Elevate Engage Empower Phase 3 of youth peace program to roll out in Ilocos Region
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — Following the successful implementation of first two phases, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 1 is now ready roll out the Phase III of the youth peacebuilding initiative that aims to “Elevate, Engage, Empower: Youth Pioneers Shaping Peace and Development” in which provincial activities are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
This comes after the RPOC 1 passed Resolution No. 18, series of 2024, in November, urging the four provincial governments of the region to support and fund the program’s implementation.
The initiative has already completed its first two phases, and the third phase aims to continue gaining momentum as it implements its community-based rollouts.
All in all, the initiative aims to address challenges on white area operations (WAO) in the Ilocos Region by equipping the youth with skills to successfully manage peacebuilding efforts.
WAO refers to the efforts of progressive groups to influence communities, schools, and organizations in cities and towns by spreading ideas and gaining support for their cause.
Instead of armed conflict in remote areas, these activities focus on advocacy, recruitment, and organizing movements within legal and public spaces.
Advocating grassroots peace advocacy
Phase 3’s provincial implementation of the program will see the youth leaders trained in earlier phases mentoring and developing a new generation of peace advocates.
These advocates will lead peace advocacy campaigns, draft peacebuilding materials, and do community-focused projects aimed at fostering peace and development across Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte.
La Union Governor and RPOC 1 Chairperson, Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, emphasized the importance of this next phase, highlighting the critical role of local support to succeed in the program’s next phase.
“Following the successful conduct of Phase II of the RPOC Youth Summit, we continue to foster learning, development, and empowerment among our youth in Region 1 as we gear towards another meaningful and insightful discussion on transformative peace through the much-anticipated roll out of Phase III of the ‘Elevate, Engage, Empower: Youth Pioneers Shaping Peace and Development’ program,” Ortega-David said.
Strengthening provincial partnership
The program follows the implementation of Phase 1 (Elevate), held in March 2024, and Phase II (Engage), conducted in October 2024.
In these first two phases, selected youth leaders were trained in leadership and peacebuilding skills, equipping them to be agents of change in their respective communities.
To maintain the endeavor’s momentum, the RPOC 1 has called on provincial governments to take an active role in the program’s rollout.
David further encouraged unified support in the endeavor, underscoring the importance of collaboration in the summit’s Phase III.
“We encourage the active participation and support of all four provincial governments in Region 1 in this significant endeavor to enhance youth awareness and understanding of their crucial role in peacebuilding,” she said.
The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRT-ELCAC) and the local Peace and Order Councils have also started finalizing schedules and resources to ensure the smooth implementation of Phase III.
Community partners, schools, and organizations are also being urged to support the youth leaders as they launch peacebuilding initiatives.
Zilian Nieveras, a Bachelor of Science in Radiology student from Lorma Colleges, said that attending the first two phases of the summit motivated him to be more involved in promoting peace and order in his barangay and school.
“The summit taught me the importance of being proactive and responsible in creating a safe and harmonious community,” he said, highlighting the importance of community involvement.
Unified vision towards peace and development
Emphasizing the role of collaboration and youth empowerment in fostering peace, Ortega-David also shared the RPOC 1’s vision for a progressive and resilient society.
“We can achieve peace if we work and collaborate together… for us to create lasting change, empower individuals, build resilient communities, and uphold the rule of law and human rights,” she said.
This region-wide effort showcases the government’s aim to foster a culture of peace through youth empowerment.
By investing in the skills and leadership of young people, the Ilocos Region aims to not only mitigate security challenges but also promote sustainable economic and social development.
The program’s Phase III is expected to encourage the youth to take an active role in shaping their communities to create a peaceful and development-driven region. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
