SDSN Philippines Zero Hunger Project Lead and SDSN Youth Philippines Bring the Youth Together to Explore the Future of Food Systems

Rafaella Villena — Network Coordinator, SDSN Youth Philippines

9/28/20262 min read

On September 9, the Technical Working Group of SDSN Philippines on Zero Hunger, in collaboration with SDSN Youth Philippines, organized Youth and the Future of Food: Choose, Innovate and Lead, with the theme “From Innovation to Action: Empowering Young People to Build Sustainable Food Systems.” The online session brought together students, youth leaders, members of the academe, and other stakeholders to explore the role of young people in building more sustainable and resilient food systems.

It was a discussion on the challenges within the Philippine food system and the potential of innovation to address them. Ms. Zuleri Beige Encarnacion of the Rural Women Advocates (RUWA) Network examined the country’s dependence on imported food and highlighted how agricultural policies, land ownership, and market conditions affect local farmers and the price of food. Zuleri also encouraged participants to support locally produced goods and engage with efforts that advance the rights and welfare of agricultural workers. Meanwhile, Engr. Paul M. Cabacungan of the Ateneo Innovation Center explored smart hydroponics as an alternative approach to food production, sharing experiences from community and school-based initiatives that integrate agriculture, technology, and youth education. Engr. Paul’s discussion highlighted both the possibilities and limitations of technology in addressing the challenges faced by farmers and emphasized the importance of developing innovative, locally responsive solutions for a more resilient food system.

The discussions were further enriched by reflections from youth reactor Mr. Raymark Paul T. Rigor and Mr. Jason O. Molina, RND, MAEM, who connected the conversations on food choices and innovation to broader issues of sustainability, nutrition, and community action. Participants also engaged the speakers and reactors through an open forum.

The session concluded with a Commitment Check encouraging participants to identify practical actions they could take, from making more sustainable food choices to exploring approaches to working with other young people toward transformative change.

Through the session, SDSN Philippines and SDSN Youth Philippines highlighted that young people are not only future stakeholders in food systems but active participants in shaping them today. As consumers, innovators, and advocates, the youth can contribute to advancing SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Photos from Ateneo de Davao University