The 3ZERO Club Philippines Network successfully hosted its annual 3ZERO Club PH Youth Convention on June 30, at the Sofia Soler Sinco Hall, Foundation University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. The event brought together youth and student leaders from across the Philippines for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.
According to a press release, the 3ZERO Club is an international youth movement founded on Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus’s vision of “A World of Three Zeros” – Zero Net Carbon Emissions, Zero Wealth Concentration for ending poverty, and Zero Unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in all – which saw its Philippine network effectively advance this mission through the convention. Supported by the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. (NWTF), the network continues to champion its five main pillars: sustainability, education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and personal development.
Over 500 youth participants coming from different regions convened to discuss the theme “Youth Leads²: Navigating Youth Leadership in a Modern World.” The convention was an energetic stage where young changemakers exchanged ideas, networked, and learned hands-on leadership skills, creating a space that allowed youth-driven ideas to be taken from paper to reality, all in the context of advancing the larger 3ZERO movement.
Felix III Dela Peña, representative of the Department of Education—Negros Island Region, emphasized in his keynote message the vital role of education in shaping students beyond academic success. “Education is not merely about preparing students for exams—it’s about preparing them for life,” he remarked. He underscored the importance of civic engagement as a key component in the professional and personal development of today’s youth. He also encouraged students to cultivate grit and resilience to thrive in this increasingly complex world.
The convention opened insightful discussions through plenary sessions. Plenary Session 1, “Future of Work: Reimagining Entrepreneurship and Employment for Youth,” was moderated by Dr. Cecilia Genove of Foundation University and featured esteemed speakers Ma. Theresa Nuñez, HR Manager at NWTF; Kaye Syvel Martinez-Consing, CEO of Kaesthetics in Dumaguete City; and Bea Crisostomo from Ritual PH. Followed by Plenary Session 2, “Climate of Change: Innovation and Action for a Sustainable Future,” also moderated by Dr. Cecilia Genove, included expert insights from Marjorie B. Solon of the Department of Science and Technology – Negros Oriental; Kidron Aeroll of Magnus Renewables; John Rey Remadavia of Kagay-anon Youth Alliance Network (KaYa NA); and Engr. Peejay Magan Nobles of Kalikasan Sustainable.
The afternoon offered diverse Breakout Sessions for more focused engagement. These included: “Voices to Vision: Youth Leading Social Change in a Divided World,” a participant-engaging session led by Tatiana Pono and John Rey Reyes of Youth Empowering Youth Initiative (YEY!);
“From Farm to Future: Reinventing Food Systems for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” featuring Genrick Catalonia from SAGUP, Arnel Calago from Central Philippine State University–Kabankalan, April Grace Zapater from Tuloy Heroes, and Joshua Romano from Slow Food Youth Network of Bago FRESH, moderated by April Ann Obando from 3ZERO Club Philippines;
The “Inclusive Innovation: Bridging the Gaps through Tech” with speakers Philip Jaime Servando, NWTF Integrated Systems Corporation (NIS), and Engr. Jovel Young, DOST Technological University of the Philippines—Hub for Innovation and Value Engineering (TUPV-HIVE), moderated by Zoe Clarisse Limson from University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos;
The “Energize the Change: Renewable Solutions for a Resilient Tomorrow” session included a presentation by Reboot PH, with speakers Carl Ryan Villa and Coleen Awit.
A highlight of the event was the 3ZERO Awards, which recognized outstanding achievements within the movement. Young leaders from around the region were honored, and awards were given to the Most Outstanding 3ZERO Club, Most Outstanding 3Z Chapter, Most Outstanding Key Person, and Most Outstanding Member, who demonstrated their commitment and impact in advancing the 3ZERO vision.
The 3ZERO Club PH Convention remains a powerful convergence where passion intersects with purpose, and fresh minds unite to build the future of a more inclusive and better Philippines.*
