Youth leadership summit empowers Samar youth against insurgents’ influence

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 21, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – In a continuing effort to strengthen youth empowerment and sustain peacebuilding initiatives in Samar, 38 young leaders from the municipalities of Pinabacdao and Calbiga successfully completed the three-day Joint Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) conducted by the 63rd Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, in Pinabacdao, Samar from May 18 - 20, 2026.

Anchored on the theme, “Youth for Peace, Unity, and Development Across Samar,” the summit aimed to develop the leadership capabilities, patriotism, social responsibility, and civic engagement of participating youth leaders while strengthening their role as advocates of peace and development in their respective communities.

The said activity served as an avenue to inspire and empower the younger generation to become proactive partners of the government in preserving peace, promoting unity, and helping build resilient communities free from violence and insurgents’ influence.

During the 3-day activity, the participants underwent various lectures, workshops, team-building exercises, and interactive discussions focused on leadership development, values formation, youth empowerment, health and anti-illegal drugs awareness, peacebuilding, environmental protection, disaster preparedness, social awareness, and the vital role of the youth in nation-building.

The summit also highlighted discussions on critical thinking, responsible use of social media, and vigilance against deceptive recruitment strategies, misinformation, and radicalization efforts employed by Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), particularly targeting vulnerable sectors such as the youth.

The conduct of the YLS carries significant importance considering that the municipalities of Pinabacdao and Calbiga were once heavily affected by insurgency and had long been considered strongholds of Communist Terrorist Group influence in Samar.

Cris Balmes, the Regional Vice President of the Youth for Peace Movement Eastern Visayas, emphasized that empowering the youth is essential in sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of insurgency in vulnerable communities.

“Youth are among the most influential sectors in society. By equipping them with leadership skills, proper values, and awareness of societal issues, we help protect them from deception and manipulation. This summit encourages them to become responsible leaders and active partners in preserving peace and development in their communities,” Balmes said.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army underscored that the Youth Leadership Summit forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to address the root causes of insurgency by investing in the youth sector and strengthening community engagement.

“The youth play a crucial role in shaping the future of our communities and our nation. Through activities like the Youth Leadership Summit, we aim to inspire young people to become advocates of peace, good governance, and community development instead of falling victim to violent ideologies. We encourage them to use their talents, energy, and voices in building a progressive and peaceful Samar.”

The successful conduct of the Youth Leadership Summit reflects the strong collaboration among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, Local Government Units, educators, community leaders, and other peace partners in ensuring that the youth remain empowered, vigilant, and committed in sustaining the gains of peace, security, and development across Samar.