CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Kahigayonan 2024 UYportunidad para sa kabatan-onan year 3 culminates with a series of talks for the youth dubbed “UY Talks” at the Ayala Mall Centrio.
The Out-of-School Youth Development Alliance (OSYDA)-Cagayan de Oro organized the Kahigayonan Expo 2024 from August 12–14 that highlighted various government social services, skills training for the youth, showcased innovative product displays, and encouraged entrepreneurship and opportunities.
The event kicked off on August 12 in celebration of International Youth Day and provided out-of-school youth employment opportunities through a job fair on August 13, led by the city’s Public Employment Services Office (PESO), and “Uy Talks” on the 14th.
The Public Employment Services Office (PESO) of the city reports that 35 local industry partners, offering 2,085 vacancies, and 6 overseas recruitment agencies, totaling 1,823 vacancies, attended the Kahigayonan 2024 UYportunidad job fair on August 13. There were 596 local applicants and 230 overseas applicants. A total of 83 applicants were hired on the spot.
The talks, on the other hand, provided an avenue for youth advocates to inspire the youth to pursue their dreams.
A former out-of-school youth, John Cayman Dungog, owner of the Brew Box Cafe, said after applying for around 15 job openings, he lost hope. However, when USAID Opportunity 2.0 provided financial assistance to out-of-school youth, Dungog took the chance to benefit from the grant procided.
“Ang knowledge ug experience akong gina-invest karon. Dako kaayo nga responsibilidad, wala gyud ko nagexpect nga naa pila na kabuok akong trabahante gapasweldohan, pero gapaningkamot lang gihapon to innovate para sa business,” Dungog said.
(I’m investing in knowledge and experience right now. This is a big responsibility; I never expected that now I have workers whom I provide salary for, but I still strive to innovate for my business.)
Brew Box Cafe now has branches in Jasaan and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
Meanwhile, Ryan Corod, owner of DAKS Cafe, said that he can only measure success if he already has financial freedom.
His journey did, however, come with its own set of challenges. Corod said that it is normal to make mistakes, and those mistakes become experiences, which he hurdled through prayers.
“Take the risk or lose the chances. If gusto ninyo magstart og business karon, ipadayon na, i-push na. Dili ninyo mahibal-an kong dili ninyo sulayan, ” said Corod.
(Take the risk or lose the chances. If you want to start a business now, push through with it. You will never know unless you try.)
Mallgoers and students explore the exhibit booths of OSYDA member agencies and organizations such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which offers National Certificate courses, Cagayan de Oro City College, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, Alternative Learning System, KaYa NA, and the Oro Youth Development Office, to name a few.
Corod and Dungog’s respective coffee shops were also on display, offering coffee to the public.
Youth advocate and KaYa NA former president Desiree Rose Valmoria shared that KaYa NA helps empower the out-of-school youth sector through activities, programs, and assistance.
“Kung dili ta gusto nga maliiton ta tungod kay out-of-school youth ta, sa KaYa NA, gina-empower namo mo. Grab the opportunities,” Valmoria said.
(If we do not want to be ridiculed because we are out-of-school youth, at KaYa NA, we help empower you. Grab the opportunities.)
John Rey Remadavia, the current president of KaYa NA, said that success should be consistent and continuous and encourages everyone to try stepping out of their comfort zone and be brave.
“Akong aim is to be successful each day. Before ko matulog, akong i-note kung unsa akong gusto ma-achieve tomorrow. Stop worrying about the outcome and just do your best everyday,” said Remadavia.
Both Valmoria and Remadavia are now continuing their education through the city’s scholarship program.
The USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program organizes KaYa NA, a flagship youth network, to encourage youth participation in the city, particularly among out-of-school youth. The organization believes in the youth’s capacity to create change and advocate for social good. (SAYU/PIA-10)
