The Provincial Youth Development Council (PYDC) wraps up exciting and extensive culmination activities to celebrate the “Linggo ng Kabataan” on August 31, 2024 at the ZDN Convention and Sports Center staunchly supported by Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos and Provincial Administrator Wilberth “Gaw Jojo” G. Magallanes through the Provincial Youth Development Unit of the Office of the Governor.
This year’s celebration theme ” From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” emphasizes the youth sectors’ role in the attainment of the sustainable development goals through digital empowerment. The program is spearheaded by the Provincial Youth Development Unit Head of the Youth Provincial Unit- Mr. Charles Anthony Rotoni C. Rotoni and the Provincial Youth Development Council Chairperson and SK Federation President, Board Member Leander James Q. Dangcalan who warmly welcomed everyone and the Local Youth Development Council members and participants.
In a message conveyed and delivered by Mr. Rotoni on behalf of Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos and Provincial Administrator Wilberth “Gaw Jojo” G. Magallanes, the Provincial Government express its gratitude to all the Sangguniang Kabataan Officers of all 27 LGUs , Youth Organization as well as the Youth-serving Organizations for their commitment to implement and support programs for the youth sector especially in the capacity building, community outreach, creative skills development, sports, climate change mitigation through clean up drive and tree planting activitties and many others. Through all these support that the youth sector does in their communities, it’s a big leap in achieving the development goals of the country and the world in general. The youth sector does not just play important role in achieving the sustainable development goals but also serve as support system in influencing the young ones that will soon reach their present age.
A civic parade attended by close to 1500 young people from all over the province kicks off the culmination activities followed by a forum and learning session on ASEAN Digital Literacy by the Supervising Administrative Office of the Office of Provincial Administrator, Ms. Lenie A. Castañeda, who is also a Master Trainer of the ASEAN Digital Literacy Program by the ASEAN Foundation, Google.org and Limitless Lab. She stresses that an example of digital outputs that has both positive and negative effects and impact to the vulnerable sectors, particularly the youth. The advent of digital transformations in the present time empowers individuals to learn, change and adapt to the digital environment.
Meanwhile “Responsible Digital Diplomacy” by Mr. Charles Anthony C. Rotoni, Head, Provincial Youth Development Unit under the Office of the Governor speaks on the importance of digital diplomatic management as he implicated the diplomacy of everyday life with the digital world that the key part was being responsible to avoid conflicts using the social media. He further explained how the youth sector can take the role of responsible digital tool management, content development and ethics in content sharing and information development done online.
The culmination programs are made more special as Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick ” Bullet” Jalosjos, the event’s Guest Speaker conveys his message of support to the activities of the youth sector in the province as he referred as millennials and other young generations that defined growing up, Artificial Intelligence adoption, shape culture, through social media. Further, he expresses the vital role of digital innovations and transformations in playing a significant part in achieving the sustainable developmental goals for the youth sector. He further emphasizes the famous quote by Dr. Jose Rizal ” Ang Kabataan ay Ang Pag-asa ng Bayan”, giving light to the youth sector as the future bearers of technology advancement, transformation and attainment of the sustainable development goals through the use of various platforms in communication and technology.
Supporting the event is also the Regional Director of the National Youth Commission –Region 9 and 12, Mr. Raymond B. Domingo. He also inspired the attendees with an insightful and enlightening talk about how the program hold an immense significance as it provides a platform for national young leaders to grow and become role models for their peers and strengthened their commitment to their community. He further encourages the young people to savor and make use of their time as youth as this period do not last forever and that all will pass through the age of being youth.
The dynamic event also showcased competitions among the participants that exude the mental and physical prowess such as Essay Writing Competition won by Ronald S. Dangaton from the Municipality of Manukan, Yell/Chant Competition won by the Municipality of Sibutad and the Battle of the Bands won by Under Pressure Band representing PYAP ZDN.
Aiming to preserve and promote the outdoor games as a “makabayan” initiative of the Sangguniang Kabataan, a set of five (5) games such as Hilahan ng Lubid (Tug of War) won by PYAP ZDN, Karera ng Uod gamit ang Lobo (Caterpillar Balloon) won by Dapitan City, “Pasahan ng Itlog” (Egg Relay, “Batuhang Bola” (dogdgeball) and “Karera ng ako” (Sack Race) which all were coveted by the Municipality of Manukan.
Officials of the Youth Commission also gave their electronic message via audio-visual presentation sent to the Provincial Development Unit by National Youth Commission. Office of the Commissioner Representing Mindanao Commissioner Bianca Patrice C. Go conveyed a message of support and inspiration for the Youth to attain a harmonious relationship as it is important for the government sector to achieve development faster with the participation of the youth sector moreover in the digital innovations and various platforms that youth may help contribute to the advancement of the sector.
Honorable Carol Julianne “CJ” F. Dalipe, SK National President Ex-Officio- Commissioner Youth Council also expresses her support and inspirational message that the youth as a Filipino can be a world – class leader that can lead a nation in many perspectives. According to her, it is very imperative that as early as now to lay down the foundation of leadership and to choose causes and support programs in the future like support for education, scholarship, formal education or skills education, a legacy that one can uphold especially in the modern times.
The culmination activity proved and strengthened the bonding and camaraderie of the ZDN – Youth participants. The Provincial Youth Development Council also hopes to do more engagements and activities that foster not just connection among youth organizations and youth serving organizations hut also to implement programs, activities and plans that can positively transform the youth sector towards becoming a community that can help various government agencies and organizations campaigning for causes that will help resolve the currents issues and concerns of the society. (Angelica T. Obina)
(Source: Ginalin G. Ma – PIC)