Youth Leadership Beyond Office Hours: Shaping the 2026–2028 LYDP

While many people spent the weekend resting, the municipality’s youth leaders chose to work for the future. On January 31 and February 1, 2026, the Municipal Government of Pudtol under the leadership of Atty. Edmar D. Pascua through the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) led by LYDO Designate Mr. Silver Ian P. Dimaano and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation led by Hon. Lyndll John C. Lorenzo held their 1st Quarter Joint Meeting and the formulation of the Local Youth Development Plan (LYDP) for 2026–2028. The activity was conducted on a Saturday and Sunday, showing the strong commitment of the youth who willingly gave their time beyond office hours in the spirit of public service.

The two-day activity brought together the SK Federation, members of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), and youth leaders from different schools and organizations. Participants included Ampayag Youth Organization and Sports Club with Ms. Marimar Roodriquez as the leader, Santo Rosario School representatives from the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG)/ Supreme Student Council, Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O), and Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) of Tawit National High School, Mataguisi Comprehensive National High School, Pudtol Vocationall High School and Swan National Agricultural and Trade High School. This wide participation ensured that the plan reflected the real needs and concerns of the youth in the community.

Day 1 focused on understanding where the youth sector currently stands. The activity began with the presentation of accomplishments of the LYDO and the SK Federation, followed by an orientation on the 10 Youth Centers of Participation, which served as the guide in crafting the three-year plan. Workshops were then conducted where participants discussed key youth issues, possible solutions, and proposed Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs). During the session, Ms. Glydel P. Manongdo and Ms. Rovelyn G. Guzman, Project Development Officers II, together with Ms. Beverly S. Bali, Social Welfare Assistant, presented proposals for a Youth Development Session and a Youth Encampment, which were positively received and considered for inclusion in the plan.

Day 2 was dedicated to refining and finalizing the outputs. Groups presented their workshop results, which were reviewed and consolidated into the proposed LYDP. The Local Youth Development Council approved the proposed LYDP 2026–2028, including its proposed budget, through LYDC Resolution No. 1, s. 2026. The approved plan and budget shall be endorsed to the Sangguniang Bayan Office for review and adoption.

The activity was facilitated by LYDO Designate Mr. Silver Ian P. Dimaano, and Ms. Jevanilyn I. Puly, LYDO Alternate, who ensured that the discussions were Sustainable, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound (SMART).