Aside from his academic pursuits, Mr. Castro has made a significant impact on the country through his work as the President and Founder of Youth Service Philippines. He has spearheaded 200 youth-oriented projects and initiatives, which have positively affected the lives of countless individuals. His exceptional leadership skills have been recognized not just locally but internationally. He has been appointed as the Country Head/President for Coexister Organization, where he has created numerous peace projects in the Philippines, including peace libraries in Mindanao, Philippines. He also served as a consultant for several NGOs, IOs (UNDP), and the House of Representatives, providing valuable insights on youth-related matters. Mr. Castro also serves to international NGOs, particularly QS World Merit, as the outreach coordinator for QS World Merit Awards and Trees4Merit.
He is also a fellow in the following programs: United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Millennium Fellowship, the Global Changemakers Fellowship, Siklab Pilipinas Fellowship, and York University Global SDG Challenge and fellowship. With the aim of improving governance in the Philippines, Mr. Castro has taken courses in governance and leadership at the National University of Singapore – Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under the TF-Learn program where he received recognition for his outstanding futures research and leadership achievements. Mr. Castro is also an internationally recognized speaker, speaking to over 100 engagements and presenting on Southeast Asia youth as he represented the Philippines at numerous United Nations (UN) conferences such as the UN ECOSOC 2024, UN High-level political forum 2024, and UN-CSO Dialogue.
Mr. Castro’s broad range of interests includes the environment, peace, sports, education, and health, and he is deeply committed to making a meaningful contribution to society. Overall, he is a role model for young leaders, and his dedication to service and leadership is an inspiration to many.
Can you share a memorable experience from NCPAG that contributed to your success?
During my time at NCPAG, I learned the importance of bridging leadership. Where we should connect policies with grassroots realities and ensuring inclusivity in governance. This experience shaped how I lead my NGOs, where we co-create strategies with communities to develop inclusive policies and sustainable solutions. It’s a lesson I carry with me in every project, emphasizing that impactful leadership starts with listening and engaging with the people you aim to serve.
