly,andtheforemanclosely monitorsthecleanlinessofthecommunity.Thisdedicationto maintainingcleanlinessreflectsthecouncil'scommitmentto SustainableDevelopmentGoal11anditsvisionof

Anefforttowardsamoresustainable,safe,andinclusivecommunitytolivein

a s u s t a i n a b l e , h e a l t h y e n v i r o n m e n t f o r a l l r e s i d e n t s o f S t a . M a r i a .

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SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL12:

RESP0NSIBLECONSUMPTIONAND PRODUCTION RESP0NSIBLECONSUMPTIONAND PRODUCTION

ZamboangaCity,knownforitsrichproductionof cassava,hasseenapositivetransformationthanks totheassistanceoftheDepartmentofScienceand TechnologyRegion9(DOSTIX).Withtheguidanceof RicardoJ.ApolinarioIII,theOfficerinCharge AssistantRegionalDirectorforFieldOperations ServicesofDOST9,theprogram“ EstablishingSmart and SustainableCommunities ”hasmadea significantimpact.Throughthisprogram,DOSTIX hasempoweredlocalcommunities,suchastheone inLubigan,toenhancetheircassavaprocessing methods.

T r a n s f o r m i n g Transforming C a s s a v a P r o d u c t i o n CassavaProduction:: D O S T I X I n i t i a t i v e B o o s t

S u s t a i n a b i l i t y i n Z a m b o a n g a C i t SustainabilityinZamboangaCityy

by:NicholeJaeCatalanandJohnMichaelCotorno

Inthepast,cassavaproductsweresolelyforpersonal consumption,butnow,withDOST’ssupport,these productshaveenteredthemarket,albeitatlower pricesduetonotmeetingindustrialstandards. However,withDOST’sguidance,thereishopefor improvedprocessingtechni ques,resultinginhigherqualitycassavaproducts.Thisinitiativenotonly benefitsthelocaleconomybutalsoalignswith SustainableDevelopmentGoal12,

promotingresponsibleconsumptionandproduction practicesforamoresustainablefuture.

DOSTIXInitiativeBoostss

p r o m o t i n g r e s p o n s i b l e c o n s u m p t i o n a n d p r o d u c t i o n p r a c t i c e s f o r a m o r e s u s t a i n a b l e f u t u r e .

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Amidstgrowingconcernsaboutclimate changeandenvironmentaldegradation, theOfficeoftheCityEnvironmentand

NaturalResources(OCENR)takesproactivesteps towardsagreenerfuture.Spearheadingatreeplantingandgrowingactivity,OCENRleadsthe chargeinZamboangaCity’seffortstocombat deforestationandfosterenvironmental sustainability.Withtheambitiousgoalofplanting andgrowingonemilliontrees,thisinitiative signalsacollectivecommitmenttowards preservingourplanetforgenerationstocome. It’snotjustaboutplantingtrees—it’sabout breathinglifeintoourenvironment ,creating havensforwildlife,andsowingseedsofhopefor futuregenerations.

Aspartofthecity’songoingefforts topromoteenvironmental sustainability, the Rehabilitation/EnrichmentProject andMangroveEnrichmentGrowing of1millionTreesProject underthe DalipeAdministrationtogetherwith theOCENR’sHeadEngr.ReynaldoS. GonzalesofficiallykickedoffinJuly 2022.Fromthenuntilnow,the proje cthasbeensteadilygaining momentum,withdedicated individualscomingtogetherfrom varioussectors—nationalgovernment agencies,localoffices,privatefirms, schools,NGOs,anduniformed personneltoplantandcarefortrees. Together,theyplungedtheirhands intothesoil,nurturingover thousandsoftreeseedlings, includingNarra,Neem,Nato, Mahogany,RoyalPalm,Bakauhan Bangkaw,Bamboo,Mayapis,Tindalo, Kubi,Tanguile,MalatambisandPalo Marias peciesandmanymore.

AGreenVisionfortheFuture

by:VengilynBlancaandRubieJaneDanila

Aspartofthecity’songoingeffortstopromote environmental sustainability, the Rehabilitation/EnrichmentProjectandMangrove EnrichmentGrowingof1millionTreesProject underthe DalipeAdministrationtogetherwiththeOCENR’sHead Engr.ReynaldoS.GonzalesofficiallykickedoffinJuly 2022.Fromthenuntilnow,theprojecthasbeensteadily gainingmomentum,withdedicatedindividualscoming togetherfromvarioussectors—nationa lgovernment agencies,localoffices,privatefirms,schools,NGOs,and uniformedpersonneltoplantandcarefortrees. Together,theyplungedtheirhandsintothesoil,nurturing overthousandsoftreeseedlings,includingNarra,Neem, Nato,Mahogany,RoyalPalm,BakauhanBangkaw, Bamboo,Mayapis,Tindalo,Kubi,Tanguile,Malatambis andPaloMariaspeciesandmanymore.

