In a remarkable display of camaraderie and leadership, elected SK Federation Presidents of municipalities, cities, and provinces, youth leaders, and cadets from different service academies and ROTC units across the nation converged at the National Youth Convention at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Fort Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City on December 7-10, 2023. The exceptional event provided an avenue for not only team-building activities but also forums for nation-building.
As a part of the said convention, the Philippine Public Safety Academy (PPSA) cadets enthusiastically participated in dynamic activities that strengthened their interpersonal bonds along with the cadets of different service academies of the country. They exhibited their physical and intellectual prowess through the various field learning activities and sessions. Further, as an empowering platform, the activities not only fostered collaboration and communication but also honed their leadership skills.
LTGEN ROWEN S TOLENTINO PA, PMA Superintendent, welcomed the organizers and the participants as the host of the convention, and other national speakers graced the event. Undersecretary RONALD GIAN CARLO L. CARDEMA, NYC Chairman and CEO, explained the purposes of the three-day activity. Meanwhile, HON. BENJAMIN B. MAGALONG, Mayor of Baguio City, emphasized to the delegates the important roles of the youth in nation-building and its participation in eradicating drug problems and other societal issues. HON. IGNACIO B. MADRIAGA, Department of Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning, represented the DND Secretary and discussed the involvement of the youth leaders in national security. Further, HON. FELICITO A. VALMOCINA, DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs, encouraged the SK officials to work beyond the people’s expectations and to battle corruption at their level of leadership.
On the second day of the convention, the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), HON. BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR., discussed the importance of proper nutrition to the development of youth as a vital component to being productive in education, sports, nation-building, etc. He also articulated the inclusion of programs on nutrition in SK projects. HON. AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), tackled the budget process from national to local government units and the importance of proper budget allocation to support the SK projects.
Moreover, SEN. SHERWIN GATCHALIAN spoke about the availability of education and technical-vocational skills training for the youth to be equipped with essential skills crucial for economic growth and nation-building. While SEN. RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA discoursed the significance of implementing the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in all colleges and universities across the archipelago to fight the insurgencies and end the recruitment of local terrorist groups (LTGs). HON. GERALDINE ROMAN, Bataan 1st District Representative also graced the program by giving emphasis on positive acceptance for the LGTBTQ youth community as an integral part of the nation’s progress and development. The Filipino youth leaders have the primary participation in helping the government, the communities, and their fellow youths in bringing changes for the “Bagong Pilipinas”.
The PPSA Cadets had the opportunity to interact, exchange ideas, and establish connections with their counterparts from the other academies that extend beyond the event. Realizing their role as the leaders of tomorrow, the cadets created a web of support and collaboration among the youth leaders.
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