BASILAN (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 22, 2013) – Some 170 people attended the “Youth Leadership Camp: Youth for Peace 2013” in the town of Ungkaya Pukan in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, organizers told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
The three-day youth camp dubbed as “Kabataan, Kaakibat sa Kapayapaan at Pag-unlad ng Ungkaya Pukan,” was initiated by the 18th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Paolo Perez in coordination with stakeholders from nongovernmental organizations Nagdilaab Foundation Incorporation; Pinay Kilos, Non-Violent Peace Force, among others, including the local government.
The leadership camp, participated by 12 villages in the town, gave the youth challenging activities as well as lectures given by professional speakers covering the lectures on types and values of a leader, global warming, child rights and other subjects.
“The activity became an eye opener to the youth making them realize that they can be in one place with the other youth from the different barangays to discuss matters pertaining peace and development of their municipality.”
“It also became a show window for the youth not only to show their talents but also an opportunity to acquire knowledge necessary for them to improve their leadership skills as future leaders in their barangay. As expressed by most of the participants, it was an unforgettable experience they’ve gained and having a second batch would surely be an exciting event. The parents were also very amazed on how the children worked harmoniously with each other in the camp,” organizers said.
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