Mindanao youths converge for change

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Over 300 youth leaders from across Mindanao gathered in Cagayan de Oro City on 19 to 20 November for the 2nd Mindanao Youth Convergence, organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

The two-day event aimed to empower young leaders in disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and sustainable development, with a focus on the Water–Energy–Food Nexus — an approach that integrates water, energy, and food security in development planning.

Youth as key partners

in Mindanao’s future

MinDA chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno emphasized the growing role of youth in nation-building, noting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recognition of their potential to contribute actively to government programs. He encouraged youth groups to formalize through SEC registration to strengthen their engagement in public affairs.

Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro highlighted the importance of integrating youth perspectives to craft innovative and sustainable long-term solutions. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan added that Mindanao’s growth depends on the awareness, values and responsibility of the region’s youth.

Building a climate-resilient

and peaceful Mindanao

Mindanao State University Buug Campus Chancellor Sheila Magolama underscored the role of youth as environmental stewards and advocates for sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and peacebuilding. Xavier Ateneo de Cagayan University president Fr. Mars Tan encouraged youth leaders to ground their leadership in the interdependence of water, energy and food systems to support community resilience.

The OCD–Region 10 also highlighted youth roles in disaster risk reduction and management, aiming to nurture a generation of disaster-ready, climate-resilient leaders.