Army battalion and Kitcharao town train 95 young leaders in peacebuilding

Ninety-five young people from 11 barangays in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, have completed a three-day leadership summit on community development and peacebuilding, according to Mindanao Times.

The Youth Leadership Summit, organised by the Philippine Army's 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) and the Municipal Government of Kitcharao, ran from Nov. 6 to 8 and ended on Sunday. Participants took part in team-building activities and leadership workshops, and attended lectures on social responsibility. The organisers said the programme aimed to encourage civic participation and peace efforts led by young people.

At the closing ceremony, Kitcharao Mayor Jenry Montante said the local government remains committed to guiding the town's youth. He urged participants to put their new skills to use in their own barangays. "As the father of our municipality, we must remain united," Montante said, adding that he hoped the lessons would also help them as they finish their studies.

Lt. Col. Rodulfo S. Cordero Jr., acting commanding officer of the 29IB, called on the graduates to take an active part in nation-building and to resist recruitment into harmful activities. "As youth, you are the hope of our nation," Cordero said. He also encouraged them to become leaders in their own way and to live lives of service to others.