Written by Joemarie Ituriaga | Photographs from Liwliwa Ya Sursuro
Young people in Baguio are being invited to take the lead in shaping the city’s future. The 2nd Baguio Youth Innovation Challenge: Liwliwa Ya Sursuro (Learning While Having Fun!) is now open, encouraging youth to work together on creative and practical solutions for urban safety and inclusion.
The Safe and Sound Cities Programme, together with the Cordilleran Youth Center Inc. and the City Government of Baguio, is offering this program to help young people aged 15 to 24 turn their ideas into real projects. After a successful first run in 2023, this year’s challenge encourages community-based action and focuses on improving public spaces and well-being.
The official launch and introductory seminar for the challenge took place on August 15, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at the Centennial Hall of the University of Baguio. Hosted by the University of Baguio’s Research, Innovation, Extension, and Community Outreach (RIECO) Office, the event gathered aspiring young innovators for an afternoon of inspiration and information.
At the seminar, Christian Dave Ruz, Executive Director of the Cordilleran Youth Center, introduced the Baguio Youth Innovation Challenges and explained how to apply and what participants can expect. Maria Cleo Cuya, Deputy Director, shared more details about the challenge and encouraged young people to come up with solutions for Baguio’s urban safety issues. Participants also learned about the chance to win up to PHP 1,000,000 in seed funding and receive guidance from experienced mentors.
During the event, participants worked in groups to discuss and brainstorm project ideas and were invited to form teams and submit their proposals by September 5, 2025, as discussed by Janice Militar of CYC.
By focusing on urban planning—addressing safety, inclusion, and better public spaces—the challenge helps make Baguio safer and more welcoming, supporting SDG 11. With seed funding and support, the program encourages young people to become entrepreneurs and leaders, promoting sustainable employment and economic growth in line with SDG 8. The challenge also promotes youth participation in decision-making and supports a fair, lawful, and inclusive community, as highlighted in SDG 16. This effort is a strong example of how different groups—civil society, local government, and schools—can work together to reach common goals. Challenge is not just a competition; it is a collaborative movement to empower the next generation of Baguio’s leaders to shape their own city. With a strong support system and the chance for significant funding, the program is poised to make a lasting, positive impact on the city and its youth.
