AT LEAST 2,000 youth volunteers were mobilized from May 11 to 25 to revitalize homes, schools and community centers in 20 sites nationwide under the Habitat Young Leaders Build (HYLB) 2019 program.

Volunteer activities include house painting, community clean-up and school repairs as part of the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela campaign.

Michael Ng, a Grade 12 student of British School Manila, was one of the youth volunteers at the May 18 HYLB event in Bistekville 1, Quezon City.

He said: “I learned that it is important for all of us to be our own little leader, doing our best to inspire others to help other people, especially the less fortunate.”

“We would like to thank the communities, sponsors and youth volunteers for participating in HYLB2019. Your enthusiasm and dedication is inspirational. We do hope for your support in HYLB 2020 and beyond,” said Lili Fuentes, chief operating officer of Habitat Philippines.

HYLB is Habitat’s flagship youth program in Asia Pacific that started in 2012 and has happened every year since. It aims to engage youth to take the lead in helping communities have safe, decent and affordable housing.

Volunteer sites for HYLB 2019 include Barangay Tanza-Navotas City; Barangay Pinagbuhatan - Pasig City; Bistekvilles 1, 4, 5 - Quezon City; Kaakbay Community - Caloocan City; FTI Complex - Taguig City; Barangay Bignay - Valenzuela City; Katuwang Village - Silay City; and a dozen sites in Leyte, Cebu and Davao.

This year’s HYLB Philippines is supported by corporate sponsors Nissan, Penshoppe and Jollibee Group Foundation. (PR)