Bongabon, Nueva Ecija – The Philippine Army opened the Regional Youth Leadership Summit (RYLS) 2025 at the Living Water Essential College Inc., Brgy. Palo Maria of this town on 25 July 2025.

Led by the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, the youth summit highlighted the Philippine Army’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and values formation.

The three-day summit brings together young leaders from the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora, anchored on the theme:

The RYLS serves as a platform to enhance participants’ leadership abilities, deepen their sense of nationalism, and build strong networks among youth advocates and government institutions. Through leadership workshops, team-building exercises, and values-oriented discussions, RYLS 2025 aims to develop principled, compassionate, and service-driven leaders of tomorrow.

The summit is a collaborative effort between the Philippine Army and its civilian partners, reflecting a shared commitment to invest in the future through youth development and active community engagement.

According to Brigadier General Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, PA, “This summit is not just an event, it is a movement of transformation. When the youth are united, empowered, and purpose-driven, they become powerful agents of sustainable peace and meaningful progress.”

The summit commenced with heartfelt welcome remarks from Principal Wowie M. Mariano of Living Water Essential College Inc., who emphasized the vital role of the youth in building a strong, united, and future-ready nation.

He underscored the importance of instilling patriotism, leadership, and moral integrity among the youth, qualities essential to fostering community resilience and national development.

Meanwhile, Osias introduced 7th Infantry (Kaugnáy) Division Commander Major General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the event. Pasamonte expressed strong support for the summit and admiration for the youth participants.

In his address, Pasamonte commended the participants for embracing the opportunity to lead and serve and emphasized the summit as a powerful venue for learning and transformation.