TACLOBAN CITY– Aboout 38 youth leaders from the Samar towns of Pinabacdao and Calbiga completed a three-day leadership summit organized by the Philippine Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion aimed at strengthening peacebuilding and civic engagement among young people.
The Joint Youth Leadership Summit (YLS), held in Pinabacdao from May 18 to 20, 2026, gathered participants for lectures, workshops, team-building activities, and discussions focused on leadership development and nation-building.
Captain Christopher Tataro, spokesperson of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the summit sought to enhance the participants’ leadership skills, patriotism, social responsibility, and role as advocates of peace and development in their communities.
“The summit aimed to develop the leadership capabilities, patriotism, social responsibility, and civic engagement of participating youth leaders while strengthening their role as advocates of peace and development in their respective communities,” Tataro said in a statement.
Participants also attended sessions on values formation, youth empowerment, health and anti-illegal drugs awareness, environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and social awareness.
“The youth play a crucial role in shaping the future of our communities and our nation. Through activities like the YLS, we aim to inspire young people to become advocates of peace, good governance, and community development instead of falling victim to violent ideologies,” the Army said.
“We encourage them to use their talents, energy, and voices in building a progressive and peaceful Samar,” it added.
Cris Balmes, regional vice president of the Youth for Peace Movement Eastern Visayas, emphasized the importance of involving young people in peace and development initiatives.
“Empowering the youth is essential in sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of insurgency in vulnerable communities,” Balmes said.
“Youth are among the most influential sectors in society. By equipping them with leadership skills, proper values, and awareness of societal issues, we help protect them from deception and manipulation,” he added.
(RONALD O. REYES)
