On September 20, 2024, JCI Cebu, in partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 7 and the Cebu City Government, successfully held the Rise Up for the SDG Caravan at the Cebu City Social Hall! This empowering event brought together barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from Cebu City’s North District to raise awareness and foster collective action towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
The day started with a warm welcome from our JCI Cebu President, Carrel Y. Pantollano, who emphasized the need for grassroots initiatives to achieve the SDGs. Our participants were motivated by insightful sessions, including Jason D.C. Gavina, the 2024 National Chair for the UNSDG of JCI Philippines, who inspired us with JCI’s commitment to empowering young leaders, and Neil Andrew U. Menjares, Chief Economic Development Specialist from NEDA Region 7, who highlighted regional initiatives that align with the SDGs and the critical role of local governance.
Participants also delved into the complexities of sustainable development with Kristoffer Von Pierre P. Peralta, the 2024 Area 4 Chair for UNSDG of JCI Philippines, who shared actionable steps to start their own SDG journeys. Mylene Felicisima F. Calderon, Senior Economic Development Specialist from NEDA Region 7, and Socorro Dorina Ll. Salas, LGOO VI and Program Manager at DILG Cebu City provided valuable insights into the current progress and localization of the SDGs in Region 7, urging local officials to align their initiatives with national goals.
The afternoon was filled with vibrant discussions during our panel session, moderated by Engr. Warren Ronell D. Flores, the 2024 Regional Chair for UNSDG of JCI Philippines, where we explored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing the SDGs. Our panelists included Jason D.C. Gavina, Rocelle Angel M. Vallente, Senior Economic Development Specialist from the NEDA Central Office Sub-Committee on SDGs, Christian Lucky B. Saligumba, the 2024 Deputy Secretary General of JCI Cebu, and Ramel T. Ametin Jr., Cebu Chairperson of the National Confederation of Young Leaders of the Philippines, who sparked engaging conversations about local implementation strategies and resource mobilization.
The event culminated in a powerful Pledge of Commitment, where barangay and SK officials vowed to support initiatives tackling pressing issues like poverty, quality education, climate action, and sustainable urban development. 
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, especially NEDA Region 7 and the Cebu City Local Government Unit, for their unwavering support. A special thanks to Tuburan Coffee for sponsoring our event and to all our distinguished speakers and panelists for sharing their invaluable expertise.
Together, we can turn our discussions into actionable plans and drive real change in our communities. Let’s rise up and make strides toward achieving the SDGs by 2030! 
