After the postponements due to the typhoons Kristine and Pepito, the Youth Congress 2024 finally commenced on November 30 to December 1 at the Bicol University Tabaco Auditorium in Tabaco City, Albay.
With the theme, “Empowerment Tomorrow: Youth Innovation and Leadership for Sustainable Development,” this year’s congress aims to gain insights about social conflicts in Tabaco City, introduce advocacy building to youth, increase knowledge about nation-building, especially in a localized set-up, and improve network with other organizations or individuals.
The Youth Congress 2024, hosted by the Tabaco Youth Ambassadors, is a formal gathering of youth individuals and youth leaders across Tabaco City to have a positive discussion about the possible solution and contribution of youth in civic engagement as a whole. This also gives potential youth leaders an opportunity to showcase their intelligence and skills, which the public can greatly benefit from.
This is the second time that the Tabaco Youth Ambassadors hosted this event, marking another success under the leadership of the batch 4 ambassadors.
“Napaka fulfilling po na natuloy na finally ang event namin, although hurdles went our way because of the typhoons na dumating, which is unexpected naman. Also, nagka problema din kami sa pag set ng venue and final dates ng event kasi hindi talaga nag-a-align ang lahat ng schedule nun, and buti na lang because of the GAD Staffs na-finalize namin ang venue and dates to finally let the congress happen,” Leny J. Bariso, event head, said.
She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to those participants who joined the said event for two days despite the bad weather.
“I believe those participants who have come to support and join us are the most significant part of the Congress, kasi it won’t be a success without the support of them,” Bariso added.
Over 120 participants, youth individuals and youth leaders, from the 47 barangays of Tabaco City congregated in the said event.
“It was my first time joining the Youth Congress, and it surely won’t be my last. Aside from the knowledge and awareness I have gained, what I treasure most from this experience is the people I worked alongside—people who share the same vision and passion as mine. I’ve realized how people are superior in unique ways, and I see this as a great opportunity to learn from them,” John Joed Bonaobra, a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English from Daniel B. Peña Memorial College Foundation, Inc., stated.
Moreover, esteemed guest speakers shared their experiences, which are undeniably inspiring, and gave advice on how to become an effective leader not just in the community but also in the country.
On the first day of the congress, Francis B. Balingbing, administrative aide of the Tabaco Local Government Unit (LGU), discussed the topic of “Knowing Beyond Where You Lead: Understanding the Influences of Culture on Community Initiatives,” leaving a note that a good leader responds proactively to changing trends and diverse cultures within the society in which they are involved.
Following his discussion, Nikayla Karell A. Odi, executive director of the Sirang Bicol Coalition of Youth Leaders in Naga City, talked about the “Youth Voice in Civic Engagement,” highlighting the importance of civic engagement of the youths.
In the afternoon session, Eng. Arnold “Yob” Onrubia, former department head of the Provincial Planning and Development Office and the founder of The Solon Project, tackled the topic of “Encouraging a Growth Mindset: A Guide to Discover Your Advocacy,” emphasizing the significance of the advocacy as he encourages everyone to voice out their advocacy in life, for it might leave a big impact on the community.
Meanwhile, Czarina Alessandra Bonaobra, Gender and Equality (GAD) consultant, discussed the proper way on how to make a project proposal, emphasizing that when making a project proposal, it should be sustainable.
On the second and last day of the congress, a panel discussion happened in the morning, tackling the topic of “Activating the Youth’s Voice: Promoting Long-term, Systematic Social Change.”
Each panel had an assigned advocacy group whom they were mentoring to make a project proposal that will be implemented in Tabaco City.
Wilfredo Bonaobra, Federated President of the 4H Club, was the one who was assigned to the Youth Empowerment advocacy group, Atty. Shiena Onrubia-dela Cruz, provincial board member in the first district of Albay, was in charge of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender Based Violence advocacy group; Elmer M. Villanueva Jr., LGO VI, was designated to mentor the nation-building advocacy group; Kathleen Borres, admin officer of the Brothers of Charity, led the mental health advocacy group; and Fatima D. Buen, school division supervisor, was assigned to the Quality Education advocacy group.
After the mentoring session, each group was given an hour to prepare their project proposal before they presented it to the seven reputable judges.
Gaining an average of 90.42 percent, the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender Based Violence advocacy group, consisting of two members, was hailed as the first placer. It was followed by the youth empowerment advocacy group having 89.46 percent and garnering an average of 82 percent; the nation-building advocacy group clinched third place.
All of the proposals of the three groups will be considered by the Tabaco LGU, as they will help each team by funding it to implement these projects in the Tabaco City.
On the closing program, Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman congratulated the whole Tabaco Youth Ambassadors, GAD focal person Kristine dela Cruz, and the SK Federation spearheaded by Vince Bien Bonaobra, president of the SK Federation, for organizing the Youth Congress, saying she sees so much light in the tunnel.| via Hannah Franchezka Boragay
Photo courtesy: Mayor Krisel, Hannah Franchezka Boragay, Stephanie Brillante