CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--In support of the government’s initiatives in mitigating the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in the northern Mindanao, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Poblacion, Initao in Misamis Oriental urges the youth of the town to be more proactive and to engage in the fight against the pandemic.

“Facing the pandemic, daghan kaayo ang challenges na ato giatubang. Pinakauna ani ang new normal sa pag-eswkela labi na ang pinakadako nga problema ani especially sa mga kabataanan kung unsaon nila pag-eskwela,” said Barangay Poblacion SK Chair Kathlyn Ople during the CORDS-X Podcast with Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, June 26.

(Facing the pandemic, we have experienced so many challenges. The first of these was the “new normal” in learning. It has been a huge problem for the youth especially on how they will approach this)

In response to the lowered morale of their youth in the new normal, Ople said the SK proceeded to give school kits and materials to their partner schools as a boost to teachers and students as they are adapting to the new learning environment.

She also said they have worked alongside various youth groups and associations in their municipality such as the Initao lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and more, in organizing feeding programs, distribution of health kits, information campaigns for combating COVID-19 vaccination fake news, and the establishment of community pantries in their area.

“Sa mga kabatanan sa Barangay Poblacion, Initao, it is with my great nga pagpasalamat sa inyong patience, especially sa mga nahitabo nato karon, and I am hoping pud nga mag-play pud ta ug great nga role para pud ato ma-mitigate ug masugpo nato ang COVID-19 ug makaatubang na ta sa bagong ugma,” she said.

(To the youth of Barangay Poblacion, Initao, I am greatly thankful for your patience, especially with what’s been happening recently, and I am hoping that we can play a great role in mitigating and defeating COVID-19 so we can finally see a better tomorrow). (VPSB/APB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)