National Youth Convention to gather 260 youths
Some 260 youths, aged 15 to 24 from the sixteen regions of the country will gather in Panaad Park, Bacolod City on October 7 to 11, 2007 for the First National Youth Encampment and Pag-Asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) Convention.
Information Officer Alma Jornadal of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Region VI, Iloilo City said that DSWD Undersecretary Cecilia Yangco, Program Management Bureau Asst. Director Vilma Cabrera, DSWD VI Director Teresita S. Rosales and Asst. Director Joel P. Galicia will grace the activity.
The activity's theme focused on “Kabataan, Pahalagahan Para sa Kaunlaran.”
The activities lined up for the five-day encampment are geared towards providing the youth, especially the out of school youth, a venue for self-expression and to showcase their talents through literary and sports events.
According to Youth Eduardo L. Guevarra of DSWD VI, major activities include a photo exhibit and product display, Fiesta sang Pamatan-on nga Negrosanon Folk Dance Competition, friendship ball games, essay writing contest, on the spot painting contest and cultural presentation of participating regions, and the election of the PYAP National federation officers for 2007-2009.
During the five day activity, former PYAP officers and members who have become successful in their chosen field will be invited and likewise be given recognition, Guevarra said as he emphasized that “through them as role models, we hope to inspire the youth of today so that they will be further motivated to push through with their goals to improve their lot.”
PYAP was conceived to ensure that basic services for the youth are delivered through organized associations, the DSWD concluded. (PIA/T.Villavert)