Friday, August 29, 2008 Youth groups lead activities
THE cities of Talisay, Danao, Naga and Mandaue recently celebrated the Pag-asa Youth Association (PYA) anniversary with hundreds of out-of-school youths as participants.
The youths conducted barangay assemblies, leadership trainings and a caravan with float competition.
They also set up PYA booths selling ornaments and handmade products and offered services, like body painting.
The youth also held a poster-making contest and launched the PYA bulletin board called “Onward.”
They also held drug awareness and prevention seminars, skills training on facial massage and foot spa, tree planting and sports competition.
The organization of PYAs was initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 1974. It was aimed at shaping young people, specifically the out-of- school youth to become active and productive in community affairs.
Advocacies
Felipa Solana, Social Welfare officer of Talisay City, commended the members of the youth group for their efforts in strengthening advocacy activities—promotion of peace and order in the midst of crimes, drug addiction, Internet pornography, sex scandals and gang wars.
The PYA is a devolved program of the DSWD which has been considered one of the government’s vital programs for teenagers by providing service to community youths, including children in need of special protection.
It also prepares and grooms them for future community service as the state recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation building .
DSWD 7 records show that there are at least 74 PYAs in the region.
