Article by Jaymar Jade Ada-ol | Photos by Jezreel Cayat
On April 11-12, 2023, youth from various organizations, local government units, and universities nationwide emerged on a two-day National Youth Summit on Transformational Leadership and Good Governance at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center with the theme, “A Call To Convergence” hosted by the Association of Filipino Youth for Civic Action (AFYCA), in partnership with the Baguio City Youth Development Council.
The event aims to discuss the prevailing issues in society and the roles of Filipino Youth in enacting good governance and transforming them into leaders today. “Our youth are meant to be leaders,” attested by Pastor Anthony Lorenzo, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of AFYCA.
Speakers on day one were Dr. Rodolfo “Sohl” De Guia, National Convenor, Global Leadership Network Philippines, who talked about Revolutionary Leadership and the impact of a leader of integrity and values.
Ms. Sheridan Athena Gajete, National Youth Commission Region 1 and Cordillera Administrative Region Cluster Head delivered her talk on the Power of Inclusive Leadership that will strive for positive changes and explained the expected results of leadership.
“Anong ambag mo?” asked Venus Raj, Executive Director of Simula ng Pagasa, and Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner, in her talk entitled “In Loving the Nation,” in which corruption, poverty, and teenage pregnancy were the highlights of her speech.
Hon. Benjamin Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City; and Hon. Mark Go, Congressman, Baguio City, also graced the youth at the summit, empowering them with their speech entitled “Dream” and “Success,” respectively. Then Mr. Mennen Aracid, Faculty, Ateneo Graduate School of Business, discussed Innovation impacting organizations and societies.
In his talk about “Passion,” Rev. Brian Mark Lopez, National Director of Chi Alpha Philippines, ended the session on day one. According to Mr. Lopez, three things affect Passion in leadership: holy discontent, vision, and purpose.
The talks of day two began with Hon. Levy Lloyd Orcales, Councilor and Chairman, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Baguio City, gave his talk, “Voice for Change: Youth in Development,” where he discussed the laws, rights, and the vital role of the youth in this generation.
Notable speakers like Pastor Leo Carlo Panlilio, public speaker and Senior Pastor of Destiny Church International; Dr. Ricky B. Ducas Jr. Man, registered nurse and Mental Program Health Manager; Mr. Geri Gambala, Executive Director of Christian Values Movement; PGen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police, represented by Pgen. David Kang-owan Peredo Jr., Police Brigadier General and Police Regional Office Cordillera Regional Director, and Bishop Noel Pantoja, National Director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, joined the youth as they discussed pressing issues and leadership development.
“This is a positive impact for us young leaders; the youth summit inspires us to do more and to be impactful to our community,” said Wendell Hadjie Erjas Tolentino, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman from the Province of Apayao.
“I encouraged everyone to join an event like this to spread an opportunity to the nation. Use this platform as a catalyst to empower Filipino Youth today and beyond,” said Mr. Lorenzo to those who couldn’t attend the event. He said they look forward to conducting a summit in Visayas or Mindanao.
“Use your talent and abilities to make this nation great again, stand up for your principles, and never substitute your character for anything because this nation needs you,” said Mr. Lorenzo.