“

CLIMATEACTION SUSTAINABLE

CLIMATEACTION G r o w i n g O p t i m i s m : G r o w ii n g O p tt i m ii s m GrowingOptimism::

DEVELOPMENT GOAL13:

I n t h e f a c e o f c l i m a t e c h a l l e n g e s , w e p l a n t h o p e f o r t o m o r r o w . ”

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SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL14:

BFARRegionIXLeadingtheCharge B BFFAAR R R Reeggiiioon n IIX X LLLe e ea a ad d diiinng g tth h he e C C Ch h ha a arrrgge e iinSustainableMarineResource in n S Suusstttaai g innaab b bllle e M Maarriinne e R Re e es s soouurrcce e Management M Maannaaggeemmeenntt

by:KerylleGabayeronandNushraleenJaladil

TheBureauofFisheriesandAquaticResources(BFAR)RegionIXenvisiontohavea gender-equitableandsocially-inclusiveinstitutionthatexcelsinclimate-adaptiveandsustainable fisheriesandaquaticresourcesmanagement,providingqualityservicetowardsfoodfishsufficiency, foodsecurity,andimprovedlivesoffisherfolkby2040.TheBFARistheforefrontofensuring sustainableuseoffisheriesandaquaticresourcesi nitsregionandalloverPhilippines.Itis committedtoadoptingscience-basedtechnologiesandmanagementsystems,withitsmissionto increasefisheriesandaquacultureresiliencyandproductionwithinecologicallimits.

“ We ensure a sustainable use of fisheries and aquatic resources by empowering fisherfolk towards productivity and resiliency .”

Thereareseveralprogramstopromotesustainablefishingpracticesand protectmarineresourcesthatBFARregionIXhasimplemented.Including, TheNationalStockAssessmentProgramwhichaimstomonitorsfish stocksintheregionandcountry'swatersandassessestheimpactof fishingactivities.TheCoastalLawEnforcementandMarineProtected Areas(MPAs)ManagementProgramontheotherhandstrengthenslaw enforcementeffortsandpromotestheestablishmento fmarineprotected areas.TheestablishmentofMarineProtectedAreas(MPAs)whichalso aimedatrehabilitatingandrestoringdamagedcoralreefsandmangroves helpsBFARregionIXachievedandactivelycontributestotheconservation ofmarineresources,particularlycoralreefs,mangroves, andothercoastalecosystems.

Additionally,BFARalsoconductseminarsandworkshops,usevarious channelsforinformationcampaignssuchassocialmediaplatforms,radio, andtelevision,andorganizecoastalclean-upsandfishery-relatedevents,an approachthataim storaiseawarenessandpromoteeducationonthe importanceofmarineconservation.

ImplementationofBACNo.255,afisherymanagementmeasureforthe sardinefisheryinZamboangaPeninsula,isaninitiativethathasled toanincreaseinsardineproductionby30%orabout20,000MT; increasednumberandsizesofspawners;anecdotalreportsof increasedcatchesofhigh-pricedfishspeciesliketalakitok(caranx sp.)andtuna;andspill-overeffectsofincreasedsardi necatches andhashadfar-reachingbenefitsfortheecosystemasawhole.

Therearechallengesposedbyclimatechangeonfisheriesand aquaculturethatisalsobeingaddressedbyBFAR,throughpromoting climate-resilientaquaculturetechnologiessuchastheuseoffloating cages,integratedmulti-trophicaquaculture,andmangrove-friendly aquaculture,includingimplementingacoastalresourcemanagement programtomitigatetheimpactsofclimatechangeonfi sheriesandaquaculture.

L I F E B E L O W W A T E R LIFEBELOWWATER

14 1 14 4||| |||

by:SairaDulalasandMariesolVicente

TheOfficeoftheCityEnvironmentandNaturalResources(OCENR)is atechnicaldepartmentcreatedbyOrdinance#272underthelocal governmentunit'sumbrella.Oneofitsmainresponsibilitiesisthe SolidWasteManagementProgram,whichisasharedresponsibility amongstakeholders.Duetothecity'sgrowth,solidwaste managementisatopissuethattheOfficeoftheCityEnvironment andNaturalResources(OCENR)focuseson,ensuringproperwaste disposalandcover age.

