ANTIQUE – The youth’s role as “young peacebuilders” is vital in shaping a harmonious and progressive society.
This was emphasized by Vice Governor Edgar Denosta during the three-day Provincial Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) conducted by the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) in partnership with the Antique provincial government.
The summit at the University of Antique – Main Campus in Sibalom on Nov. 17–19 was attended by more than a hundred youth from the municipalities of Patnongon, Hamtic, Valderama, San Jose, Anini-y, Tobias Fornier, Culasi, Lauaan, Tibiao, Sibalom, and San Remegio.
The YLS aimed at giving young leaders a broader perspective on the present issues that hinder peace and development for an expansive acceptance of individual responsibility through lectures and interactive discussions focusing on leadership and the role of the younger generations in nation-building.
The summit’s theme was “Young Peace Builders: Resilient and Responsive.”
YLS is one of the Philippine Army’s best practices to engage, develop, and empower the youth to become more productive members of society. For many years, the YLS has produced numerous successful youth leaders who became peace advocates and are helping the Army promote peace and positive development among the youth.
Present during the opening ceremony were Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (CMO) and spokesperson of 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Balgos Jr., Acting Commanding Officer, 61IB, and Captain Mark Ryan Espejo, CMO Officer of 61IB.
Javines enjoined the youth participants to be more mindful of and active in their participation in the affairs of the government. He also called on them to become enthusiastic peacebuilders who bring about meaningful contributions to establish more peaceful and progressive communities in the province of Antique.
“You are part of this vision. As youth models and leaders, you have a bigger role; you are our hope and future. We desire that after this activity, you will be transformed and empowered to fulfill your roles as compassionate, responsible, and productive youth models and leaders,” Javines said.
For his part, Major General Marion Sison, 3ID Commander, lauded the province of Antique for its support for youth development programs, security efforts, and initiatives of the Army.
“It is said that the foundation of every state is the education of its youth. Hence, it is our huge role and responsibility to ensure that our youth receive all the skillsets they need today so that they will be able to build a better tomorrow for all of us. We need to invest in the education of our young people, as all these too become our investments for a brighter future,” Sison said./PN
