THE continuing efforts to train the youth in Pampanga are clear proof of the high priority the Provincial Government gives to the sector's welfare.

After the youth summit held last October 11 at the Benigno Aquino Jr. Hall in the Provincial Capitol compound, a three-day youth camp was held at Mt. Peniel, Patling, Tarlac on November 4-6.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

This was learned from Luningning Vergara, head of the Pampanga Public Employment Services Office (Peso) who revealed that the camp sought to tap the leadership potentials and enhance value formation of some 300 youth participants.

"The camp was attended by focal persons, officers and members of youth organizations in each town, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers and Peso managers in each town and provincial employees involved in the youth programs."

According to Vergara, the youth summit held last October 11 was able to identify the current status and conditions of the youth in Pampanga, their needs, vision and interventions, which the provincial government could provide them.

This output became the basis of a Youth Development Plan for 2010, which is being drafted.

"Thus, the youth camp was a logical activity to take to validate the summit output and to give the youth a chance to bond, enhance the values they have, and if necessary, refocus their concerns, and get them ready to participate in the programs and services which the Provincial Government is slated to provide," Vergara said.

She also said each municipality sent a minimum of 10 delegates and a maximum of 33. In addition to this, a group of 60 youth athletes headed by Gil Cortez, provincial sports coordinator, also attended the three-day camp.

The Provincial Government shouldered the registration fee of the 300 participants totaling P675,000.00 for the P2,250.00 charged per delegate and which covers transportation, youth camp materials, board and lodging. The municipalities, in turn, provided allowances for their delegates.

The camp was headed by Rommel dela Torre, pastor and youth director of the Wildfire Youth Organization, which is the youth ministry of Hislife City Church in Sindalan, City of San Fernando.

Wildfire is a youth organization recognized by the National Youth Commission (NYC) and has been in the forefront of reaching out to young people.

Vergara emphasized that the tie up with the Wildfire organization is appropriate because the youth camp also wanted to enhance the positive values of the youth and redirect the not so positive or productive ones.

"This was also to prepare them to accept and get actively involved in the various programs and projects that the Provincial Government shall undertake in an effort to address their needs."

Vergara described the camaraderie and spirit of belonging that the youth exhibited and she regarded this as a positive sign that the youth shall be better able to immerse themselves in youth welfare and development activities that the Provincial Government will continue to provide. (Eloisa P. Galang/Pampanga PIO)