The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Department of Education launched the Youth Development Session (YDS) yesterday at the Abellana National School.
YDS is a modular session that aims to motivate students in finishing their education through the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
The event was attended by NYC commissioners Jo Jan Paul Penol, Percival Cendana and movie actor Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III.
“Youth development is crucial to poverty alleviation,” Cendana said.
Cendana said that teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and child pornography are some of the themes of the YDS.
“It is important that they learn to take care of and protect themselves, make responsible decisions and be mindful of risks and threats faced by the youth today,” Cendana said.
Abellana National School principal Severina Chin said 159 Pantawid students from their school will undergo the YDS.
“We are targeting a 100 percent participation, completion and graduation rate among the Pantawid students,” Chin said.
DSWD General Services Administraton Division head Herminia Cabahug said the event is the last leg of YDS.
“We will give the students inputs and guides to break the cycle of poverty,” she said.
NYC assistant head Dingdong Dantes said the youth should plan and work hard to reach their dreams.
“Ito yung pinaka-exciting age kung saan mararanasan mo ang pagbabago sa sarili, katawan, mithiin, pangarap at pag-asa (This is the most exciting age wherein you will undergo change in self, body, goals, dreams and hope),” he said.
Dantes also said that DSWD, DepEd and NYC will help guide Pantawid students in Cebu.
Ruth Selin, a student of Abellana National School, thanked the NYC for the opportunity given to them. “Mapasalamaton kaayo ko kay panagsa ra baya ni mahitabo (I am very thankful because this opportunity seldom happens),” she said.