LUNA, Apayao – The provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), held its first Provincial Youth Development Session (PYDS) from May 27 to 29, at Apayao Tourism and Sports Complex (ATSC).
The three-day activity gathered 180 participants from the province’s seven municipalities including Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members, municipal local youth development officers (LYDOs), social workers, facilitators, and both in-school and out-of-school youth.
Facilitated by Youth Development Focal Person Leah D. Lappas, the session provided a venue for the youth to reflect, engage, and grow into competent and socially responsible individuals.
The session covered several topics such as self-worth, career planning, managing stress, body image, building healthy relationships, online child exploitation (OSAEC), and the risks of insurgency and drug use.
To develop camaraderie, the event also featured Zumba, a mini Amazing Race, a talent show, and team-building activities.
Among those present were Provincial Youth Development Officer Wenz Nathaly Alferez and Provincial SK Federation President Hanz Gerald Palacay, both of whom emphasized the importance of sustained youth empowerment programs. The event was supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development–SWAD, the 1st Apayao Provincial Mobile Force Company, the 1505th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Youth Development Regional Focal Person Dan Gil Geron.
One of the participants, Sean Trevor Caluya from Luna, reflected on the experience. “The PYDS helped us build friendships while gaining valuable life skills.” He rated the event a ten out of ten. By Loremia Pareja
