With 40 project entries, 68 partner institutions, and over 250 participants, the ACES Summit 2025 highlighted City College of Cagayan de Oro’s expanding role in regional and global collaboration on November 29, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall in Cagayan de Oro.
Organized by the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO), and the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementors (PAEPI), the event reaffirmed the institutions’ shared dedication to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The event gathered extension leaders, educators, researchers, and development partners from across the region to showcase innovative, high-impact programs for sustainable development. Highlights included the ACES Awards for the recognition of partners, the multi-organization Ceremonial MOA Signing with City College partners, and the recognition of outstanding SDG-driven projects under the People, Planet, Prosperity, and Institutional categories.
The gathering has also brought together key thought leaders and advocates committed to advancing the SDGs. It featured messages from CHED Region X OIC Director Dr. Arlita Amapola Minguez, alongside a Futures Thinking discussion on localizing the SDGs led by Dr. Khalifatullo Fiel’ardh of Okayama University. A panel on “Bridging Education and Community” further enriched the exchange, with insights from H.E. Phasporn Sangasubana of ACSDSD, Dr. Lynette Camello of Cebu Technological University, Ms. Krizelle de la Cruz of WWF-Philippines, and Dr. Joel Potane of CCCDO. National and local leaders—including Sen. Bam Aquino, PAEPI Region X President Dr. Maria Teresa Fajardo, Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, and Vice Mayor Jocelyn “Bebot” Rodriguez— also underscored the vital role of innovation and multi-sectoral partnerships in driving sustainable development forward.
The Summit emphasized initiatives strategically aligned with critical Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 17.