National Youth Commission (NYC) Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Leah Villalon urged the youth to transform their ideas into action and discuss critical issues requiring innovative solutions during the Youth Organization Registration Program National (YORP) Convention.
“I urged you all (youth) to use this platform to bring your ideas to life and to discuss pressing concerns that require innovative solutions,” Villalon said during the two-day YORP Convention which started on Aug. 12.
“Stay open-minded, Let’s harness our creative and innovative ideas to better ourselves, especially in their youth and participation as emphasized in the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PDYP),” she added.
The first-ever YORP Convention gathered over 200 young leaders from across the Philippines.
With a theme "#YORPTimeToShine," the convention was held in line with the celebration of International Youth Day, ASEAN Day, National Youth Day, and "Linggo ng Kabataan."
Empowering tomorrow's leaders
The event aimed to empower and inspire the youth by providing a platform for learning, networking, and the exchange of ideas.
The convention was marked by a series of insightful discussions, workshops, and presentations centered around pressing global issues, youth development, and sustainable growth.
ASec Alexa Dayanghirang, Commissioner representing Mindanao, and Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, Executive Director of the Council for the Welfare of Children underscored the critical role of youth in achieving a more sustainable future.
Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Leila Saiji Joudane also graced the occasion by emphasizing the significance of harnessing youth potential, while United Nations Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales encouraged participants to be visionary leaders.
In addition, Ian Christopher Alfonso from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) spoke on "Zillenial Heroes: Today's Rising Vanguards," emphasizing the vital role youth play in shaping the country's future.
The key highlight of the convention was the PDYP presentation and a workshop on crafting Advocacy Plans, guided by Sarah Grutas and Dennis Mendoza of the National Youth Commission, aimed to equip young leaders with practical skills to drive positive change within their communities.
Moreover, the discussions on youth organization development modules were led by NYC's Regional Youth Development Division members Jose Cielos, Armando Angeles Jr., and Elsa Magdaleno. These sessions provided participants with valuable insights into effective youth leadership.
Additionally, Jacqui Lyn Patrimonio Calaranan and Kamille Ruiz of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) introduced the delegates to the OKY App and other opportunities available under UNICEF.
NYC added that the event is co-presented by the United Nations-Youth Thematic Group, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines, and co-hosted with Youth Co:Lab, Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP), and the Movers Programme. (Rhowen Del Rosario)