The Department of Education proudly launched the first Philippine Youth Convergence (PYC) yesterday at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum. It is a three-day youth summit that will converge more than 2,000 Senior High School (SHS) learners, youth leaders, and education stakeholders around the country.
“The participation of our learners in the Philippine Youth Convergence will assist us in understanding their needs and align our initiatives to offer broader opportunities to our youth and achieve inclusive education for all,” Youth Affairs and Special Concerns Assistant Secretary Juan Valeriano C. Respicio IV said.
The selected youth delegates will be assisted by their respective Youth Formation Coordinators (DYFCs) throughout the Convergence.
DepEd Sec. Maria Leonor M. Briones said this aims to reassess, realign and refocus youth-related initiatives and to be more responsive to the needs of the youth.
“We developed the Philippine Youth Convergence to provide an avenue to our youth for dialogue and revitalize their participation in achieving quality and inclusive education by spearheading conversations about pressing and relevant issues,” Briones said.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron was also present and welcomed the delegates from different parts of the country and underscored the tourism sites they can enjoy while being in the city.
“At the outset please allow me to express our appreciation and gratitude to the Philippine Youth Convergence 2022(PYC22) for choosing Puerto Princesa as the venue of your convergence,” Mayor Bayron said
“We are happy to have you with us for the next 3-5 days…sa inyo pong lahat maligayang pagdating…your visit will contribute to our continuing effort in promoting and protecting the City of Puerto Princesa as an ecotourism destination and as a destination for conferences, convention and meetings as well,” Mayor Bayron added.
The agenda will reflect the common sentiments and outlooks, constructive feedback, and policy recommendations of students to achieve quality and inclusive education for all while imbuing the DepEd Core Values of Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa.
In addition, PYC aims to collaborate and build a strong network across different sectors to deliver accurate, responsive, and impactful change, offer meaningful opportunities for the youth to learn about their role in nation-building, and provide a safe space to build a network of like-minded individuals.