The Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) conducted its 1st Quarter Meeting on March 31, 2026, to discuss key plans, accomplishments, and upcoming initiatives for youth development. The meeting served as a platform for collaboration among youth organizations and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the council’s goals and programs for the year.
The meeting was attended by LYDC members, representatives from various youth organizations, and stakeholders. Also present were Ms. Leah Ann S. De Palma and Ms. Charmaine M. Factor, University of the Cordilleras Peer Organization (UC PF) advisers, who actively participated in the discussions. The program commenced with a roll call and declaration of quorum followed by the presentation of meeting agenda by the Presiding Officer Mr. John Rhey L. Mananeng which was approved by the body.
Ms. Vanessa Olson, Local Youth Development Officer, presented the planned activities for 2026, outlining key programs, timelines, and expected outcomes for youth engagement and development. This includes the Abatan ti Sirib, a Youth Service Caravan, which is scheduled for April 25-26, 2026, and August 7-8, 2026, at Malcolm Square. She encouraged and requested the different member organizations to actively participate in the caravan by providing various services aligned with their respective advocacies and expertise. Other activities include the Linggo ng Kabataan (LNK) which is scheduled for August 2026, SK and LYDC Mandatory Training, DIWA (Dangal, Inspirasyon, Wika at Aksyon) ng Kabataan for October 2026, Government Internship Programs for out-of-school youth, and Free Meals for Youth (City Ord. 96 s. 2023).
This was followed by the presentation of 2025 accomplishments, wherein several LYDC member organizations shared their achievements, successful initiatives, and contributions to youth development over the past year. Among those who presented were Youth on Point, Anxiety and Depression Support Group – Baguio Youth Advocate, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, and the National Youth Commission–Baguio Area Office (NYC-BAO), among others. The presentations emphasized the impact of their programs and the level of participation among the youth.
Subsequently, a discussion on LYDC elections and mandatory training guidelines was facilitated by the NYC-BAO. During this segment, guest organizations were strongly encouraged to register or renew their registration under the Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP) and to actively engage with the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC). This was emphasized to ensure their eligibility, active participation, and alignment with official youth programs and initiatives.
Lastly, other matters were discussed, including the submission of proposals for Calendar Year 2027. The inclusion of the Youth Code was also raised as an additional point for consideration, reflecting the council’s intent to further strengthen youth-related policies and frameworks.
The meeting concluded successfully with active participation and collaboration among the attendees. The discussions and agreements made during the activity highlighted the vital role of various youth organizations in the effective implementation of programs and initiatives. The involvement of these organizations is essential in ensuring that services are inclusive, responsive, and aligned with the diverse needs of the youth sector. Strengthened coordination and sustained engagement among stakeholders are therefore encouraged to further enhance the impact and reach of youth development efforts moving forward.
