VIGAN CITY, July 19 (PIA) -- Some 51 former exploited youth in Ilocos Sur and 10 members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) from the second district of the province denounced the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and declared them as persona non-grata in their communities.
This was held in a Covenant Signing led by Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng SK (PPSK) President Janina Joyce Tabios during the Peace Building and Provincial Youth Leadership Summit 2021 held in Villa Gloria Resort in Narvacan town on July 14.
In partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, the Army’s 81st Infantry (SPARTAN) Battalion conducted the summit with the theme: “Strengthening and capacitating the youth in advocating peace and development as future leaders in their generation.”
It aimed to enhance leadership and promote camaraderie among the youth for them to become prime movers in peace-building and enlighten them of their roles and responsibilities as future leaders of the society.
Centered on leadership empowerment, disaster risk reduction, and spiritual enhancement, participants attended a series of lectures on drug addiction, awareness, and prevention; youth empowerment, leadership and nation building; youth infiltration by the CPP-NPA; and values formation.
“Leadership is not so much defined by age but is strengthened by knowledge and wisdom. To all the participants of the Peace Building and Youth Leadership Summit, remember that you play a very important role in the community. We consider you as our partners in this journey towards attaining lasting peace in your own communities and in the province of Ilocos Sur,” said Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson in his message which was read by PPSK Pres. Tabios.
Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo Mariñas, Jr., commanding officer of the 81st IB, likewise cited the vital role of the youth in the future saying that the activity was the Army’s contribution for the young generation as they prepare and be guided for the future.
Moreover, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army Commanding Officer Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr. said the strong collaboration of the Army and its stakeholders empowered the Filipino youth and opened their eyes to the CPP-NPA’s deception and false promises.
“Aktibo ang inyong kasundaluhan sa ganitong programa para sa kabataan at ginagawa natin ang ating makakaya upang mailayo sila sa mga terorista at mapabuti ang kanilang kinabukasan,” said MGen. Rosario Jr.
The activity was participated by stakeholders such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Rotary Club Narvacan, and Sta. Cruz Parish Church.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process funded the activity in line with its campaign to end the communist armed conflict. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur with reports from the 81st IB)
