In launching its “Lion City Youth Summit” last December 17, 2025, the city government of Santa Rosa, Laguna recognized the vital role of the youth in advancing its vision of becoming a smart and sustainable city.
During the forum, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas expressed her belief that the youth are not only beneficiaries of development programs but can also become active partners in shaping solutions, from digital transformation and climate action to community resilience and inclusive growth.
“More than anything, our youth through their schools, programs, and projects are at the core of what we need to build Santa Rosa as a smart city. That is why our smart city initiatives, including the Lion City Youth Summit, have already been incorporated into the curriculum; that’s why students today gather in this event,” Arcillas said.
She added that most of the city’s smart and sustainable projects are designed for the youth, emphasizing that entrusting them with these initiatives will help further expand Santa Rosa’s efforts toward becoming a smart and sustainable city.
“We believe that our youth are not just the future of Santa Rosa, but our partners today in building a smart and sustainable city. Their ideas, creativity, and passion help us move forward and innovate,” the city mayor said.
The Lion City Youth Summit also served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building among young leaders, student organizations, and youth advocates.
Participants engaged in discussions on leadership development, digital innovation, environmental protection, and volunteerism, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Lion City Youth President Kian Joseph Hermosa welcomed the wide range of initiatives implemented to nurture the talents and skills of youth across various sectors, and expressed his appreciation for the city government’s consistent support for youth development programs.
“In the City of Santa Rosa, we implement numerous programs for youth development. These include workshops in theater, singing, dancing, academics, and sports. We make sure that no sector of youth development is left behind,” Hermosa said.
(With report from PIA)
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