TheOfficeoftheCityEnvironmentandNaturalResources(OCENR) hasinitiatedawastemanagementprogramthatincludeswaste segregation,recycling,composting,hazardousmaterialdisposaland cleaningofrivers.Theagencypartnerswithbarangaysand stakeholderstoimplementtheprogram,aimingforactivecommunity participation.Theprogramisinclusiveofallstakeholdersincluding non-governmentalorganizations,andcommunitymembers.The Philip pineRedCrosshascollaboratedwiththecity'senvironmental

andnaturalresourceauthorities, recognizingthecityofZamboanga's currentdevelopmentstageandits increasingwastegeneration.Their programsstartedfromoneuptothe permutationoftheprogram.

Utilizingtechnologyhasbecomeessentialinwastemanagementefforts, reducingwasteinbarangaysthroughadvancedtools.OCENRmanages variousprojectsandactivitiesforeachlevelofbar angay,representingthe LGUandthemayor'sofficeinpromotingproperwastemanagement practices.Theprimarygoalistoadvocateandpromoteappropriatewaste managementsystemsandempowercommunitiestoadoptsustainable wastemanagementsystemsandinvolvetheminongoingwaste managementprograms.

Communityinvolvementiscrucialinsupportingthegovernment'swaste managementefforts,withindividualsencouragedtotakeresponsibilityfor theiraction s.

By working together, the community and OCENR can achieve effective waste management practices and promote sustainable development in Zamboanga City .

S o l i d W a s t e M a n a g e m e n t : S o l i d W a s t e M a n a g e m e n t SolidWasteManagement:: B e B Bee A i m s A i m Aimss t o R e a c h t h e t o R e a c h t h toReachthee G o a l G o a Goall LIFEONLAND LIFEONLAND SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL15:

15 1 15 5||| |||

PEACE,JUSTICEAND STRONGINSTITUTIONS PEACE,JUSTICEAND STRONGINSTITUTIONS

Intoday’sworld,theyouthplayan essentialroleinshapingour society’sfuture.Theybringfresh perspectivesandinnovativeideas thatcandrivesignificantchange. Oneorganizationthatstandsoutin harnessingthisyouthfulvigoris YouthSolidarityforPeace(YSP),a community-basedgroupcommitted toestablishedunityandinclusivity amongyoun gpeoplefromdiverse culturalbackgrounds.

YouthSolidarityforPeace,orYSP, isayouth-ledorganizationthat focusesonpromotingpeaceand unityamongyoungindividuals, regardlessoftheirrace,ethnicity, orbackground.Theorganizationis composedofvariousyouthgroups, includingtruantyouth,young leaders,andIndigenousPeople(IP) youth.YSP’smissionistoprovide opportunitiesfortheseyoung individualstoexpresstheir potentialandshowcasethe ir abilities.

OneofthemainactivitiesofYSPis conductingcultureofpeace trainings.Thesetrainingsarenot justfocusedontheabsenceofwar butalsooncultivatinginnerpeace, harmonywiththeearth,andother aspectsofacultureofpeace.The organizationalsoorganizesevents likethe‘WhySpeakforPeace’ sessionsandtheannualYouth PeaceCamptopromotepeaceand raiseawareness.

Throughtheircultureofpeace trainings,YSPhasmanagedtoraise awarenessabouttheimportanceof peaceandfosterasenseofunity andinclusivityamongyoungpeople fromdiverseculturalbackgrounds.

Theyprovideeducationthrough raisingawarenessandconducting CommunityOrganizingand Peacebuilding(COP)sessionsin differentbarangays.Thesesessions havebeeninstrumentalin dismantlingthecultureofwarand cultivatinginnerpeaceand reconci liation.

Likeanyotherorganizations,YSP facesitsownsetofchallenges.The mostsignificantchallengethey currentlyfaceisalackofresources duetothelossoffundingfrom internationalorganizations—NGOs. Thislackoffundshinderstheir abilitytosustaintheiractivitiesand covernecessaryexpenses.However, YSPremainscommittedtotheir missionandcontinuestoseek grantsandopportunitiesto overcomethesechallenges.

