Pinabacdao: Thirty-eight youth leaders from the previously rebel-infested towns of Pinabacdao and Calbiga in Samar completed a three-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) as part of government efforts to sustain peace.
According to Philippines News Agency, the summit was organized by the 63rd Infantry Battalion under the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID) and was held in Pinabacdao town from May 18 to 20. The event carried the theme 'Youth for Peace, Unity, and Development Across Samar,' aiming to enhance young leaders' skills in leadership, patriotism, civic engagement, and social responsibility, encouraging them to take active roles in peace and community development.
Participants engaged in lectures, workshops, team-building, and discussions on various topics, including leadership, values, youth empowerment, environment, disaster preparedness, health, anti-drugs, and peace efforts, as stated by the Philippine Army on Thursday. The summit also addressed critical thinking, social media responsibility, and awareness of deceptive recruitment, misinformation, and radicalization by communist insurgent groups targeting youth.
Military officials emphasized the significance of the activity, given the history of insurgency in Pinabacdao and Calbiga, which were once considered areas with strong communist influence in Samar. Cris Balmes, regional vice president of the Youth for Peace Movement Eastern Visayas, highlighted the importance of empowering young people to sustain peace gains in vulnerable communities.
Balmes mentioned that youth are among the most influential sectors in society and that equipping them with leadership skills, proper values, and awareness of societal issues helps protect them from deception and manipulation. He added that the summit encouraged participants to become responsible leaders and active partners in advancing peace and development in their respective communities.
The 8ID indicated that the YLS is part of the government's broader strategy to address the root causes of insurgency through youth development and stronger community engagement. The statement emphasized that the youth play a crucial role in shaping the future of communities and the nation. Through activities like the Youth Leadership Summit, young people are inspired to become advocates of peace, good governance, and community development.
Officials also highlighted the collaboration among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, local government units, educators, community leaders, and other stakeholders in implementing the program.
