Over 60 Catandunganon youth leaders convene at YouthLed assembly in CatSU

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Over 60 Catandunganon youth leaders convene at YouthLed assembly in CatSU

More than 60 Catandunganon youth leaders have come together at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Auditorium for the ‘Local Youth Assembly’ to exchange ideas, foster collaboration for civic engagement, and strengthen participation in Democratic Governance.

Organized by Siklab Pilipinas, in collaboration with the Local Youth Development Office of Catanduanes, USAID, The Asia Foundation, CatSU, and other stakeholders, the one-day forum united a diverse group of passionate youth leaders from different organizations throughout the province.

As a former youth leader himself, during his time as chairman of the University of the Philippines - Los  Baños (UPLB) Student Council, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza threw his full support to the activity and looked forward to the Catandunganon youths’ participation.

“I hope that the youth from the island province of Catanduanes will actively participate in identifying and exemplifying the importance of youth leadership and civic engagement in addressing pressing community issues,” Dr. Azanza said in a video message on Tuesday, August 1.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

As the keynote speaker in the kick-off ceremony of the activity, Gov. Joseph C. Cua, represented by Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Susan Isidoro, recognized the activity as a transformative platform that enables the Catandunganon youth to engage in youth-led initiatives.

“Always remember, the youth are not passive bystanders; rather, you actively shape the world you desire,” the governor stated.

Meanwhile, introducing the goal and objectives of YouthLed, Senior Youth Leadership Development Specialist Emil Tapnio discussed the various programs and activities of the organization, which involve leadership development, coalition-building, and civic education and engagement.

Following the opening program, Gemar Moreno, the moderator, facilitated a discussion with the dynamic speakers: Legal Assistant Officer James Nathaniel Refugio, from Naga City Planning and Development Office, and Sagguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President of Sipocot, Masbate Mary May Loria.

𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱

Believing in the power of youth, Refugio urged the youth participants to challenge the status quo and be agents to solve the long-standing problems of their communities.

“We are called to serve and live beyond,” he added.

A series of focused-group discussions followed, which tackled on understanding the various issues in the community; sharing youths’ learning experiences; and the journey of an empowered community leader.

Taking part also at the event were CatSU student affair’s newly appointed Director Francis John B. Templonuevo, who extended his gratitude to the organizer for taking the lead to empower young leaders in the province; Siklab Pilipinas Consultant Samantha Sadorra; National Youth Commission Commissioner Reena Pineda, who expressed her full support through a video message; and other YouthLed officials, together with the facilitators.