LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson pledged his support for youth involvement in maintaining peace during the Region 1 Youth Summit held at the La Union Convention Center in San Fernando City from March 14-15.
 
Themed “Elevate. Engage. Empower: Youth Pioneers Shaping Peace and Development,” the summit was organized by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Region 1 to cultivate youth participation in government peacekeeping initiatives.
 

Governor Singson expressed hope that the summit would equip young participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to champion peace-building efforts and bolster economic independence within the region.
 
“Elevate – We will rise above challenges, elevating our perspectives and aspirations for a better future; Engage – Through meaningful dialogue and collaboration, we will connect with one another, amplifying our voices and sharing our visions for peace; Empower – Armed with newfound skills and confidence, we will empower each other to take action and drive positive change in our communities,” he said.
 

The Ilocos Sur Provincial Government (PGIS) has consistently spearheaded various programs to support and promote youth development within the province.
 
Last February, in collaboration with the Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Awards Foundation, the provincial government hosted the Kwento Kabataan Caravan, which trained youth organizations in project management and storytelling skills.
 
In December 2023, the Ilocos Sur Provincial Youth Office partnered with the National Chaplains of the Philippines to conduct a three-day Filipino Core Values Workshop and Community Immersion.
 
This program aimed to instill strong values in young people, recognizing their role as catalysts for positive social change and role models in their communities.
 
Additionally, the PGIS participated in the 7th Division Rizal Youth Leadership Institute last November and organized a three-day provincial Camping Festival 2023 Youth Jamboree in October.
 
Governor Singson emphasized the significance of unity in nation-building and peacekeeping as he concluded his message at the regional youth summit.
 
The summit also included workshops where youth leaders pinpointed pressing issues and concerns across the economic, social, health, education, and security sectors.
 
Their insights will be used to develop the Regional Peace Building Youth Activity Plan for 2024-2026.
 
“Let us stand united, driven by our shared goal of building a brighter future for a more peaceful and prosperous region,” Singson concluded. (JCR/AMB/EJFG/PIA Ilocos Norte)