Bangsamoro Youth Commission tackles youth issues in the region

Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) holds 2nd State of the Bangsamoro Youth Address. Photo from BYC

MANILA, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) held its second state of the Bangsamoro Youth Address (SOBYA) to shed light on youth issues and promote peace in their respective localities.

The SOBYA was conducted in Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Cotabato City on Thursday to mark the week-long celebration of the International Youth Month Celebration for August.

“The youth are next in line to become the future leaders of the Bangsamoro,” said BYC chair Marjanie S. Mimbantas Macasalong in a statement. “It will be their voices that will ring loud and inspire more young leaders to make the world we live in one that encourages a culture of peace and inclusivity.”

“It is through the minds and hearts of the youth that we will be able to build the foundation of a society that rejects conflict and violence, and instead actively and purposefully work for sustainable and long-lasting peace,” she added.

Included in the week-long celebration are the simultaneous Pre-state of the Bangsamoro Youth Address of each commissioner in their provinces, the series of youth talks, the second Bangsamoro Youth Coordinating Council, the First Bangsamoro Youth Development Partners’ Forum, and BYC en banc Session.

BYC Commissioners from the different Bangsamoro provinces also tackled the pressing issues and concerns of the youth in their respective localities.

A memorandum of agreement was also signed by BYC and National Youth Commission (NYC) to devolve the powers of NYC to BYC, as a culmination of the week-long event.

“Despite the pandemic, this year’s international youth week celebration is very successful, Alhamdulillah,” said BYC chief of operations Fatimah Mandangan.

/MUF