BY: LUIS T. CUETO

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Pebrero 3 (PIA) – The 203rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) together with the Department of Education (DepEd) recently conducted a three-day Youth Leadership Summit in Nag-Iba National High School, Calapan City.

According to Capt. Damaso T. Enano, Civil Military Operations Officer, the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) aims to develop the youth to become responsible individuals and to empower the youth as advocates and conduits of peace and development. Likewise, he said it would develop the character as well as leadership potential of the youth and to train each participant to respond productively and positively to any situation and to serve as role models for other youths.

The hundred sixty nine participants of the summit were composed of third year and fourth year high school students of the said school. The activity was spearheaded by Capt. Sunday Ann R. Padaboc (FS) PA, Commanding Officer of Charlie Company, 2nd Civil-Military Operations Battalion and Col. Johnny L. Macanas, INF (GSC) PA, Commander, Task Force Sandugo.

Collectively, YSL hopes to rekindle, develop and enhance teamwork and camaraderie. It also seeks to transform the youth into “peace builders” and “catalysts for development” and enhance the youth’s awareness of their integral role in nation-building by instilling in them the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and social responsibility.

Further, Enano said, “it would develop a critical understanding of themselves and their responsibilities, and encourage them to recommend and implement programs in close partnership with Local Government Units and the Department of Education in Region IV-B.”

Moreover, Brigadier General Bobby B. Calleja, Commander of 203rd Brigade, emphasized in his statement during the closing ceremony that “the conduct of Youth Leadership Summit is very significant for the development of youth into responsible members of the society and to become active in Nation Building.”

Calleja also added, “the Army’s commitment in these endeavors will continue the vision to attain for a safe, secure, and peaceful community sustainable for development.” (LBR/DTE/LTC/PIA-4B)