Hernaez, Policarpio, and Lumayas, 3 Student Central Council Officers elected to 3 national posts of the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP)
Saint Mary’s University sent four delegates to the “2030 IS NOW: The 1st Philippine Youth Convention on SDG Localization.” The event centered on the theme “From Where YOUth Lead: Localizing SDGs Now for 2030 and Beyond,” aligning with the United Nations’ theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” The convention was organized by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), a 77-year-old civic, non-sectarian, and non-partisan national organization dedicated to promoting the ideals and objectives of the United Nations. Originally scheduled for November 9–10, 2025 (Sunday and Monday) at the Legazpi City Convention Center (LC3) in Legazpi City, Albay, the convention has been rescheduled to November 28–29, 2025, at St. Ellis Hotel, due to disruptions caused by Super Typhoon Uwan.
This important gathering brought together youth leaders, policymakers, local government units (LGUs), academic institutions, and civil society to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With just five years left, the organizers felt the need for localized solutions to address slow progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since several SDG targets depend on local action, the convention empowered young Filipinos to drive innovation and foster transformative, people-centered change. Attendees included high school and college students, as well as their school officers, such as principals, student affairs practitioners, teachers, and advisers, from Kalinga to the Mindanao Peninsula.
The event featured keynote speeches, plenary discussions, intergenerational dialogues, and global networking sessions designed to encourage collaboration and co-create solutions. A key highlight was the “2030 NOW: Youth SDG Impact Awards”, which recognized youth-led initiatives that were making a measurable impact at the grassroots level. The convention was concluded with the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) national elections, which aimed to establish a renewed leadership framework that empowers youth as frontline champions of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) localization.
The three SCC officers were nominated by their adviser, Mr. Samuel B. Damayon. The nominees were asked to submit their CVs and a plan of action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, they were required to present themselves and their respective advocacy efforts to the whole convention participants. 15 youths with the highest votes assumed the seat as the new set of UNYAP national board of trustees. They then elected 11 officers among themselves, while the remaining 4 assumed the position of board members. Miss Shevana Jairah Hernaez, the SCC President, was elected as the National Secretary. Mr. Josiah Policarpio, SCC Vice President, was elected as the Auditor, and Miss Kim Zyrelle Lumayas, SCC Secretary for Public Relations, was elected as the Assistant Secretary.
As the Dean of Student Affairs and Services, I extend my gratitude to UNAP and UNYAP for organizing this national convention, which brought together young and old, providing opportunities not only to showcase innovative SDG-related programs and projects by the youth but also to collaborate in advancing the realization of the SDGs through localization. It is also a hope that the elected UNYAP Officers will lead in the realization of the objectives of the convention itself, the localization of the SDGs for sustainable development, particularly in “championing youth-driven SDG advocacies, partnerships, and nationwide initiatives toward 2030” and beyond.
SDG 4 (Quality Education)
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
SDG 13 (Climate Action)
SDG 15 (Life on Land)
SDG 17 (Partnership with the Goals)
Written by: Samuel B. Damayon
