Bontoc, Mountain Province – The annual municipal-wide gathering of youth in this capital town dubbed the “Youth CARES Summit” has been institutionalized with an allocation of funds amounting to P300, 000 under the coffer of the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU).

The Youth CARES stands for 𝐂hampioning Excellence and Dynamism with 𝐀ccess to Equitable Opportunities thru 𝐑esponsible and Responsive Governance taking into consideration 𝐄nvironmentally and Economically-sound Appropriate Plans towards 𝐒ustainable Development Initiatives.

This was realized with the approval of Municipal Ordinance No. 391, S. 2024 authored by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Municipal Federation President Mark Brandford Andaya. The Sangguniang Bayan of Bontoc and Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., gave their full support for the passage and approval of the ordinance recognizing the vital role of the youth in nation-building. Likewise, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Mountain Province gave its green light for the implementation of the municipal ordinance through its Resolution No. 2024-318.

Further, the municipal and provincial officials recognized that the Youth CARES Summit is designed to develop leadership skills; encourage youth involvement in public and civic affairs; heighten their sense of responsibility and stewardship of the environment; increase awareness of their role in the building of safe communities; develop a love for sports and appreciation of the importance of pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

It was stipulated in the ordinance that the conduct of annual Youth CARES Summit aims to strengthen the collaborative stakeholder engagement in the SK, the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), other educational institutions, Barangay LGUs, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders; provide an avenue to share best practices, milestones, issues, challenges, interventions and innovations on how the SK implemented different programs, projects and activities; advocate for the need to develop good working conditions, innovation, and motivation that could help in raising the standard towards quality Youth Governance; and create positive examples in the communities and show how the SK Councils and the LYDC are trained, motivated, and empowered to become responsible citizens.

Likewise, the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), SK, and partner offices from the Bontoc LGU and national government agencies shall develop modules for courses that encapsulate the needs of the youth. It shall cover local situation on issues and current events impacting the youth; leadership seminar , conflict management, safe and inclusive environment, decision making, healthy leadership, and parliamentary procedures; workshop on creative writing, conference and seminars on research, editing, illustration, and publication; public speaking on interpersonal communication, motivational speeches, persuasive speaking, technical presentations, public relations, debate, and group discussions; sports and fitness that shall include strengthening and conditioning, physical education, competitive sports, indigenous games, sports coaching, and psychology; mental wellness related to mental issues, youth pregnancy, adolescent sex, reproductive health, and other challenges face by the youth; digital skills development, including training for the use of virtual applications and responsible use of social media; industries of the future such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, Electronic commerce and others; entrepreneurial and livelihood skills training; environmental awareness including disaster awareness, preparedness and mitigation, environmental protection, conservation and sustainability; human rights promotion, peace and security building, and crime prevention; financial education including basics of budgeting, savings and investment; personal development that shall include building a successful career roadmap; and cultural awareness to foster culture-based empowerment, leadership and governance among the youth.

Also, the concerned government agencies are expected to extend the necessary assistance for the effective and efficient implementation of the Youth CARES Summit. Aside from this, the SK may consult non-government organizations and CSOs accredited by the National Youth Council (NYC) in the development and implementation of the program.

Meanwhile, Local Youth Development Officer III Ross Kiat-ong thanked the officials for the passage and approval of the ordinance that caters to the needs of the youth sector.