Danao City LGU Conducts Drug Awareness YLS to 84 Participants

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Danao City has just concluded the 1ST Drug Awareness Youth Leadership Summit 2017 (DAYLS) to 84 youth-participants coming from the 42 barangays of the City which was conducted at Danasan Eco-Adventure Park, Danasan, Danao City from March 03 to 05, 2017 with the theme, “Nagkahiusang Kabatan-onang Danawanon”.

The DAYLS was facilitated by the 31DRC led by Lt Paul Richard Gobway of TF Cebu under the 302nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army and Youth For Peace Philippines led by the National President-Mr. John Patrick Onggao with the full cooperation and support of the City Government through the able leadership of City Mayor Hon. Ramon “ Nito” D. Durano III and Hon. Kristine C. Gorre, Chairman on Committee on Anti-Drug ,who provided all the necessary requirements that made the 3-day Drug Awareness/YLS Seminar-Workshop a resounding success. No less than the active Honorable Mayor graced the opening ceremonies, who was accompanied by Col Noel T Baluyan- the Deputy Bde Commander of 302IBde, PA and Task Force Cebu Commander and the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the said venue.

In his message, Mayor Nito Durano III inspired and urged the youth participants to take advantage of the said endeavor to enrich their knowledge and hone their leadership potentials as they play critical roles in nation building and for the welfare of the society.
The DAYLS, through a series of lectures from invited Subject Matter Experts (SME) and Team-Building Activities, aimed to develop self-confidence, teamwork, discipline and leadership skills and enhance awareness on the ill-effects of illegal drugs, criminality prevention and environmental issues. It is also designed to promote positive and healthy self-image, critical thinking, love of country, social responsibility and spirit of volunteerism among the youth.

The 3-day live-in seminar/workshop has been successfully undertaken with the series of SME lectures and workshops from the following heads or representatives of government and non-government agencies: CPADAO Executive Director- Ms. Carmen Remedios D. Meca, CPADAO Consulant- Mr. Manuel “Pocholo” De los Santos, PNP Danao OIC-PSI Alejandro Batobalonos, Mega Cebu Representatives-Mr. Rosendo Bonghanoy Jr. and Mr. Mhike Jelord Rollo, CSWDO-PYAP President- Mr. Zaldy Jayme, SP Member Chair. Committee on Peace and Order- Hon. Jose Thaddeus Roble Jr., Youth for Peace Philippines President- Mr. John Patrick Onggao and Philippine Army TF Cebu – Col Baluyan and 31st DRC Troops led by Lt Gobway.

In his impression, Christian, a young out-of-school participant who just finished Grade 2, expressed his overwhelming feeling when he said, “Akong naexperience kay unique. I just finished Grade 2 and still fighting now. Thankful kaayu ko nga naapil ko aning DAYLS kay nainspire ko nga molambo sa akong kinabuhi isip usa aka batan-on bisan pa man ug wala koy naeskwelahan.”

The youth were also inspired with the meaningful closing remarks from Hon. Kristine Gorre as she said, “We will show to the people that the youth are not losers but leaders, not menaces but ministers. You are who you are based on your actions, not on how you look.” It also served as a challenge to the youth who are considered as “the pillars and fibers of nation building”.

The event ended with a heartfelt rendition of the Danawanon Youth of the nationalistic song, “Pilipinas Kong Mahal”.