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The youth comprise a big chunk in the population of the Philippines. They are said to be passionate, idealistic and hardworking. And with a little motivation they can learn anything in just a small span of time.

The best thing about the youth is that if they can unite with a common goal, they can create a positive change to the society, a great impact for the common good.

January of this year, a friend invited me to join the Club Mega, a youth group that supports smart growth for Metro Cebu through the Mega Cebu project. And, as I aspire to be one of the forerunners in advocating for positive change in our community, I, along with my team from the Cebu City National Science High School (CCNSHS) accepted the challenge and said ‘yes’ to the call.

First, what is Mega Cebu? Mega Cebu is a long term program promoted and spearheaded by the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB), a consortium of 12 Local Government Units namely Carcar City, City of Naga, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Liloan, Mandaue City, Minglanilla San Fernando, and Talisay City, National Government Agencies, Civil Society, and the Private Sector.

The program aims to make Metro Cebu Wholesome, Advanced, Vibrant, Equitable, and Sustainable by 2050.

Every September each year, we celebrate the Mega Cebu Month through various activities that are being conducted by different organizations to promote the Mega Cebu Program: fun runs, contests, learning sessions, conventions, forums and other fun-filled activities that one will enjoy during the celebration.

In line with this, the Club Mega organized the Mega Cebu Youth Convention where the youth from different local government unit including the government officials and employees gathered together in support of Mega Cebu.

The convention highlights inspiring stories from the youth who are making a difference in their own communities. Amongst those who shared their stories are Olympin and Gold Medalist, Mary Joy Reyes Tabal, Technologian Leaders Academy Founder, Roxanne Hernaez, Student Innovator Arianwen Rollan and Maria Georgia Cogtas of Dilaab Foundation Inc.

They challenged the youth to make a change in the simplest ways like proper garbage segregation or volunteer in different causes.

Liloan City Mayor Ma. Esperanza Christina C. Frasco, also presented how they were able to influence the youth to get involve in various programs of their local government.

Asec. Rhea Penaflor of the National Youth Commission also graced the event and challenged the youth to be more active in development.

“The Mega Cebu Youth Convention is one of the avenues where we can inspire the youth to participate, to take part. This is our call to action. We are saying that Mega Cebu is for you and you shall be the leaders of this province.” Ms. Caroline Ballesteros of Mega Cebu said in an interview.

This convention will never be successful without very supportive partners, the Cebu Provincial Capitol, the Aboitiz Group and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

“What’s interesting about the Club Mega is that it is composed of youth from different schools and universities that are focused on helping create a better Cebu.

Currently, the Club has seven existing Chapters: Cebu Normal University, Cebu City National Science High School, Cebu Institute of Technology-University, USC-TC, USC-SHS, University of the Philippines, and USJ-R. We are inviting student to establish Club Mega in their schools because this is their way of showing support of the Mega Cebu Program,” Divine Canon of Club Mega, said.

Continuing capability building programs through the Mega Cebu School of Leaders are being implemented to enhance competence, strengthening of character, and promote active citizenship to the youth. To learn more about Club Mega, you may call Divine Canon through (032) 411-1700.

If more people, groups, businesses, and leaders join and support Mega Cebu, a wave of more sustainable projects, a wave of driven and passionate people, and a wave of smart growth and development will come to the province of Cebu.

Pwede ba nga magtinabangay ta para sa Kalambuan sa Cebu? Pwede Kaayo!