Around 800 students and representatives from various youth organizations had actively participated during the celebration of International Youth Day (IYD) held on 12 August 2017 at Ayala Malls South Park in Muntinlupa City.

With the theme “Youth Building Peace”, the celebration started off with pre-program performances highlighting young talents in singing, dancing and beat-boxing, followed by keynote messages from senior officials of the National Youth Commission (NYC), Philippine Information Agency, Dangerous Drugs Board and video messages from NYC Chairperson Aiza Seguerra and from the United Nations Youth Envoy.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Director Pamela Ann Padilla-Salvan, on her video message for the event, stated that the youth are not deemed powerless because of the advanced technology that they can use in their advocacy for peace.

“I believe the youth of today should play a more active role in peace building. You can act as ‘pebbles of peace’ by making an impact and creating your own ripples. It starts with you – from your homes, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces,” Director Padilla-Salvan encouraged.

High school students from public and private schools in Muntinlupa, youth organizations, and local government units from Cavite, Laguna and Batangas were among the participants who united on this annual celebration.

“Natutuwa kami na this [IYD celebration] was well-represented – we have different schools, different LGUs and sectors na nag-participate ngayon. It’s our chance to promote kung ano talaga ang role ng kabataan sa peace building and how they can contribute sa security ng kani-kanilang communities,” said NYC Assistant Secretary Paul Anthony Pangilinan.

Acknowledging Asec. Pangilinan’s message, 18-year old Rheymel Matute of Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines noted, “Sabi nga ni Asec. Pangilinan kanina, kami ‘yong susunod na hahawak ng torch [for peace] so ibig sabihin, balang araw p’wedeng kami na ‘yong nasa unahan para mag-talk kaya habang nasa kabataan pa lang kami, nalalaman na namin kung ano ba talaga ‘yong tunay na relevance ng peace.”

This commemoration is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal #16 which aims to ‘’promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’’. Further, it is also in line with the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution 54/120 in 1999 endorsing the proposed declaration of 12 August as International Youth Day made by World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth. ###