Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista urged the youth to become role models and stewards of good governance during the 2022 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Summit held on April 7 at the Baguio Convention Center where the DSWD chief was the guest of honor.

Over 1,000 youth attendees from the different regions in the country took part in the opening of the SK National Summit, a four-day event of the National Youth Commission (NYC) that aimed to discuss and share the experiences, strategies, and best practices of young leaders in addressing community concerns, including the Covid-19 pandemic, and to recognize the sector’s contributions to the community.

In his keynote address, Bautista emphasized the role of young Filipinos in transforming the Philippines into a better nation and enjoined them to continue to become beacons of truth, integrity, and patriotism by utilizing the resources for the good of humanity.

“All of us have roles to play, and you can help any government agency or institution as part of your contribution to nation-building. But you can do more if you will be part of DSWD’s efforts to uplift the living conditions of our kababayans,” Bautista said.

“Being a part of the government at such a young age should be taken seriously. Think of it as a gateway or the first step to a greater responsibility. I hope and pray that you make the most of this opportunity to serve. Take it seriously, and not to take it for granted,” he added.

Bautista also shared that being a leader entails having positive energy and a proactive attitude, being approachable, decisive, and accountable, and being able to delegate tasks and do what they expect of others.

“A leader has two main tasks—the accomplishment of the mission and to look after the welfare of his followers. In making a decision, you always balance these tasks because each one complements the other. You have to inspire and motivate them to follow you,” he said.