SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Around 800 young leaders from across the Philippines convened in La Union this week for the 2025 National Youth Convention cum Youth Development Convention and Policy Forum.
The event, held at the La Union Convention Center from February 10-13, served as a crucial platform for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, Local Youth Development Officers (LYDOs), and other youth representatives to collaborate on strategies for nation-building and contribute to the government’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision.
Organized by the National Youth Commission (NYC), the convention emphasized youth empowerment and participation in national development.
NYC Baguio Area Office Head Sheridan Athena Gajete underscored the vital role of young people as catalysts for change.
“At NYC, we recognize our youth as catalysts for change, and their voices are essential in driving that change, particularly within our 10 centers of youth participation. Our primary focus is on fostering youth involvement and participation,” Gajete stated.
The convention aimed to generate concrete policy recommendations addressing challenges faced by SK officials, LYDOs, and Local Youth Development Councils (LYDCs) in their interactions with government agencies.
Resource persons from various agencies were present to engage with the youth leaders.
A key focus of the forum was strengthening the capacity of LYDOs, who play a critical role in local governance.
Christian Benedict Dioquino, LYDO from Quezon, Isabela, highlighted the need for policies that prioritize LYDO development and capacity building.
“As a LYDO, I look forward to policies that prioritize the development and capacity building of LYDOs. While LYDOs are sometimes underappreciated within LGUs, we are crucial in amplifying the voices of youth and driving positive change. We do this by developing and implementing impactful programs that benefit all young people, not just elected officials,” Dioquino explained.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting LYDOs’ contributions to local youth development.
This year marks the first time La Union has hosted the national convention, a testament to the growing recognition of the province’s youth engagement initiatives.
The convention served not only as a venue for policy discussion but also as an opportunity for networking and peer learning among young leaders from different regions.
Participants engaged in workshops, interactive sessions, and dialogues focused on key issues such as youth empowerment, education, health, and economic opportunities.
The NYC expressed its commitment to supporting the implementation of the policy recommendations generated from the convention, ensuring that the voices of young Filipinos are heard and contribute to building a more inclusive and prosperous “Bagong Pilipinas.”
The event concluded with a call to action for young leaders to return to their communities and implement the knowledge and skills gained during the convention, further strengthening youth participation in local and national development. (CCMT/AMB/REB, PIA Region 1)
