SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Jan. 26 (PIA) – Around 700 youth leaders from various organizations, local government units, and other stakeholders in La Union attended a youth summit dubbed “Spark: Igniting the New Era of the Sangguniang  Kabataan in Elyuniverse” held last Saturday at the Agora Event Center of Thunderbird Resort here.
 
The event aims to strengthen the youth development programs in their respective areas and sustain volunteerism in support of the provincial government’s vision.
 
The one-day training, hosted by the Provincial Government of La Union through the initiative of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David, featured talks from local chief executives and speakers who provided effective and data-driven information to the participants.
 
“I want to equip our youth here in La Union so that they can be more confident, more equipped, and knowledgeable in what they can do and what they can offer to be effective leaders of our province of La Union," Governor Ortega-David said.
 
Moreover, Ortega-David said that through the activity, the participants will be able to define what kind of leader they want to be and what they will be for the constituents of their respective barangays and municipalities.

Bayambang, Pangasinan Mayor Mary Claire Judith Phyllis “Niña” Jose-Quiambao, who served as one of the keynote speakers, talked about “Revolutionary Leadership” and the impact a leader with integrity and values can make.
 

“Nawa’y unahin natin na maitaguyod ang isang maayos at maunlad na bansang Pilipinas na siyang makakagisnan ng bagong henerasyon. Pairalin natin ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan,” Jose-Quiambao said.
 

(May we prioritize establishing a progressive Philippines, which will be lived with the new generation. Let us continue our mission of unity and teamwork.)

Other resource speakers shared their insights on the “Power of Inclusive Leadership” that will strive for positive changes and explained the expected results of leadership, fidelity bonding, government securities, tourism, and youth development, among others.
 
The Provincial Government of La Union also vowed to uphold the youth sector's rights and capabilities and empower them to be able to contribute to the different Sustainable Development Goals through the province’s “Probinsyanihan” initiative. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)