MAKATI CITY —The AIA Healthiest Schools program held its Changemaker Summit 2026 at the AIA Tower in Makati City, bringing together student finalists from across the country to present their health and sustainability initiatives. The initiative has reached more than 32,000 learners and provided training to close to 1,000 educators across five regions since it is launched, supporting young people aged 5 to 17 in addressing areas related to physical activity, nutrition, mental wellness, and environmental care. As the program's annual culminating event, the summit highlighted how youth-led projects can drive tangible change in communities, with top-performing schools earning the opportunity to compete at the regional level in Bangkok.
A Solution Born from Plastic Waste: Hicming Elementary School's Eco-Brick Initiative
Hicming Elementary School in Virac, Catanduanes, secured the top spot in the elementary category with a project that turned plastic waste into a functional medicinal herbal garden. Students collected non-biodegradable materials and transformed them into eco-bricks, which were then used to construct the garden beds. With limited pharmacy available on the island, residents began relying on the school's herb garden for accessible health remedies, drawing in parents and local farmers. What started as a school activity evolved into a community-wide effort, demonstrating how sustainable, locally driven solutions can strengthen health resilience in underserved areas.
A Self-Sustaining Model: Granada National High School's Compost-to-Feeding Program
Granada National High School-Ballesteros Extension in Carles, Iloilo, won the high school category with "Project Compostech," a program that tackles waste management and poor soil quality on their island. Students converted biodegradable waste into organic fertilizer, improving soil conditions and enabling the school to grow produce that now supports a feeding initiative serving around 70 undernourished students and their families. To ensure the program's sustainability, students package and sell the fertilizer, using the earnings to fund the feeding program's continued operation and growth.
Makati as a Launchpad for Youth-Driven Change
Launched in the Philippines in August 2024, the AIA Healthiest Schools initiative has grown to benefit more than 32,000 students while equipping nearly 1,000 teachers through its partnership with the Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation. The Changemaker Summit, held at AIA Tower in Makati, serves as the culminating platform where students present innovative solutions addressing health and sustainability challenges. Winning schools will advance to the regional competition in Bangkok, further establishing Makati as a key venue for empowering youth-led initiatives with meaningful community impact.
