SDSN Philippines Presents the Western Visayas Roadshow

SDSN Philippines believes in the power of collective action to mobilize and localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bringing together multiple stakeholders across different sectors paves the way for meaningful engagement and a synergy of solutions – which is exactly what the SDSN Philippines Roadshow series aims to do. It envisions regional platforms for dialogue, learning, and collaboration among key groups committed to sustainable development.

On October 24, 2025, at Sam’s 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, SDSN Philippines proudly kicked off the SDSN Philippines Western Visayas Roadshow. This event was co-presented and organized by De La Salle University, the Network Host, and Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, a key university in the region. It invited participants from the academe, local government, private sector, civil sector, and youth.

About the Program

The program opened with a cultural performance from Ki-Ay Dance Group, followed by a solemn prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. Afterwards, the Welcome Remarks signaled not just the start of an event but the beginning of a day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Francisco A. Magno, Chair of the National Leadership Council of SDSN Philippines, delivered powerful welcoming remarks. His insights framed the overall discussion, and set the tone for the day’s activities. A key component of the event was the Keynote Speech of Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity. He shared the value of multi-sectoral engagement and what peace means on a national level.

Messages of support came from prominent individuals as they recognized the significance of the Roadshow. Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education was proud to share her advocacy for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and her efforts to realize this within communities she works with. Ms. Velma Lao of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office represented Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas Chu, underscoring the vital role and intersection of both academic institutions and local government.

The first panel of the day, Knowledge Partnerships for the SDGs, featured leaders in academia, including Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., President of ISUFST, Dr. Bobby Gerardo, President of the Northern Iloilo State University and Chair of Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Prof. Eddie Nuque, an Institute Senior Fellow at the La Salle Institute of Governance. The session was moderated by Dr. Jeanette Bayona and Ms. Jan Arianie Ighan. One of the prominent topics discussed was how universities and academia can utilize their resources and position in education to create and nurture partnerships. They shared that the key is to not work in silos.

The second panel shifted the spotlight to Localized SDG Solutions. Dr. Reymund B. Flores, Director of the University Planning and Development Office of West Visayas State University, Engr. Fulbert Woo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo Impact Initiative, Mr. Edgardo Catalan, Country Project Manager, of the Governance for Climate and Disaster Resilience and Ms. Faye Joy Pabiona, Knowledge and Development Officer at the Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government Organizations (ICODE), shared the stage. This session was moderated by Dr. Rex Paulino and Ms. Rafaella Villena. They showcased tangible community-driven efforts and climate resilience strategies. Their stories brought the SDGs down to the barangay level, demonstrating that sustainability must be lived, not just discussed.

After a filling lunch packed with exciting performances, the afternoon made way for Breakout Sessions for a smaller group sharing of localized SDG initiatives. It was centered on a Problems-Solutions tree activity, where each individual shares their wins and challenges in realizing various SDGs at the local level. Each group then reconvened to report their insights, mapping the course for continued grassroots action. These unique stories gave the participants a first-hand insight into current realities.

This commitment was further solidified through the SDG Action Wall, an installation that allowed participants to declare their hopes and promises for sustainable development. Each participant wrote down their promise, and took the opportunity to paste it under its respective SDG. To synthesize the discussions Mr. Antonio Carlos Maralit, Country Manager of SDSN Philippines, shared his realizations after absorbing each sharing. He was then able to weave together a cohesive narrative that represented the first SDSN Philippines Roadshow.

To end the day, Mr, Gautham Varada Narayan, Manager of the Asia Pacific Networks Program of SDSN, delivered the Closing Remarks. He reminded everyone that while the event may have ended, the work of sustainable development continues – across individuals, communities, and most especially at the ground-level. The event closed with reminding the audience that the SDGs are not abstract global targets, but responsibilities anchored in local action.

About the Organizers

DLSU is among the world’s leading universities in pursuing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. It shows its commitment through a Whole-Of-University approach, implementing sustainable initiatives on a multi-sectoral level. This strategy forces an inclusive discussion and paves the way for new value formation that is needed in rethinking solutions for a sustainable campus that promotes circularity, nurtures regenerative futures, and creates sustainable communities. This includes how DLSU - Laguna Campus is 100% run on renewable energy, and DLSU’s hosting of the SDSN Philippines.

ISUFST actively advances the SDGs through research-driven innovations in fisheries, agriculture, education, hospitality management, industrial technology, information and communications technology, and other allied fields that promote environmental sustainability and community resilience. The University implements extension services that support coastal and rural livelihoods and localization of SDGs, ensuring inclusive growth and responsible use and consumption of resources among communities. Through quality education and global partnerships, ISUFST cultivates future leaders committed to achieving sustainable development and social transformation.