Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Sunday called on Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders to join the government and be proactive in the fight against illegal drugs, malnutrition and stunting, HIV/AIDS, and other societal ills that confront the nation.

Abalos made the call when he spoke before some 1,000 newly-minted SK Federation Presidents and Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets during the National Youth Convention 2023 in Baguio City on Saturday, and dared the youth to participate in the grand task of nation-building as he acknowledged their crucial role in addressing societal problems.

"You, the Filipino youth, hold immense power to help address societal concerns. Your talents, skills, and numerical advantage make you a formidable force for positive change," Abalos said.

The DILG chief also encouraged SK leaders to include and prioritize in their respective Local Youth Development Plans (LYDP) programs, projects, and activities that will help advocate the department's holistic anti-illegal drug program called "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" or BIDA program.

"Help your fellow youths na mapalayo sa bisyong nakakasira ng kanilang kinabukasan," he pointed out.

Abalos also encouraged the SK officials to support their HIV/AIDS local coordinating councils, noting the "worrying" rise in HIV cases this 2023, a concern that is prevalent among Filipino youth.

Citing data from the Department of Health, he said there are 50 new cases of HIV cases in the Philippines daily, which is more than double the 22 daily cases reported last year.

The latest figures also show that cases are rising in the younger population, with 47 percent of the registered cases daily from Filipinos aged 15 to 24.

Likewise, the DILG secretary rallied the youth leaders to give importance to nutrition programs to help address the country's problems of malnutrition, hunger, and high prevalence of stunting.

"Mga kabataan, eto ang hamon ko sa inyo: isapuso ninyo ang inyong responsibilidad bilang mga lider ng susunod na henerasyon. Kayo ang may kakayahang humubog sa tatahakin ng ating bansa sa susunod na mga dekada't siglo," Abalos concluded.

Organized by the National Youth Commission (NYC) and DILG, in partnership with PMA, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of National Defense, the National Youth Convention 2023 provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the youth landscape in the Philippines.

It also tackled the National Youth Assessment Study, the role of the NYC and the Philippine Youth Development Plan 2013-2028, as well as the Philippine National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security.