The 'Regenerating Cebu (Agricultural Development Component)' Multi-Stakeholder Forum, held at the University of Cebu on July 4, 2026, centered on calls for stronger cooperation to restore the environment and agriculture sector in Cebu. The forum was spearheaded by the University of Cebu in partnership with the Cebu Citizens Initiative (CCI), Philippine Inno-Ventures Agriculture Cooperative (PIVAC), government agencies, and other partners.
Focus on Agriculture and Livelihood
The forum emphasized the role of agriculture in Cebu's environment while developing farmers' livelihoods through the planting of mango, guyabano, cacao, and other suitable crops. UC Chairman Atty. Augusto 'Gus' W. Go highlighted the importance of unified action in addressing environmental problems. 'We're all in this together,' he said.
Go recalled that someone approached him seeking help to solve flooding, and he responded by promoting the value of planting trees, especially mango trees, as part of a long-term environmental solution. He stressed that meaningful change starts at the grassroots level through the involvement of students, teachers, and educational institutions.
Call for Grassroots Action
'Let's start at the ground level. Let us start with you—the students and teachers,' Go said, adding that UC would provide seedlings to support the initiative. Atty. Anastacio 'Jun' T. Muntuerto Jr., lead convenor of the Cebu Citizens Initiative, noted that environmental restoration must go hand in hand with livelihood development.
Muntuerto emphasized that communities must be given sustainable livelihood opportunities so they no longer rely on cutting trees to survive. He added that planting mango, guyabano, cacao, and other suitable crops can help strengthen food security, restore the environment, and build more resilient communities.
Seedling Distribution
After the forum, UC chairman Atty. Augusto Go distributed mango seedlings to student leaders and representatives of non-government organizations. The event underscored the collaborative effort needed to address environmental and agricultural challenges in Cebu.
