Philippine literacy project chosen among 10 global initiatives in UNESCO x SEVENTEEN Youth Program

Filipino CARATs and Seventeen will always be the best combo!

Filipinos are taking the global stage once again after a Philippine community library initiative was named one of the 10 youth-led projects worldwide selected for expansion under UNESCO and K-pop group Seventeen’s Global Youth Grant Scheme.

Project Palabasa, a grassroots literacy program in Guimbal, Iloilo, earned a spot in the Scale-Up phase of the scheme supported by Seventeen’s $1 million donation. The entry was among the 100 youth-led projects across 64 countries from the original grant program.

The celebration took place in the “UNESCO x Seventeen: Celebrating Youth, Creativity and Well-Being Together” event held in Paris on June 25, where Seventeen member Joshua represented his group.

“This initiative was designed to provide young people with the resources, mentorship, and platforms to turn their ideas into meaningful action,” Joshua said. The member also added that the group remains committed to supporting youth-led initiatives around the world.

According to UNESCO, the original program has already reached more than 21,000 direct beneficiaries and engaged over 1.2 million people online. The 10 projects chosen for the Scale-Up Phase will receive additional funding and expansion through December 2026. Countries include Philippines, Mexico, Ghana, Morocco, Romania, Nigeria, Panama, Canada, Egypt, and China.

Founded by Mary Rose Pagador, Juliana Rose Pagador, and Eula Pauline Noquilla, Project Palabasa was created in Barangay Particion, Guimbal, Iloilo to address literacy gaps in the community by setting up libraries stocked with local and inclusive literature.

The library has already reached more than 350 learners. With the expansion, it aims to reach and provide literacy spaces to four more communities.

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El Enany said the “Going Together” initiative with Seventeen empowers young people through creativity while helping address inequality, promote sustainable development, and build peace.

This also marked the group’s second anniversary as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Youth.

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