PSWDO leads PYAP-AKO at 52: Kalinga Youth empowered to lead, serve and shape their future

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — For the young members of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines–Ang Kabataan Organisado (PYAP-AKO), celebrating another year is more than marking the organization’s history—it is an opportunity to strengthen the young leaders who will help shape the future of their communities.

The 52nd Founding Anniversary of PYAP-AKO, held on September 4, 2026, at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Multi-Purpose Hall in Bulanao, Tabuk City, placed youth leadership, well-being and community participation at the center of the celebration.

Led by the Kalinga PSWDO, the activity carried the theme, “Sustaining the Flame: Institutionalizing Empowered Leadership, Strengthening Governance, and Advancing Development Pathways for a Future-Ready PYAP-AKO.”

The theme reflected a continuing commitment to prepare young people not only to become leaders in the future but also to become responsible and active contributors to their communities today.

Building leaders, not just participants

The anniversary program provided the youth with opportunities to learn about leadership, values, health and personal well-being—areas considered essential in preparing them for the responsibilities that come with becoming community leaders.

Mr. Shawn Michael Barila led the session on empowered leadership, encouraging the participants to recognize their potential and understand the role they can play in their communities.

Atty. Sharmaine Gabit tackled values formation and ethical leadership, highlighting the importance of integrity and responsible decision-making in leadership.

The activity also recognized that effective youth leadership cannot be separated from the well-being of young people themselves.

Ms. Marlisa Bianca Bonggawen discussed adolescent health, particularly teenage pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and informed choices in protecting the future of young people.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ruffa Mae Dawigoy facilitated a discussion on mental health, giving participants an opportunity to understand the importance of caring for their emotional and psychological well-being.

Giving young voices a space

Beyond the learning sessions, the celebration provided a platform for young people to speak, listen and exchange ideas.

A youth forum on emerging issues allowed participants to raise concerns, share perspectives and engage in discussions about matters affecting their generation.

Various contests and interactive activities likewise gave the youth an avenue to express themselves, showcase their talents and develop confidence while strengthening teamwork and leadership skills.

These activities underscored an important message: youth development is not simply about preparing young people for tomorrow. It is about giving them meaningful opportunities to participate today.

From surviving to thriving

The celebration also carried forward the spirit of last year’s theme, “Thriving, not just surviving: Holistic support for the socio-emotional well-being, igniting hope and shaping the future of the new era of PYAP-AKO.”

Together, the two themes highlight the organization’s evolving role in supporting young people—not only by developing their leadership abilities but also by ensuring that they have the knowledge, values, confidence and support needed to face challenges.

For Kalinga, investing in youth leadership means investing in the communities they will eventually lead.

When young people are given the chance to learn, speak, participate and lead, they become more than beneficiaries of development. They become partners in creating it.

As PYAP-AKO celebrates 52 years, its anniversary serves as a reminder that the flame of youth leadership must continue to burn—not simply as a symbol of the organization’s past, but as a source of hope and action for Kalinga’s future.

Through sustained leadership formation, meaningful participation and holistic support, PYAP-AKO continues to prepare young people to step forward, serve their communities and become the leaders their communities need.