(PIA) -- August is not just the month to celebrate Buwan ng Wika but is also a month that highlights and empowers our youth. The Linggo ng Kabataan, which typically takes place during the second week of August, is a multifaceted celebration that resonates with youth from all walks of life.

This event is not merely a calendar entry but a symbol of unity and shared dreams among the nation's young citizens. It is a time for them to reflect on their rights, roles and responsibilities within society.

Linggo ng Kabataan, empowering our youth

One of the merits of the Linggo ng Kabataan is its emphasis on amplifying the voices of young Filipinos thru various forums, seminars, and symposiums to encourage open dialogues on pertinent issues affecting the youth.

This provides an avenue for them to express their opinions, concerns, and innovative ideas that can contribute to their own development and in shaping a better future for the country.

In Mountain Province, the younger generation is carving out their path while keeping the cultural flames ablaze.

The Provincial Local Government, through the Sangguniang Kabataan-Mountain Province, kicked off the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration from August 9 to 13 with a Youth Leadership Summit and Mental Health Program.

Youth from the different municipalities of the province came together to support the celebration and promote youth empowerment.

Topics on mental health awareness and Cordillera Autonomy were discussed.

As part of the week-long celebration, the young people also played it out at the basketball and volleyball tournament that further solidified their camaraderie, teamwork and discipline. 

Provincial SK Chairman Jazzel-Mae Masidong said the celebration aims to engage the youth in developmental activities with emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and advocacy to keep them away from vices. This is to encourage them to become leaders of change in their respective communities.

The KKDAT-Mountain Province Chapter in collaboration with the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office  and the 1st and 2nd Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company also conducted the Kabataan Kontra Droga At Terrorismo (KKDAT)  Fellowship.

A total of 127 youth from all over the province actively engaged in the three-day fellowship from August 7-9. Various activities and lectures were provided in order to hone  the participants’ personal development thru equipping them with life skills and allowing them to build networks and connections with each other.

Lectures on  anti-illegal  drugs and cybercrime, anti-radicalization,  teen pregnancy  and role of the youth in nation building were provided to help the youth cope with the  current problems young people  are facing.

This youth-initiated activity brought out each member’s leadership and teamplay skills as they skillfully achieved their goals during the teambuilding activities.

The fellowship was a platform for learning life skills such youth entrepreneurship and public speaking.  It also showcased the variety of talents and presentations that the Mountain Province youth offer.

To cap their fellowship, the participants shared their insights and performed a community dance illustrating Igorot identity and belongingness.

As they celebrate their heritage, pursue education, safeguard the environment, and foster unity, the youth of Mountain Province are shaping a future that seamlessly blends tradition and progress.

They recognize that their strength lies in their diversity, and they are embracing the power of collaboration to uplift their communities.(VJLT-PIA Mt. Province)