The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) gathered youth leaders from across Mindanao for the two-day 1st Mindanao Youth Convergence (MYC) held at the Ritz Hotel in Davao City on December 18 to 19, 2024.
The activity highlighted the vital role that the younger generation plays in promoting climate resilience and disaster preparedness throughout Mindanao.
“We are proud to spearhead this convergence as a testament to our commitment to ensuring that future generations inherit a Mindanao that is not only prepared for disasters but thrives amidst them,” said MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno in a press conference.
Magno underscored the significance of advancing youth-led initiatives for Mindanao’s sustainable future.
He also expressed intentions to work with important government agencies in disaster management and climate resilience to formalize MYC as a key advocacy program for youth development.
“Your participation and commitment are vital in shaping a resilient Mindanao. Today, you are not just attendees but active contributors to nation-building and the future of our region,” he said.
Magno said to build disaster-resilient communities, technology, education, and community involvement must be take advantage of.
“We trust that your innovative ideas and fresh perspectives will significantly contribute to our development initiatives,” Magno added.
Magno also said that it is the aspirations of MinDA to make Mindanao a resilient, smart, and sustainable island in the future.
One of the highlights of the activity was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), which aims to institutionalize MYC as a platform for networking and participatory decision-making with the youth sector.
OCD Deputy Administrator for Strategic and Special Concerns Assistant Secretary Hernando Caraig Jr. said they will schedule regional training sessions specifically for the youth and remain committed to supporting MinDA’s initiatives.
BSP Secretary General Kim Robert de Leon assured that existing training programs would be strengthened through collaboration with OCD.
“We aim to create integrated training modules to reach more young people, amplifying our efforts through MinDA’s facilitation,” he said.
