SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Ilocos region's youth took center stage in a two-day summit organized by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC). 

Titled "Elevate, Engage, Empower: Youth Pioneers Shaping Peace and Development," the event was held on March 14 and 15 at the La Union Convention Center. The event aims to cultivate the next generation of peace advocates.

The summit transcended simply informing participants about peacebuilding. 

Organizers sought to understand the youth's current realities, challenges, and aspirations. 

This knowledge exchange is crucial for the government to design programs that resonate with young people and foster trust, preventing them from being drawn to radical movements.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security, urged participants to leverage the wisdom of past leaders while carving their paths to positive change.

“Look to those who served before you, learn from their experiences, and find your path to excellence. I hope that this Youth Summit will spark inside of you the passion for serving our community,” Estrella said in a message read by DAR Regional Director Ma. Ana Francisco.

During the summit, government agencies set up booths showcasing programs and services available to young people.

The agencies that offered programs and services during the activity include DAR, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Health, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Education.

Other agencies with booths include the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource, and Technical Education and Skills Authority.

The summit wasn't just about lectures; it empowered participants to become active agents of peace. 

Around 250 youth leaders, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation officials, senior high school and higher education institution students, indigenous youth leaders, and youth development officers from Ilocos Norte, Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan collaborated to craft a Regional PeaceBuilding Youth Action Plan for 2024-2026. 

The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, along with NEDA, guided the planning process.

The National Youth Commission, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and PNP provided valuable insights into the youth landscape, national security interests, and the role young people can play.

This plan, along with planned provincial rollouts, aims to saturate the Ilocos Region with the message of peace and development.

Participants appreciated the information and potential to contribute to peace and development in the Ilocos Region.

John Kenneth Molina, SK federation representative from Candon City, Ilocos Sur, said the summit empowered him for his leadership role. 

"The event is commendable, it empowers youth leaders with the knowledge that will help us more in implementing peace and order not just in our school, barangays, but also in the province overall," Molina said.

Rodan Pletchete, SK federation chairperson from Luna, La Union, acknowledged the government programs and expressed a desire for more opportunities to get involved. 

“Thank you for having us in this youth summit. I hope magtutuloy-tuloy pa ang ganitong mga programs so that we could learn more na masi-share pa namin sa mga kabataan," Pletchete said. 

(Thank you for having us at this youth summit. I hope that these programs continue for us to learn and share with our fellow youth.) (JCR/AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)