The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), led the conferment under the theme โBuilding the Future Together.โ
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In celebration of the United Nationsโ 80th anniversary, Taal Vista Hotel, a renowned Philippine heritage landmark, has been officially designated as a UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub. This recognition affirms its commitment to culture, sustainability, and community-driven peace initiatives.
The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), led the conferment under the theme โBuilding the Future Together.โ
โBy anchoring a Peace Center in a Filipino heritage landmark like Taal Vista Hotel, we declare that peace is not built in conference halls aloneโit begins where history, culture, and community meet. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just policies; they are a living promise to humanity,โ says Direk JP Ninalga, UNGC President.
Elizabeth T. Sy, president and chairman of SMHCC, was honored with the UNA Presidential Medal and World Changers Award for her leadership in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment through SMHCC.
The conferment was attended by SMHCC officers and the Taal Vista Hotel. They include: Cathy Nepomuceno, Senior Vice President โ Operations, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Agnes Pacis, Vice President โ Commercial, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Leah Magallanes, Vice President โ Quality and Sustainability, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Nian Rigor, Assistant Vice President โ Public Relations, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Brenda Cabuyao โ Director of Operations, Taal Vista Hotel; Mary Rose Lomibao โ Director of Sales and Marketing, Taal Vista Hotel; and Ariesha Faith Dimaano, Cluster Marketing Communications Manager, Taal Vista Hotel and Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel.
Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela, UNESCO Governing Board Member and Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) representative, as well as a representative of the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, delivered the keynote address on the topic โBuilding our Future Together.โ
Meanwhile, the closing keynote, titled โLegacy of Peace: Honoring Leaders, Empowering Learners, Inspiring Change,โ was delivered by Dr. Margarita Ballesteros, Director of the Department of Education and a Carlos P. Romulo Awardee.
The milestone gathering featured several symbolic activities: the ceremonial turnover of the UN Flag to SMHCC and Taal Vista officers at the ballroom; a circle of unity with UNA Philippines, UNGC, Taal Vista, SMHCC, and event delegates; a UN flag raising ceremony accompanied by a peace pledge; and a recitation of the UN80 theme at the hotel grounds.
About the Path to the Future
The Path to the Future is a philosophy and movement anchored on the Philippine Agenda 21 (PA21) and supporting the UN SDGs. Co-developed by Direk JP Ninalga and the late Filipino visionary Nicanor โNickโ Perlas, it calls for regeneration through the Four Capitals: societal, economic, human, and spiritual.
In Memory of Nicanor โNickโ Perlas
This movement is lovingly dedicated to the legacy of Filipino visionary Nicanor โNickโ Perlas โ whose work in peace, governance, and human awakening continues through all who dare to build the future.
About SMHCC
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) integrates sustainability, culture, and community stewardship across its hospitality properties, including Taal Vista Hotel.
(Rubyโs Precious Moments served as a valued media partner for this landmark event, helping to amplify its message and reach a wider audience.
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