Youth leaders stepping up to the challenges of engaged advocacy

The Executive Education Program of the Ateneo School of Governance (ASoG), in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), convened its alumni from the Youth for INclusive Democracy (YouthIN) training program in 2021 (Luzon) and 2022 (Visayas and Mindanao), together with the alumni from FaSK Forward, Governance, and #CampusMEDIA for the culmination of the YouthIN Level Up Training Program last 18 August 2023.

This year’s run held the theme, Stepping up to the Challenges of Engaged Advocacy. The session opened on 28 July 2023 followed by a series of blended synchronous (via Zoom) and asynchronous (via AteneoBlueCloud) modules and training courses completed by its thirty (30) youth participants. They were equipped with knowledge on how to strategically harness the potential of social media as a tool for social good in leadership, on innovative techniques, strategies, and tools for better project management, and finally, on honing their skills on effective, intentional, and purposeful networking as a means for fostering professional growth, expanding opportunities, and building influential relationships.

The culminating activity was a hybrid event held at the City Hall of the Quezon City Local Government Unit. The YouthIN participants first went through a Study Tour that gave them relevant information and firsthand exposure on how LGUs operate. They were able to visit, conduct dialogues, and listen to innovative practices from key leaders coming from the Office of the City Mayor, Office of the Vice Mayor, Office of the City Administrator, Youth Development Office, Business Permits and Licensing Department, Department of Building Official, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Barangay and Community Relations Department.

The second part of the culminating activity was a plenary session at the Executive Lounge of the High Rise Building at the Quezon City Hall. A keynote message was given by Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmote, who inspired the youth leaders to stay true to their principles and advocacies in strengthening their role in public service. Open dialogues were then held together with the City Councilor and Chairperson of the Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon Julian Marcus Trono. Also present during the dialogue were Mr Michael Victor N Alimurung, the City Administrator, Ms Ma Margarita T Santos,  Head of the Business Permits and Licensing Department, and Dr Eddilyn DC Dividina, Head of the Quezon City Youth Development Office. They tackled the challenges commonly faced by the youth, their experiences in transforming services to be more efficient and client-friendly, and in effecting sustainable change through their respective institutions and offices.

The session closed with a Call to Action activity, where participants symbolically manifested their commitments both individually and collectively as a cohort. A covenant signing was conducted to remind them of their response to step up to the challenges of engaged advocacy. Through closing messages from ASoG Dean Philip Arnold P Tuano and Ms Tonette de Jesus of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Philippines, the two institutions also reaffirmed their commitment to support the YouthIN Level Up alumni in their respective journeys as the next generation of transformational leaders.