CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – The 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion, Philippine Army, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Jabonga, successfully concluded a three-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) held November 23 to 25, 2024 here.

The summit gathered 43 participants from all barangays of Jabonga, made up of 20 females and 23 males, and nine members from Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.

With the theme “Molding Leaders of Excellence, Compassion, and Character,” the summit emphasized the holistic development of young individuals, equipping them not only with technical skills and knowledge but also with moral and emotional qualities essential for impactful leadership.

One participant, YLS graduate Jeffrel, shared his experience:

“This type of training fosters confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility. It also nurtures critical thinking, encourages ethical decision-making, and promotes a commitment to social change. Ang ako mga nakat-unan diri sa YLS ako to magamit sa ako panerbisyo labi na ako isa ka public servant (The things I learned here at the YLS will be useful in my service, especially since I am a public servant).”

Hon. Gea Abby Gayle Rizon, Sangguaniang Kabataan Federation President of Agusan del Norte, also inspired participants during the closing ceremony:

“Ang atong goal isa ra ang maayo nga kaugmaon dili lang sa atong generation kundili sa generation sa umaabot. Mao na nga magtinabangay ta ninyo. Kamo ang umaabot nga Mayor, Vice-Mayor, SB Member diri (Our goal is simple: a better future not just for our generation but also for the generations to come. That is why we need to help each other. You are the future Mayors, Vice Mayors, and SB Members of your community). As youth leaders, we have the power to shape the course of history, inspire positive change, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Let us stand together as we embark on this journey of leadership, service, and transformation.”

Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Tabon, Acting Commanding Officer of the 29th Infantry Battalion, extended his gratitude to the parents for their trust and support, as well as to the participants for their active involvement:

“Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa mga ginikanan sa pagsalig nga ilang gihatag diri kanamo ug sa inyong kagustuhan nga mahimong isa ka maayong lider ngadto sa inyong tagsa-tagsa nga komunidad. Ako manghinaut nga magamit ninyo sa sakto kini nga training aron mas mapalambo pa ang inyong kinabuhi. Salamat usab sa Local Government of Jabonga ug sa tanang facilitator ug line government agency nga nitabang aron mahimong malampuson ni nga YLS (I am deeply grateful to the parents for trusting us and for their willingness to see their children become good leaders in their respective communities. I hope this training will be used wisely to improve your lives. I also thank the Local Government of Jabonga, the facilitators, and the line government agencies who contributed to the success of this YLS).”

The summit successfully paved the way for the next generation of leaders to rise, guided by the principles of service, integrity, and compassion.