Previous
Next
More than 200 youth leaders from Cebu and nearby provinces who ran in the recently concluded Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections came together for a forum-cum-recollection to prepare them for what lies ahead.
The Governance and Linkages Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI-G&L), in partnership with the Dilaab Foundation Inc., and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 7, conducted an Understanding Choices Forum for young leaders aspiring for public office last April 28, 2018, at the Plenary Hall of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development and Studies Center, Barangay Tinago, Cebu City.
Dubbed as “Youth in Governance: Fostering Servant Leaders for Nation Building,” the forum-cum-recollection had the following as speakers: RAFI-G&L Vice-President Evelyn Nacario-Castro; Mayren Cogtas of Dilaab Foundation Inc.; Richard de los Reyes of RAFI-Kool Adventure Camp; and, Atty. Alexander Lacson, author of the best-selling book “Twelve Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country.”
During the discussion, the speakers gave talks on the situation of the Philippines in terms of education, employment, environment, health, peace, and sustainable development goals. The young leaders were also encouraged to give value to the democratic process by helping ensure a clean and meaningful election(s). They were also reminded to be change agents by not buying votes and not succumbing to the pressures of the older and traditional politicians.
“It is very wonderful that all the youth are gathered together, sharing their thoughts about their plans for their barangays, and have the opportunity to see other aspirants. Especially those who are shy, to those who are afraid to show themselves, this is a good exposure for most of us youth leaders,” said Jeprel Dumadag, SK councilor aspirant of Liloan town.
Overall, the event focused on increasing the level of knowledge of the youth participants on their role as youth leaders, as well as introduced to the participants the vital characteristics that they need to embody us they work to lead the youth sector and their barangays.
The Governance and Linkages Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI-G&L) seeks to foster responsive institutions and an engaged citizenry through awards and recognition, good governance and leadership development programs, and active linkages and platforms of engagement and collaboration.
