Thirty-eight young leaders from the municipalities of Pinabacdao and Calbiga in Samar successfully completed the three-day Joint Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) organized by the Philippine Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion under the 8th Infantry Division. The event was held in Pinabacdao from May 18 to 20, 2026.
Army Emphasizes Role of Youth in Nation-Building
The Philippine Army in the region highlighted the critical role of the youth in shaping the future of communities and the nation. Through initiatives like the YLS, the Army aims to inspire young people to become advocates of peace, good governance, and community development, steering them away from violent ideologies. The Army encouraged the participants to channel their talents, energy, and voices toward building a progressive and peaceful Samar.
Youth for Peace Movement Supports Empowerment
Cris Balmes, regional vice president of the Youth for Peace Movement Eastern Visayas, stressed that empowering the youth is essential for sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of insurgency in vulnerable communities. Balmes noted that young people are among the most influential sectors in society. By equipping them with leadership skills, proper values, and awareness of societal issues, they can be protected from deception and manipulation. The summit encourages them to become responsible leaders and active partners in preserving peace and development.
Summit Activities and Objectives
Captain Christopher Tataro, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division, reported that the participants engaged in various lectures, workshops, team-building exercises, and interactive discussions. These activities 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 aimed to develop the leadership capabilities, patriotism, social responsibility, and civic engagement of the participating youth leaders while strengthening their role as advocates of peace and development in their respective communities.