YouthSolidarityforPeaceisa movementofyoungpeople committedtopromotepeace,unity, andinclusivityamongyoungpeople througheducation,training,and communityinvolvement.Theystrive toovercomechallengesandmakea positiveimpactintheircommunity andbeyond.Despitebeingyoung, YSPhaveshownthat

FosteringPeaceandUnityAmongtheYouth by:FloressaEl nas

FORPEACE: YOUTHSOLIDARITY

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL16:

a g e i s n o t a b a r r i e r t o m a k e a s i g n i f i c a n t i m p a c t i n t h e c o m m u n i t y . 16 1 16 6||| |||

SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTGOAL12:

CultivatingConnections:

ACollaborativePartnershipforSustainableDevelopment

by:KennethEscorealandAlisaMaeTayo

LastFriday,April5,effortstoimprovetheenvironmentandresourcesin WesternMindanao,Philippines,aregainingmomentumthrough collaborativeinitiativesledbyWESMAARRDEC.Thisorganization partnerswithvariousstakeholderstoaddresspressingchallengesand worktowardsabetterfuture.WESMAARRDEC,accordingtotheDirector ofWESMAARRDECConsortiumDr.LeoniloB.Abella,WESMAARRDEC standsforWesternMindanaoDevelopmentConsortium,andisdedi cated toenvironmentalstewardshipintheregion.Throughpartnershipswith governmentagencies,academicinstitutions,andlocalcommunities, WESMAARRDECaimstoachieveSustainableDevelopmentGoal17,which emphasizestheimportanceofcollaborationforcollectiveprogress.

Theorganization'sapproachfocusesonbuildingstrongpartnershipsthat bringtogetherdifferentskillsandresources.Byworkingwith stakeholdersinareaslikefarming,fishing ,andenvironmentalprotection, itencouragessharingknowledge,improvingabilities,andfinding solutionstoproblems.Forexample,the"RAISEProgram"isanoteworthy collaborationthathelpslocalsintheregionusenewtechnologies,start businesses,andexchangevaluableideas.CentraltoWESMAARRDEC’s strategyistheprocessofidentifyingrelevantissuesthrough consultationwithpartners.Onceprioritiesareestablished,theyallocate resourceseff icientlytoaddressthesechallenges.Tomakesurethatthe teamworkstayseffectiveovertime,WESMAARRDECusesstrategieslike encouragingopencommunication,lettingpartnersbepartofdecisionmaking,offeringspecifictrainingsessions,helpingshareresources,and makingsurethere'smoneyforthelongterm.Also,they'reflexibleand readytochangeasnewchallengescomeup,checkingregularlytosee howwellthepartnershipsareworkingandmakingchange stomake thingsbetter.

Evaluationplaysacrucialroleintheirapproach,withtheorganization utilizingvariousmetricstogaugepartnershipeffectiveness.These includeassessinggoalattainment,partnersatisfaction,communityand environmentalimpact,resourceutilizationefficiency,andproject scalability.Throughcomprehensiveevaluation,WESMAARRDECaimsto continuallyimprovecollaborativeeffortsandmaximizetheirimpacton environmental sustainabilityinWesternMindanao.Theirwayofworking togetherprovidesastructureforimprovingenvironmentalsustainability

inWesternMindanao.Bybuildingpartnershipsandusing everyone'sskills,theorganizationhelpsmake the region'sfuturebrighterandmoresustainable.With continuedteamworkanddedication,WESMAARRDECand itspartnersarereadytotackletheregion'sproblemsand

PARTNERSHIPSFORTHEGOALS

m a k e l a s t i n g p r o g r e s s t o w a r d s s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t .

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WEWOULDLIKETOTHANK THE FOLLOWING :

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Inaworldgrapplingwith multifacetedchallengessuchas

climatechange,poverty,inequality, andenvironmentaldegradation,the UnitedNationsSustainable DevelopmentGoals(UNSDGs) emergeasacrucialframeworkfor collectiveactionandprogress.Since theirinception,theUNSDGshave gainedwidespreadrecognitionand support,servingasaguidinglight forgovernments,organizations,and individualsworldwide.

TheSustainableDevelopmentGoals (SDGs)areasetof17globalgoals adoptedbytheUnitedNations memberstatesin2015.Theybuild upontheMillenniumDevelopment Goals(MDGs)andaimtoaddressa rangeofsocial,economic,and environmentalchallengesfacingthe world.Thegoalscoverareassuchas poverty,hunger,health,education, genderequality,cleanwaterand sanitation,affordableandclean energy,decentworkandeconomic growth,industry,innovation,and infrastructure,reducedinequalities, sustainablecitiesandcommunities, responsibleconsumptionand production,climateaction,lifebelow water,lifeonland,peace,justice,and stronginstitutions,andpartnersh ips forthegoals.

T h r o u g h u n i t y t o m a k e t h e S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t

G o a l s a r e a l i t y f o r a b e t t e r , m o r e

s u s t a i n a b l e w o r l d f o r e v e r y o n e .

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Joinusinourmissiontobuildamore sustainable,equitable,and unitedworld.

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S U S T A I N U n i t y MAGAZINE Iam________anadvocateof SustainableDevelopmentGoals. Readytomakea d i f f e r e n c e . e. ( s i g n a t u r e )