It is imperative for the youth to take a dynamic role in their communities.

As individuals or as a group, the youth must be developed to become servant leaders, community entrepreneurs, and catalysts for change.

With this goal in mind, the “PUSO ti Agtutubo” youth organization was born.

“PUSO ti Agtutubo” or Progress, Unity, Socialization and Outreach youth organization was launched on September 29, 2022, through the leadership of Zachary Singson Meehan with the guidance of Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur Second District Representative Kristine Singson Meehan.

With 400 members from the second district of Ilocos Sur composed of students of the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), the organization aims to empower the youth to become prime movers in the development of local communities and the building of a stronger economy in the future.

“Our aim is to add more projects and programs that can guide and financially aid our local community so there are more channels of aid the youth can gain from,” Zachary said.

He then expounded that the method they use to develop their projects come directly from the youth themselves.

“We have a team of local student leaders who join us in the inception of these ideas and programs because I believe it is the people who truly know what is needed in the local community and what activities can help benefit their demographic the best,” he added.

This was evident during the Candon City Tobacoo Festival last March, as the organization conducted two youth-engaging activities – the Kite Design and Flying competition and the Coastal Clean-Up, which were conceptualized and facilitated by the members themselves.

These activities gathered hundreds of students of the ISPSC campuses in the province which helped boost their creativity, leadership and camaraderie, and their engagement to environmental conservation activities.

“Our organization is here to help bring these ideas to life and at times improve them so that it can become truly effective and worthwhile,” Zachary said.

“We have many ideas that will attempt to cater to the different courses and skill sets that the current ISPSC members have to offer. We want these next projects to give the university students work experience that is related to their course, and give back to the surrounding community at the same time,” he added.

Seeing how active the members are in joining the activities and engaging other youths to take part as well, Zachary expressed his delight and said they are hoping to expand their membership to include high school students and even college graduates in the future.

“Being part of the community can be equally as fun as it is rewarding. I hope that many more youth will continue to be as productive and hardworking as all the youth who participated to our past activities,” Zachary ended. (JCR/MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)