MARAWI CITY (PIA)--The Office of Member of Parliament (MP) Atty. Maisara C. Dandamun-Latiph provided a cash grant worth P10,000 to 11 youth organizations here and in the Lanao del Sur province in recognition of their great efforts in their respective communities. 

The cash grant will also serve as funding for their future project and activities under Social Development.

The turnover of cash grant was held at the Mindanao State University-Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (MSU-IPDM) on August 12 during the International Youth Day Summit organized by the Office of MP Latiph.

Around 70 advocates from the 11 youth organizations and youth-serving organizations participated in the said event anchored on the theme “Transforming Food System: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.”

The summit was aimed to showcase the efforts of the youth in advocacy works and to recognize their participation and achievement in nation-building. Moreover, it sought to provide youth organizations a venue to share their unique experiences and learn from each other's personal journey in advocacy works, bring together youth partners and advocates to share best practices, and strengthen the youth advocates in their ongoing works that will lead to teamwork and sustain networking activities.

“Our youth symbolizes high energy, positivity, and spirit to make things happen. I do believe that the future of the country is in the hands of the youth. Your energy, vigor, and power are unmatched. We are all hopeful that with your efforts, you are going to lead our nation to new heights,” said MP Latiph.

Organizations present during the summit were Alshabaab Alhaalimun, Philippine Youth Leadership Program-Ranaw Chapter (PYLP-Ranaw Chapter), Sugod-1 Islamic Youth Movement (SIYM), Al-Fauj Al-Imanie, Saguisag A Ranaw, Butig Youth Movement for Peace (BYMP), Hijab for a Cause, Pilumbayan Incorporated, Youth Advocates for Change, Transformation and Sustainability (Youth ACTS), Moriatao O Ranaw, and Inspired Young Optimists Guild (IYOG).

“Aside from the opportunity to showcase our advocacy journey, we have been given the chance to reflect on ourselves as advocates of our own community. It made me realize a lot of things, a lot of realizations. This is one good thing I felt after the program. I have appreciated all of the efforts of every participating team during the event. We have seen the collaborative efforts that we exerted. This manifests that the youth of Lanao are into one common goal, and that is to have sustainable and social development progress,” said Amenoding Tomindug, a member of Moriatao o Ranaw.

The participating youth organizations also showcased their advocacies and achievements through a Booth Exhibit.

Another highlight of the summit was a lecture about “The Significance of Advocacy Works” delivered Baicon Cayongcat of the World Food Programme. Her lecture aimed to reinforce youth networks and teamwork of youth advocates. (Office of MP Maisara Damdamun-Latiph)