THE Philippine Army, through the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB), has recognized 33 alumni of the Army's Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) for their role in nation-building.
The awarding ceremony, held Monday, October 12, in Camp Sabido, was presided by Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, commander of the 53IB, and Pagadian City Councilor Sam Tyra Co, chairperson the Committee on Tourism, Youth, and Sports, the keynote speaker.
Herrera said each of the YLS alumni received a Certificate of Appreciation for their invaluable support to the conduct of civil-military operations activities such as medical and civic-action programs, clean-up drives, brigada eskwela, feeding programs, serbisyo caravans and other community engagements.
Roy Esic, president of the Youth for Peace Philippines Incorporated–Zamboanga del Sur chapter, has thanked the 53IB for the recognition accorded to them.
Esic reminded his fellow alumni that "the youth is the youth of the flag and of the people."
Co reminded the awardees that leadership is a continuous process--a journey--and requires perseverance and hard work.
Co also said the youth--as the young, future leaders of this country--can hone their leadership skills through the many experiences and opportunities presented to them in their journey.
Herrera said the youth must stay true to their commitment and asked them to rekindle in their hearts the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and volunteerism, as the spirit of YLS is founded on such virtues. (VoxPop Zamboanga)