Written By: Ronie Jade C. Biosada | Photos By: Jandawyne Francis M. Caluya
Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX successfully conducted a two-day Youth Empowerment Congress and Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) Orientation-Workshop on October 23-24, 2025. The event gathered youth leaders, local officials, and partner agencies in a collaborative effort to strengthen youth engagement in peacebuilding and community development initiatives.
Day 1: Youth Empowerment Congress
Held on the first day, the congress served as a platform for inspiring and mobilizing young leaders to become catalysts for peace and positive change. The event featured two plenary talks:
- “Youth as Catalysts of Peace and Development: The CUCPD Movement” delivered by Mr. Niño Narmel M. Linejan, Operations Officer, Case Officer, and Legal Desk Officer of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) – Regional Office IX; and
- “Strengthening Youth Resilience Against Drugs, Emerging Threats, and Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs” presented by Ms. Marie-Claire A. Gaas, Senior Health Program Officer of the Department of Health – Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development.
An open forum followed, encouraging active discussion among the youth and empowering them to engage.
Day 2: CUCPD Orientation-Workshop
The second day focused on operationalizing the CUCPD Program, emphasizing participatory approaches to community peace and development. The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Emma T. Albarico, CSO Representative, and Mr. Juniefer B. Paquibot, LGOO VII/Cluster Head. Through breakout sessions, participants identified sectoral issues and proposed solutions using the Sectoral Issues and Needs Assessment Tool (SINAT). Representatives from LGUs and NGAs later joined a Solution-Seeking Table to consolidate proposed actions and commitments.
The two-day event underscored the vital role of the youth sector in promoting peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development. With the support of DILG Region IX and the City Government of Dipolog, participants left inspired to champion inclusive and community-driven change through the CUCPD framework.
