TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Bearing the theme “Youth making a stand on the war against illegal drugs and other unlawful offenses,’’ the members of the Pag-asa Youth Association (PYA) convened for arts and sports competition on May 29-31.
City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban who was the guest of honor commended the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for bringing the youth of the city to an activity where they can share and develop their skills while learning the value of teamwork and camaraderie as they fight menace in society, such as illegal drugs.
“Take advantage of opportunities while they are available and be an advocate of cleaning our country of the ills due to illegal drugs,’’ the city mayor told the youth participants.
PYA Focal Person Leon Dangpason of the CSWDO said that the activity was conceptualized to help a work group evolve into a cohesive unit. The team members not only shared expectations for accomplishing group tasks but also trusted and supported one another and accorded respect to individual differences.
With their leadership and volunteerism, PYA Appas hosted the affair the three-day encampment. With a lot of things to consider, the host barangay reached the expected participants of 500 youth members across 22 participating barangays and 2 PYA groups.
According to the youth participants, the search for Mr. and Ms. PYA 2017 has gained ground and undeniably the most fascinating and sought-after event. Joussan Blanza of PYA Dagupan Weste and Jyril Rona Salibad of PYA Nambucayan were hailed this year’s Mr. and Ms. PYA
Hitting the dance floor with their fire dance, barangay Appas was adjudged the best during the PYA Got Talent besting 13 of the most talented youth groups. PYA Amlao, on the other hand, got the nod of the judges during the Cultural Show with their artistic interpretation of “tadek.”
PYA NASA Agbannawag got the most sensible delivery during the impromptu speaking contest as they shared informative and persuasive thoughts on the worst effect of illegal drugs on the country and the world.
Without special advance preparation, PYA Appas smashed the essay writing contest on the topic on extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the dawn of Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Coming up with a memorable motto of an idea or purpose, PYA Bulanao Norte succeeded in the slogan-making contest with the expression “With a responsible law-abiding generation comes a peaceful and progressive nation.”
To present information in a visual format, the poster-making contest materialized and clear at a quick glance and appealing, PYA Dilag surfaced above the rest.
Winners for the sports events were as follows: PYA Appas (volleyball men), PYA Dagupan Weste (volleyball women), PYA Amlao (basketball), PYA Dagupan Weste (sepak takraw), PYA New Tanglag (chess women) and PYA Hope Agbannawag (chess men).
PYA Appas was the overall champion, with PYA Balawag and Sotto Agbannawag on the second and third spot respectively. Winners for all events received cash incentives; trophies and cash were also given to the top three finishers.
By Darwin S. Serion