YOUTH CONGRESS. Participants of the 4th Youth for Development Congress held at the Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod, Lanao del Norte are reminded to be vigilant and report any suspicious-looking persons in their community. (Photo courtesy of the Lanao del Norte Information Office)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – In light of the crisis in Marawi City caused by the fighting between terrorists and government forces, Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo urged the young people in her province “to be vigilant.”
This was the gist of the message of Quibranza-Dimaporo to the 1,700 participants of the recently concluded 4th Youth for Development Congress held at the Mindanao Civic Center in Barangay Sagadan, Tubod town.
“(Do not) be persuaded by the deceptive offers from unknown individuals for they might come from a group that spreads extremisms and radicalization,” she said in November 6.
She said the young must help in ensuring that no terrorist can enter their community to sow hatred and violence.
If they have noticed persons who are strangers to their area, Quibranza-Dimaporo said they should report these suspicious characters to the local government officials, the Philippine National Police or the Philippine Army so they can be apprehended.
“The unity of the people hampers the idea of these extremists to penetrate or thrive in the peaceful province of Lanao del Norte. The residents have lived harmoniously for years and will never accept the ideologies of these extremists that are beyond human comprehension,” she said.
The congress, she said, was organized to commemorate the importance of the youth in the province, their roles and their resolution to participate by contributing ideas for the good of the society and what they can to continue the development through peace and order.
In her message to the participants, Quibranza-Dimaporo said: “Your presence is essential to our society. Your ideas will contribute to the sustenance of our communities in achieving the goals of development. Let us continue to strive hard by working together in making our province more progressive and peaceful. Your Government needs you today and not tomorrow.”
She added the youth can become leaders without being elected or having a position in the community by attending workshops or summits and by learning from it and impart their acquired knowledge to others that would bring positive ideas for the development of their locality. (davaotoday.com)
