LUNA, Apayao – Youth leaders from the province convened at Star Jewel Lodge, San Isidro, Luna, on March 13, for the first quarter meeting of the Provincial Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP)–Apayao.
This meeting was organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and brought together Sangguniang Kabataan officials, local youth development officers, representatives from the Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion15, and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office staff to lay the groundwork for youth programs in the months ahead.
PSWDO Focal Person for Youth, Leah Lappas led the discussion and highlighted the role of unity in making an impact. “It’s not about individual efforts. It is about what we can accomplish together,” she said while urging participants to take a more active approach in shaping projects that address real issues.
Among the highlights of the meeting was the introduction of the Youth Development Summit (YDS) by Michelle Ayabo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Social Welfare and Development Team. This will integrate the 4Ps Youth Module into its framework while tackling pressing concerns such as the enforcement of Republic Act 11930, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Law. The discussions underscored the need to protect young people from digital threats while establishing their role in shaping safe online spaces.
Preparations for the Provincial YDS 2025 scheduled for May 28-30 gained momentum. Designed to cultivate leadership skills and civic engagement, the summit will include both out-of-school youths and in-school youths. Meanwhile, Linggo ng Kabataan 2025, set for August 15-17, is being positioned as a stage for amplifying youth voices on critical socio-political issues.
The meeting also outlined a packed slate of proposed activities for the year such as a debate on local social issues, a mental health awareness campaign, reproductive health and teenage pregnancy education, a hip-hop dance competition, a blood donation drive, and an information and education campaign on anti-illegal drugs and anti-terrorism.
PSWDO Head Jocelyn Loyon called on youth leaders to take ownership of these projects. “These are not just plans on paper. They need your ideas, your commitment, and your drive to make them work,” she stressed. On the other hand, Wenz Nathaly Alferez from the Provincial Youth Development Office reminded the participants of their collective responsibility. “Your leaders are working hard to open doors for you, but it is up to you to walk through them,” Alferez said. By Loremia Pareja
