Empowering Young Leaders for Disaster Resilience
BACOLOD - The DILG Bacolod City, in collaboration with the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BCDRRMO), Office of Civil Defense–Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR), and Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, Inc. (NYLI), conducted the final leg of the L!STO Bacolod Program through L!STO Kabataan: Youth Leaders for Resilient Communities on August 26–27, 2026, at Benjamin Hall in Bacolod City. The activity focused on strengthening the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacities of young people in disaster preparedness, response, and climate action.
Youth Participation in Disaster Preparedness
During the program, City Director Christian M. Nagaynay, CESO V, recognized the contributions of the partner organizations and emphasized the important role of young people in strengthening disaster preparedness and response. Participants were encouraged to become more than force multipliers by actively contributing ideas, participating in decision-making, and developing solutions to challenges faced by their communities. Messages from NYLI Executive Director Kevin T. Gaitan, Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Psyche Marie Sy, and PPSK Vice President Catherine P. Trespuentes further highlighted the need for meaningful youth participation in building inclusive and resilient communities.
Youth as Partners in Resilient Communities
Through L!STO Kabataan, the participating youth leaders were encouraged to take an active role in disaster preparedness, climate advocacy, and community development. The program emphasized that young people are not simply future leaders in disaster resilience but important partners in addressing present-day challenges. By equipping them with knowledge, leadership skills, and opportunities for participation, the initiative strengthens the capacity of Bacolod's youth to become advocates, innovators, and champions of safer and more resilient communities.
