On 9 February 2025, the Faculty of Management and Development Studies of the University of the Philippines Open University, with the Project LAKBAY (Learning Actively through Knowledge-Based Appreciation for Youth) fellows, engaged with the community partners from Brgy. San Antonio, Los Baños, Laguna through a Community Vision Board and ing Stingless Bee Company presentations, both designed to empower the local community, promote sustainable practices, and create new economic opportunities. The event was attended by the Project LAKBAY fellows, FMDS faculty and staff, community members, and barangay officials.

The Community Vision Board presentation was a collaborative effort of the community members who participated in last year’s Project LAKBAY in Kaohsiung. Through the creation of a vision board, they were able to outline their hopes for the future of their community, focusing on areas like economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social unity. This also allowed them to visualize their goals and present them to the barangay officials, fostering a collective action that would benefit the community.

This was followed by the presentation of the ing Stingless Bee Company, represented by Ms. Irene Somook De Castro, one of the co-owners and the Chief Marketing Officer. She shared the story of the company’s founding and explained why they chose stingless bees over regular honeybees. Ms. De Castro also highlighted the unique benefits of stingless bees, noting that they are harmless and play a crucial role in biodiversity, particularly through their vital pollination efforts that support the health of local ecosystems.

Beyond the ecological significance, she also presented new economic opportunities for the community, particularly through sustainable livelihood such as honey production and other bee-related products.

Through this engagement, the Project LAKBAY fellows were able to gain valuable insights into the community’s aspirations for growth and development, as well as a deeper understanding of their challenges and opportunities. This also support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

By the end of the event, participants were not only inspired and motivated but also equipped with new knowledge and innovative ideas to help build a more sustainable, prosperous, and united community.

Written by: Vanessa Autor • Edited by: Noreen Dianne S. Alazada & Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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