Quezon "Linggo ng Kabataan” inspires next generation of leaders

By Nimfa Estrellado The Quezon Little Youth Officials Election and Leadership Seminar, held on August 26, aimed to empower young community l...

By Nimfa Estrellado

The Quezon Little Youth Officials Election and Leadership Seminar, held on August 26, aimed to empower young community leaders. (Photo from Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Local authorities here encouraged the youth to participate in various workshops and seminars throughout the week to enhance their skills and knowledge in different fields. This event aimed to inspire the youth to become active participants in nation-building and contribute positively to society.

As part of the “Linggo ng Kabataan” (Youth Week), the leadership seminar and Quezon Little Youth Officials Election were held on August 26. The purpose of the celebration was to inform the advocacy of Quezonian youth, to hear their views and aspirations to be part of the elimination of social problems, and to provide a solution for the development of Quezon Province.



Recognizing unique youth and empowering them is key to the well-being of every community. The week-long celebration, organized by the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), culminated in the impactful Quezon Youth Conference on Tuesday, showcasing the transformative power of youth engagement and leadership.

Over 200 young individuals from across Quezon gathered at the St. Jude Cooperative Hotel and Event Center for the conference, engaging in discussions on mental health, leadership, and digital literacy.

Speakers included Provincial Information Officer Jun Lubid, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention Program Focal Person Lanna Basañes, and LYDO LGU Gumaca Hamilton Villapando.

Further more, Atty. Kristine Joy P. Narsoles shed light on youth-related laws, Cynthia M. Profeta advocated for gender sensitivity, and Kein Harvey P. Chito inspired attendees to utilize digital pathways for sustainable development.

A highlight of the week was the leadership seminar and Quezon Youth Officials Election held on August 26th. The newly elected youth officials represent the province's commitment to empowering its young citizens and giving them a voice in shaping its future.

Spearheaded by the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), Quezon Youth Week 2024 exemplified the provincial government's dedication to nurturing its young citizens. The event fostered knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and instilled a sense of purpose and responsibility among the youth.

Quezon Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan emphasized the importance of youth engagement, stating, "The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but also the partners of today. With the resounding success of this year's celebration, Quezon eagerly anticipates the continued growth and contributions of its vibrant youth community."

She further added, "Through collaborative efforts and innovative programs, the PYDO aims to empower the youth to become active participants in shaping the future of Quezon province. By investing in the potential of our young people, we are investing in a brighter tomorrow for all."

The following young leaders were elected during Quezon Youth Week to represent their peers: Little Governor Aldrin R. Ibarrola and Little Vice Governor Ram B. Broncano will lead the youth council. Also serving on the council are Little Board Members Lady Graselle Voter, Elise Ann Verastigue, Louise Angielyn Capanzana, Tim Hubert Ilao, Anna Theresa Cabangon, Jeremy Jade Ongwico, Lance Jaymar Banton, Josh Emmanuel Sotero, John Cedrick Barizo, and Marie Joyce Mibato.

Additionally elected were Little Ex-Officio Board Members Carl Johnrich Bathan (ABC/LNB President), Marj Rhenniel Abelita (PCL President), and Andrian Magtibay (SKPF President). Other Little Provincial Officials include Administrative Officer Drake Borris Garcia, HRMO Head of Office Jade Annie Domingo, Planning and Development Officer Kathleen Genel Edcallado, Budget Officer Alfonze Victor Pinawin, Treasurer Lerwin Jade Esperancilla, Tourism Officer Airiesh Postrado, Youth Development Officer Ivy Morong, and Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Edenjen Loverez.

Quezon Youth Week 2024 concluded with an electrifying concert featuring crowd favorites Magnus Haven and Agsunta on Wednesday night. The concert, held at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, was the grand finale to a week-long celebration of youth empowerment and leadership.

Prior to the concert, local authorities encouraged the youth to participate in various workshops and seminars throughout the week to enhance their skills and knowledge in different fields. The week's events aimed to inspire the youth to become active participants in nation-building and contribute positively to society.

Quezon Youth Week is an annual event celebrated across the Philippines, rooted in the Linggo ng Kabataan established by Presidential Proclamation No. 23 in 1994. It serves to highlight the vital role young people play in society and to provide them with opportunities for growth and development.