19IB launches 1st Carigara, Leyte Youth Leadership Summit

By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
May 19, 2012

KANANGA, Leyte  –  The Army’s 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion launched the first-ever Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) in Carigara, Leyte at Cong. Alberto T. Aguja Central School on May 18, 2012.

The 1st Carigara, Leyte Youth Leadership Summit is a joint project of 19IB, Alternative Learning System, Sangguniang Kabataan and the Municipal Government of Carigara which is participated by some 175 young men and women coming from the different barangays of the municipality wherein most of them are members of the Sangguniang Kabataan and some are active youths of their community.

It is a three-day activity which involves lectures and workshops that aims to develop the leadership potential of the youth. After the launching, series of leadership lectures/trainings were undertaken by the participants. Guests lecturers from the LGUs were also invited to discuss topics regarding “Leadership” by Mr. Ricardo C. Gio, the LGOO V; “Environmental Protection” by Mr. Leo M. Poculan, Supervising Forest Management Specialist; and about “Making the Right Decision” tackled by Ms. Gwyndalynn M. Malate, Social Welfare Assistant, PSWDO.

During the opening ceremony, Atty. Ulpiano U. Arpon Jr., Vice-Mayor of Carigara, Leyte who was also the guest of honor and speaker of the activity extended his gratitude to the 19th Infantry Battalion for spearheading an activity which focuses on developing the leadership traits of the youth.

“I would like to thank 19IB for launching the first youth leadership summit in Carigara, Leyte, the first ever in the northern portion of Leyte province. Surely, you will learn a lot from this activity”, Atty. Arpon said.

On the other hand, Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, Commanding Officer of 19IB emphasized the importance of the activity to the youth and challenged them to be the catalyst for change in Carigara.

With this kind of training, the facilitators which are composed of 19IB personnel and Alternative Learning System (ALS) mobile teachers and coordinators are expectant that the spirit of nationalism, social work and awareness of the youth as future leaders will also be enhanced.