The Davao City Youth Development Office (DCYDO), operating under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), has significantly ramped up its citywide barangay visitation efforts through the Rampa Program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, aims to fortify youth leadership, enhance collaboration, and boost active participation across all 182 barangays in Davao City.
Strengthening Youth Voices in Local Governance
Councilor Kristine May Mercado, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod's Youth and Sports Development Committee, highlighted the program's core objective during the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyo. She emphasized that the Rampa Program is designed to facilitate one-on-one dialogues with SK officials, ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of young people are effectively represented in local governance decisions.
"We want to visit every SK council in each barangay of our city to identify the specific issues affecting their communities," Mercado stated, underscoring the personalized approach of the initiative.
Program Timeline and Focus Areas
Scheduled to run from February to March 2026, the program involves the SK Federation and DCYDO teams traveling to various barangays. Their primary focus is on addressing local youth issues, aligning upcoming activities, and organizing targeted training sessions to empower young residents.
Emmanuel Crismas, the Acting Division Head of DCYDO, elaborated on the program's broader mission. He noted that it extends beyond mere activity organization, aiming to cultivate leadership skills among the youth and encourage them to take proactive roles in community development.
"Davao has always been a city of discipline and diversity. We urge our young people, legislators, and SK members to concentrate on priorities that empower youth. If there are challenges in planning programs for their barangays, our office is open for partnerships to truly empower our young people," Crismas added.
Commitment to Youth Empowerment
The Rampa Program represents a concerted effort to bridge gaps between youth councils and local governance structures. By fostering direct engagement, it seeks to create a more inclusive environment where young leaders can contribute meaningfully to Davao City's development.
For further details on the visitation schedule and updates, the Davao City Youth Development Office encourages the public to monitor their official social media channels for announcements.
