The SDSN Philippines Roadshow held on April 17, 2026, brought together participants from institutions and sectors around one goal: move the Sustainable Development Goals forward at the local level. Led by SDSN Philippines and De La Salle University, in partnership with the Ateneo de Naga University through the Institute for Environment, Conservation, and Research (INECAR) and the Center for Local Governance. The event took place at Alingal Multipurpose Hall. The said event was participated by universities, local governments, NGOs, and youth groups across the region.
The program formally started with the welcome remarks given by Dr. Francisco A. Magno, Chair of the National Leadership Council, SDSN Philippines who emphasized the responsibility of institutions to work closely with communities. He pointed out that universities play a critical role in turning knowledge into action when they engage directly with local stakeholders. It was followed by the keynote address delivered by Maria Leonor G. Robredo, Mayor of Naga City, who stressed the importance of people-centered development. She underscored that progress depends on strong partnerships, transparency, and active citizen participation. Her message reinforced the need to ground SDG efforts in real community conditions and to ensure that programs remain inclusive and accountable.
Photo courtesy of Mayor Leni Gerona Robredo’s Office
Panel discussions formed the core of the morning sessions. The first panel, moderated by Dr. Malu Barcillano, Dean of Ateneo de Naga University Graduate School and Director of the Center for Local Governance, focused on Knowledge Partnerships for the SDGs. The discussion brought together key voices from both academia and government, composed of the following members of the panel: Dr. Digna P. Alba, Vice President for Higher Education of Ateneo de Naga University; Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, President of the University of Nueva Caceres; Prof. Eddie Nuque, Visiting Fellow, DLSU Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance; Prof. Kalayaan Triunfante, World University Ranking Coordinator, Office of the President of Bicol University, and Ms. Richel Callos, Supervising Economic Development Specialist, DEPDev – Region V.
The second panel, moderated by Dir. Ramil Marianito of the Philippine Information Agency – Region V focused on collaboration for SDG solutions at the local level. The discussion featured Hon. Nelson Marfil, Mayor of Libmanan, Camarines Sur; Atty Sheina Onrubia-Dela Cruz, Provincial Board Member of Albay; Ms Cyrrene Dominique Cervas, Deputy Project Manager of Safe and Sound Cities Naga, Ms. Rafaella Justine Marie Villena, Youth Coordinator of SDSN Philippines.
In the afternoon, breakout workshops were conducted, which focused on inventory and mapping of SDG initiatives, and these were moderated by Ariel N. Malate and Camille Faye Badong,Technical Staff of the ADNU-CLG; Frances Michelle Nubla, Researcher from Ateneo Social Science Research Center (ASSRC); and Joanaviva Plopenio, OIC-Director of ADNU INECAR. Participants worked in smaller groups to identify existing programs, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. This process made it easier to see where efforts overlap and where support is still needed. In the synthesis, Mr. Antonio Carlos Maralit, Country Manager of SDSN Philippines, wrapped up the discussion in the breakout sessions by noting key themes that came up during the small group conversations, including the need to improve data use, strengthen community participation, and ensure that solutions remain grounded in local realities.
The event also pushed SDSN youth engagement by encouraging participation and recruitment for regional youth chapters. Students and young professionals were active contributors. They presented projects, joined discussions, and connected with institutions that can support their initiatives.
A key moment came during the commitment ceremony, where participants signed the Local SDG Action Wall. Each pledge reflected specific actions tied to their roles, from policy support to community programs. This step turned the day’s discussions into clear commitments.
The program closed with remarks from Gautham Varada Narayan, Manager, Asia Pacific Networks Program, SDSN. The SDSN Philippines Roadshow in Naga City worked as a space for coordination, not just discussion. It connected people, surfaced ongoing initiatives, and pushed for practical next steps. The direction is clear: sustained partnerships between universities and communities will shape how SDGs move forward at the local level.
Article by Ariel N. Malate
