SINGAPORE — The Iranun Development Council (IDC) represented the municipalities of Parang, Matanog, Buldon, and Barira at the 8th Southeast Asia Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Education and Advocacy held in Singapore from June 11–14, 2025, joining regional leaders and development practitioners in advancing cooperation toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The four-day conference gathered government officials, educators, policy advocates, and sustainability champions from across Southeast Asia to share knowledge and strengthen partnerships on sustainable development initiatives.
In response to an official invitation, the IDC fielded a delegation composed of local chief executives and development officers aimed at reinforcing inter-municipal collaboration and amplifying the voice of Iranun communities in regional development discussions.
Representing Parang were IDC Chairperson and Mayor Cahar P. Ibay, Vice Mayor Abdul Aziz Ali, and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) May N. Quesada. Matanog was represented by Mayor Zohria S. Bansil-Guro, Executive Director Saipona U. Zaman, and Planning Officer Muhajiren Macapoling. The Buldon delegation included Mayor Pahmia A. Manalao-Masurong, Atty. Honee Dyanne M. Masurong, and MPDC Soraida P. Aratuc, while Barira was represented by Mayor Abdul Rauf D. Tomawis and MPDC Designate Ozlem Macarimbang.
Throughout the conference, the IDC delegation participated in a series of plenary sessions, learning exchanges, and site visits designed to deepen understanding of sustainable development practices. The program opened with a welcome reception and networking dinner, followed by visits to academic and policy institutions such as the Singapore Management University, which highlighted the role of higher education in advancing sustainability.
Plenary discussions held at Financial Centre Tower 1 featured regional experts, including Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands President Jose Luis U. Yulo Jr., Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Chair Dr. Nereus Acosta, and Asian Network for Sustainable Development Inc. Chairman James Gregor L. Asuelo. The sessions focused on economic revitalization, environmental protection, and strengthening regional cooperation to achieve shared development goals.
The delegation also visited key sustainability sites, including the Sustainable Singapore Gallery at Marina Barrage, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the National Orchid Garden, showcasing integrated approaches to urban development, environmental conservation, and heritage preservation.
On the third day, participants engaged in reflection and networking sessions that underscored the critical role of local governments in implementing the SDGs at the community level. The conference concluded with a closing ceremony where organizers emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among regional stakeholders.
IDC Chairperson and Parang Mayor Cahar P. Ibay described the experience as a meaningful opportunity for learning and collaboration.
“This has been a truly enriching experience for all of us. We are returning to our communities with renewed inspiration, strengthened partnerships, and practical knowledge to advance sustainable development across our Iranun municipalities,” Ibay said. The IDC said it remains committed to translating the insights and partnerships gained from the conference into local policies and programs aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and building resilient and sustainable communities across the Iranun corridor.
