HBONI holds First Negrense Youth Convergence on Negros Island

August 19, 2024

Hope Builders Organization Inc. Officers and Resource Speakers of the Negrense Youth Convergence with Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez.*

The Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI), in partnership with City Mall Kabankalan and DENR – PENRO Negros Occidental, conducted its first ever Negrense Youth Convergence in accordance with the celebration of International Youth Day, with the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” on August 18, 2024, at the City Mall Kabankalan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Over 60 young individuals from different organizations in the province participated in the said convergence. The convergence focused on the panel discussions and talks related to digital advancement for sustainable development in relation to media and digital literacy, the environment, and agriculture.

Ms. Alyssa Melody F. Paglumotan, a data scientist, shared her expertise on the role of the youth in digital technology in this modern time. She also discussed concepts of becoming responsible digital users especially in fact-checking information online.

On the other hand, Mr. Sidney V. Ermeo, a program officer from Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE), highlighted how the youth can be a changemaker in promoting sustainable agriculture

Meanwhile, Ma’am Ma. Theresa Robles-Pialago, the Information Officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Negros Occidental, discussed provincial challenges and coping mechanisms on addressing towards environmental threats involving youth’s responsive actions.

The event was also graced by Hon. Mercedes “Cheding” K. Alvarez, Congresswoman of the 6th District of Negros Occidental, sharing her experience with the responsible use of digital platforms in her political career.

“The important dates in our lives are the Date of Birth and Date of Death. But the most important one is the dash (-) in between of them which is the years that we live”, the congresswoman said.

She emphasized that youth should utilize their time in helping build a safer, responsive, and empathetic communities either in digital or real world.

The concept of “youth convergence” provides a compelling path to a more inclusive, sustainable, and successful future by leveraging the energy, creativity, and passion of youth. Young people can emerge as transformative change agents by leveraging collaborative platforms, skill-building opportunities, and altering the world they will inherit and paving the path for a brighter tomorrow.

The organizing team extends its heartfelt gratitude to the City Government of Kabankalan and the participating organizations that have made the convergence a success.* (PR)