ILIGAN AND MINDANAO YOUTH DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY ACTION AT 2025 REGIONAL CONVERGENCE

More than 300 youth leaders from across Mindanao gathered in Cagayan de Oro City on November 19, 2025 for the 2nd Mindanao Youth Convergence on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, an event designed to strengthen youth involvement in sustainable development initiatives that have growing relevance for communities including those in Iligan. With a sharp increase in interest rising from just over 100 participants in the first run to more than 700 who signified interest this year, the convergence highlighted the expanding commitment of Mindanao’s youth to environmental advocacy, food security, water access, and renewable energy solutions.

Iligan Spotlight: Youth Engagement Strengthens Regional Water-Energy-Food Advocacy

The event placed the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus at the center of youth empowerment efforts, emphasizing the interconnected challenges that affect regional development, including those faced by growing cities like Iligan. The convergence served as a capacity building platform, enabling youth organizations, local leaders, and development partners to exchange ideas and forge collaborative solutions aligned with the Mindanao Agenda 2023-2028.

Key guests and representatives from national government agencies, academic institutions, and partner organizations participated, reinforcing the importance of integrated development approaches. Among these were representatives from MinDA, UNICEF, various state universities, youth councils, civil defense groups, and private sector partners advancing renewable energy, agricultural modernization, and environmental innovation.

The image shows a cheerful group of participating youth representatives on stage, proudly wearing event lanyards and sashes as they join the convergence activities.

Notable Highlights (with keyword emphasis):

• Strong regional turnout demonstrating increased interest in sustainable development initiatives
• Youth led discussions promoting Water-Energy-Food Nexus strategies for resilient communities
• Inter agency support encouraging long term youth engagement in Mindanao and Iligan
• Keynote messages underscoring nation building, innovation, and participatory governance
• Partnership opportunities for organizations advocating food security and renewable energy
• Launch of the Mindanao Youth Program for expanded mentorship and project support

Speakers emphasized the transformative role of young leaders, with messages underscoring the importance of collaboration, innovation, and active participation in shaping Mindanao’s development. The newly launched Mindanao Youth Program will further provide platforms and institutional support to strengthen youth leadership and scale sustainability efforts across the region.

Join the Growing Movement for Mindanao and Iligan Youth Empowerment

This strong demonstration of youth solidarity highlights the emergence of a more proactive generation ready to take on sustainability challenges. Communities in Iligan and beyond are encouraged to stay engaged with ongoing programs, participate in WEF Nexus initiatives, and support youth led solutions that contribute to long term regional development.