MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The youth sector must be given opportunities to thrive and grow in an environment of peace so that they will not resort to violent extremism.

This was emphasized by City Mayor Majul Gandamra in his State of the City Address (SOCA) Friday, August 27, explaining why some of the programs of the city government are geared towards taking care of the young people.

"One thing that I will always take pride in is the way that this administration has made the youth and their welfare a priority," he said.

Among the initiatives undertaken by the city government for the youth sector is the Iskolar ng Marawi which has benefited at least 2,000 elementary to college students.

'We believe that an educated citizenry that is well-prepared to take responsibility as Marawi City residents is essential to the growth and future of the city," Gandamra said.

The mayor also said that the city government's Local Youth Development Office conducted in June, this year, the first-ever Marawi Youth Summit which focused not only on youth development but also on advocating peace and order.

"While we cannot change the things that have already happened in our city, we are in control of our future. With this, I could not emphasize more how we should take good care of our youth," he further said.

Gandamra maintained that youth is the hope of the country and the city government must ensure that their future is secure so that they will not be lost to the forces that do not support peace and progress. (APB/PIA-Lanao del Sur)