The ICA-AP Committee on Youth Cooperation (ICYC), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Imus and the Rotaract Club of Imus, celebrated the sixth edition of the Go Green Campaign (GGC) on 15 August 2024 in the Imus City of the Philippines. GGC aims to empower young leaders in building a sustainable future and promoting green jobs. 

Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world with the mission to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through [the] fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.” Rotaract, the youth (18 years and older) arm of Rotary Club, is a global movement of young leaders who are developing innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Both have various clubs around with community partner and focus on programs like environmental protection, youth, and community service. 

GGC was launched in 2018 with a vision to connect youth with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhance the cooperative movement’s identity as a sustainable model for the environment and society. 

Members of the ICYC, Rotary Club of Imus, and Rotaract Club of Imus planted around 30 Banaba saplings along Ragatan Road. The location was specifically chosen by one of the partners, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, as this road is included in the Strategic Plan of the local government to be developed into a friendly community for all motorists, pedestrians, and the whole community of Anabu I-C. It is a public space wherein future parks, commercial spaces, and other infrastructures will be built — thereby needing balance ecologically. The Banaba saplings, known for their vibrant purple flowers and ecological benefits, were generously provided by the City Agriculture Office of Imus City. The Banaba saplings are expected to grow mid-size after a year and bloom completely within two years. It is also known as the “City Tree” because of its benefits and beauty.

ICYC also encouraged its members, who could not join the campaign in the Philippines, to initiate environmental programs (such as tree planting or clean-up, and seminars) with their cooperatives in their respective countries. As part of the ICYC’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the seventh edition of the GGC will focus on promoting green jobs, creating awareness, and providing opportunities for youth to engage in sustainable employment.