Youth Summit in Samar Boosts Leadership in Peacebuilding, Governance

Posted on May 23, 2026 at 4:27 pm

PINABACDAO, Samar — Young leaders from Pinabacdao and Calbiga municipalities participated in a three-day leadership summit to enhance youth involvement in peacebuilding, responsible governance, and community development.

The Joint Youth Leadership Summit 2026, held from May 18 to May 20, brought together 38 youth participants, with 19 representatives from each municipality.

The summit, part of initiatives to boost youth engagement in nation-building, focuses on leadership development, discipline, civic duty, and peace advocacy among Samar province’s youth.

Local officials and military personnel emphasized the crucial role of young people in upholding peace and stability in communities, particularly in addressing misinformation and extremist influences.

Pinabacdao Mayor Vainnery Dy Mabag highlighted the summit’s role in nurturing leadership skills and a sense of responsibility among young participants as future community leaders. She also stressed the importance of fostering unity among youth from neighboring towns and encouraging their involvement in local development projects, including tourism initiatives.

Lt. Col. Ricky James L. Rosalejos, commander of the 63rd Infantry Battalion, emphasized the need to educate youth about their rights and responsibilities and raise awareness about groups promoting violence and illegal activities. The summit aims to guide young individuals towards becoming productive citizens and less susceptible to recruitment by criminal elements, fostering collaboration among government agencies, schools, and security forces.

Participants engaged in workshops, discussions, and team-building activities to enhance their leadership, communication, and peacebuilding skills. The initiative also aims to cultivate youth ambassadors who will advocate for accurate information and support community programs in their respective areas.

The summit underscores the ongoing efforts to empower youth as essential partners in creating peaceful, prosperous, and resilient communities in Samar.

Photos by: Ronnie Yanuario