Localizing the SDGs: Workshop on Barangay Planning and Implementation for Zone 77 and 78 of Manila City held at DLSU

De La Salle University’s Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) held a workshop titled “Localizing the SDGs: A Workshop on Barangay Planning and Implementation” on October 4, 2024, at the Br. Andrew Gonzales Multipurpose Hall. The event gathered 68 participants, including barangay officials, COSCA staff, and student volunteers, to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to local communities. The workshop aimed to align community priorities with specific SDG targets, focusing on health, education, environment, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).

The morning session, led by Sir Antonio Carlos “Noi” Maralit, Executive Director of the University Sustainability Office, emphasized the interconnectedness of the SDGs and the importance of collective efforts in addressing issues like climate change. Participants shared their “Ambisyon” or visions for their barangays and engaged in discussions on how these aspirations could be integrated into sustainable development plans. Breakout sessions in the afternoon focused on identifying and analyzing community challenges related to COSCA’s thematic areas, with participants sharing insights and crafting strategies to address these issues.

The event concluded with presentations from each group, where participants shared their outputs and what they learned from each other’s experiences. Many found the workshop helpful in understanding the SDGs and how to implement relevant programs in their barangays. COSCA also announced future partnerships with organizations such as Grace Manila Learning Institute and DLSU student groups to support continued efforts toward localizing the SDGs.