THE symposium “Kilos Kabataan para sa kapayapaan – Empowering Youth against Communist Movement” was launched by Jose Maria College Foundation Inc. in collaboration with Keepers Club International in Davao City.
The youth play a significant role in shaping the future, not just for themselves but also in contributing peace to the nation.
This was the focus of a symposium led by the Keepers Club International (KCI) in collaboration with Jose Maria College Foundation Inc. (JMCFI).
“We are expecting all schools even the other youth sectors to have this engagement or undertaking so that our youth will be aligned with what is expected to them based on that, we have the Philippine Youth Development Plan as we are anchoring our activities, our different undertakings for the welfare of our youth especially for the Davaoeño.”
“Yes, very much. Because as head of the Davao City Youth Development Office and then secretariat of Davao City Youth Development Council, we are helping our youth from different organizations and youth serving organizations to be part on helping our other youth sectors to be in part of our endeavors,” according to Gilda Salvana, Head, Davao City Local Youth Development.
JMCFI spearheaded the ‘Kilos Kabataan Para sa Kapayapaan’ symposium in Davao City
The said symposium was attended by students from JMC with the aim of enlightening and shaping them as nation builders, and not to become part of radical groups whose only aim is to destroy their lives and their future.
The talks focused on root causes of radicalization and subsequent return to governmental service, KCI as nation builders and its advocacy on peace building, the lies and deceit of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the importance of serving and protecting the country and most importantly how to attain peace.
During the program, these young people were reminded of their power and become active advocates, creating positive change become nation builders and not part of the destructive force.
Part of the program included messages of support for the initiatives of KCI for the youth, including a significant message from Vice President Inday Sara Duterte in which she emphasized the crucial role of the youth in shaping the country’s direction, especially in attaining peace.
“The youth today are vulnerable from the recruitment of the NPA. So earlier, the CMO battalion discussed with the youth the pros and cons of engaging in such talks. They want to keep the youth away from illegal activities, especially because they are vulnerable to persuasion by anti-government elements. It’s essential for them to be aware of these situations happening in our city,” according to Kiara Cassandra Panto, Representative, Youth for Peace.
The former rebels, now called ‘Friends Rescued’, also shared their insights with the students regarding the negative actions and harm caused by joining the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“Yes, very much. Because you know, universities and colleges should be the ones initiating such efforts, especially those identified institutions with many activists being recruited and seen actively participating in protests on the streets and in front of various government agencies. The institutions are aware of this, and if they really want to save the lives of those children, they will initiate this kind of activity. This is the real whole-of-nation approach. If we truly believe in serving the people, this kind of activity is a way to serve the people and protect the youth,” according to Arian Jane “Ka Marikit” Ramos, Former Cadre.
Ka Marikit also emphasized that there is no need to use arms or violence to achieve peace.
“The concept of peace is profound, but for me, if we really put our heart into serving the people no matter what happens, no matter what the struggles would be, as long as everything we do is for the Filipino people and we don’t resort to taking up arms, then we can achieve peace. We need to convey to the people that one of the things we must do to attain peace is not limited to rallying and taking up arms, but there are other directions and alternative methods to achieve peace,” Ka Marikit added.
The event may have ended but its impact will remain with every student, who attended, as well as the awareness and knowledge to avoid any forces that will ruin their future and peace, including the negative forces of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
As the mission and collaboration of JMCFI and KCI continue, more youths will be molded and guided towards the path of wisdom that will bring a bright future and assured peace not only to them but to the entire nation.
