Kalinaw News: Army’s 89IB and Local Government Unit Converged in Empowering and Mentoring the Future Leaders of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 9, 2021): Army’s 89IB and Local Government Unit Converged in Empowering and Mentoring the Future Leaders of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte



SANTO TOMAS, DAVAO DEL NORTE – Forty-six deserving youths from the different barangays of Santo Tomas completed the 4-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) with the theme “Batan-ong Madasigon, Ang Kaugmaon Malambuon” from November 3-6, 2021 held at Santo Tomas National High School, Brgy Tibal-og, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte.

Series of lectures and interactive discussions focusing on governance, relevant issues in the community, roles of the youth in peace and development, awareness on prohibited drugs and criminality, disaster risk management, environmental awareness and topics on youth infiltration were delivered by selected subject matter experts to the participants. The participants also undergone meditation by candle lighting and spiritual enlightenment. It was then stirred up with a rifle firing experience for them to gain self-confidence and to remain composed despite the pressures and disturbances.

To support the activity’s aim in raising awareness on the deceptions of the communist terrorist group (CTG), Daniel Louise CASTILLO @STEVEN, former Political Instructor of GF55, SRC5, SMRC (a fourth year college UP Diliman student prior joining the NPA) shared his testimony on how he was being deceived by the CTGs who once snatched and destroyed his future and how it was built again after he went back to the mainstream of society.

LTC DONALD P GAFFUD INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander, 89IB encouraged the youth to be part of the solution of the prevailing issues and problems in their respective communities. He also thanked the LGU of Sto. Tomas headed by Hon. Mayor Ernesto Evangelista for making the YLS possible.

The 1003rd Brigade through COL MARION T ANGCAO INF (MNSA) PA, Deputy Brigade Commander recognized the effort of the LGU under the leadership of Hon Ernesto Evangelista, Municipal Mayor for supporting the advocacy of the Philippine Army to protect and educate the youth against the deceptive propaganda and recruitment of the CTGs. He also urged the youth not to set aside what they have learned but to utilize the learnings being the future leaders of the nation and hope of the future.

Meanwhile, the LGU of Santo Tomas duly represented by Atty Elisa Lapiña, Municipal Administrator left the remarkable advice to the participants that, “If you are given a CHANCE to make a difference to the life of others, DO IT. If you were given a POSITION to make difference, SERVE IT”. Furthermore, she challenged the participants to be true leaders in their respective communities who will always choose the hard right over easy wrong and to stand firm until the municipality will no longer be stronghold venue of the CTG’s extortion and rest haven.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/armys-89ib-and-local-government-unit-converged-in-empowering-and-mentoring-the-future-leaders-of-santo-tomas-davao-del-norte/