Army facilitates Lanao Sur youth summit

By Masiding Noor Yahya

July 26, 2019

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (Tabak-DPAO photo)

MARAWI CITY: The Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade has facilitated a four-day Youth Leadership Summit held at Lanao del Sur provincial capitol here on June 25 to 28, military said.

In a statement, the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division’s public affairs office (Tabak-DPAO) said the summit was participated in by selected youths from the provinces, cities and municipalities of Western Mindanao to include Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga City, Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Cotabato.

“The summit aims to establish a network of youth leaders from various youth organization, develop their character and leadership potentials, and empower them as advocates of peace and development to become active participants in social progress in nation building,” it said.

The activity will also select participants as contingents for the annual National YLS being facilitated by the higher headquarters.

Preventing Violent Extremism will also be tackled for the youth to be enlightened and be aware of the radicalization of extremist group where most of them are targets for recruitment.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, served as guest lecturer of the activity.

Sobejana, a recipient of the Medal for Valor, delivered a lecture was which centered on The Art of Leadership: Leading from the Front.

He highlighted his military experiences and the kind of leadership and management style that he applied which brought inspiration to the people he led.

“Be an active youth. Lead and inspire others. You are the hope of our nation” said Sobejana.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander, is pleased that the youth summit was held in Lanao del Sur, where the unit has operational jurisdiction.

“The 103rd Infantry Brigade is eager to facilitate and train the youth to become future leaders of our country and mold them as role models of their generations”, added Brawner.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops and the stakeholders for the conduct of YLS in Lanao del Sur.

“Leadership always involve service. As a leader there is always accountability in your part. Lead, serve and inspire others with utmost dedication”, Ancan added. (MNY)