Thirty-five leaders from different youth organizations regionwide convened recently to discuss issues and concerns affecting them.

The regional youth forum aimed to achieve a comprehensive and doable plan that will be implemented this year.

It was hosted by the Federation of Young Advocates (FYA), a non-government volunteer organization which is affiliated with the Office of the President in the National Anti-Poverty Commission Youth and Student Sector (NAPC-YSS).

 In pursuit of the theme “Ang Say ng Kabataan!”, the forum also highlighted the vital roles of the youth in nation building.

Among the topics which were tackled in the forum were the passage of the SK Reform Bill, Universal Healthcare Access, Security of Tenure Bill, Youth Participation in Social Governance, Peace, and Environment.

FYA founder and chair, Janvie S. Amido, said the forum is towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

"It is our hope that involving the youth in addressing the issues and concerns affecting their sector will make them into effective agents of change in the community, said Amido.

Representatives from government agencies, like the National Youth Commission, DILG, DSWD and PESO gave their responses on plans crafted by the young leaders.*