The YAKAPP Family Association, a community partner and extension project of the Southern Philippines Agri-Business, Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), participated in the Sustainability Month Celebration 2026 of San Miguel Global Power (SMGP) held on September 1, 2026, at the SMGP Division Office in Pasig City.
Representing the YAKAPP Family Association was its President, Mr. Rogelio Melendrez, who participated in the activity through the assistance of Mr. Cleonante Capiloyan. All expenses related to Mr. Melendrez’s participation and travel to Manila were shouldered by San Miguel Global Power, demonstrating SMGP’s continued support for its partner People’s Organizations.
SMGP officially launched its month-long Sustainability Month 2026 celebration with the theme, “Sustainability Matters: Grounded in People,” reaffirming its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting impacts in the communities where it operates.
The opening activity brought together representatives from various People’s Organizations (POs) from cities where SMGP power plant installations are located. The gathering provided an avenue for community partners to strengthen relationships, exchange experiences and best practices, and recognize the important role of local communities in advancing sustainability initiatives.
The participation of the YAKAPP Family Association underscores the importance of community involvement in promoting sustainable development. As an extension project of SPAMAST, YAKAPP serves as a platform for community empowerment and the implementation of initiatives that contribute to improved livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and social development.
The activity likewise reflects SPAMAST’s commitment to extending its expertise and institutional resources beyond the campus and empowering communities through meaningful partnerships. The engagement demonstrates how academe-industry-community collaboration can contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.
The participation of YAKAPP Family Association highlights that sustainability is not achieved by institutions alone—it is strengthened when communities are empowered, partnerships are nurtured, and people are placed at the center of development.
The activity supports SDG 4 – Quality Education by providing opportunities for knowledge-sharing, learning, and capacity building among community organizations. It also contributes to SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth by strengthening community partnerships and supporting initiatives that can enhance livelihood opportunities and economic well-being. The engagement likewise advances SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting active community participation in sustainability initiatives and encouraging people-centered approaches to development. Most importantly, the activity demonstrates SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, as it strengthens collaboration among SPAMAST, the YAKAPP Family Association, San Miguel Global Power, and other People’s Organizations in pursuing shared sustainability objectives.
As SMGP continues its Sustainability Month celebration, YAKAPP’s participation represents SPAMAST’s continuing commitment to community engagement, sustainable development, and transformative extension initiatives that create lasting impact beyond the institution.
