SAN FERNANDO CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Ilocos and the governor of La Union, urged youth leaders to continuously look for more productive ways to serve the community.

In her message during the first-ever RPOC Region 1 Youth Summit held in this city on March 14-15, David noted the vital role of the youth in maintaining peace, order, and security in the region.

David, the youngest governor of La Union and a prominent figure as a commodore of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), along with her role as RPOC-1 chair, cited various platforms on how other youths can also further contribute to peacekeeping.

“I have joined esteemed organizations so that I can further serve the community not just through the position I have now in the government, but I have also joined the PCG Auxiliary and participate in its activities,” David shared.

She added, "I am now in line as well in my application as a reservist of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

David set herself as an example to inspire the youth leaders that it is also possible for them to join such organizations despite their age and gender. 

She encouraged the particpants to maximize said avenues to be of service to the Filipino people. 

"These are just some of the platforms we can join and use to further empower our sector and be more exposed on peacekeeping," she said. 

Moreover, David also recognized not just the power of the youth in maintaining national security but as well as to nation-building.

She emphasized three fundamental principles of leadership among the participants such as to practice consistency, observe inclusivity, and serve with compassion. 

“Presence always matters so make sure to always show up,” she said.

She added, "We breed inclusive leadership; we serve everyone regardless of origin and political beliefs.”

In empowering the youth leaders of the region, David did not only provide guidance but also instilled a sense of responsibility and purpose, inspiring them to lead with integrity, inclusivity, and empathy.

 The RPOC Region 1 Youth Summit was a two-day learning session on peacebuilding staged by the RPOC where around 250 youth leaders from across the region participated. (JCR/MJTAB/CGC/KJC, PIA Region 1)