SUGPAT to assist in establishing YDA in Northern Samar

Following its success in officially establishing a youth development alliance in Zamboanga del Norte, Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s SUGPAT Program is tapped once again to assist a province in establishing a youth development alliance. This time, the goal to establish a youth development alliance is set in the province of Northern Samar.

An inception meeting was facilitated by UNICEF Philippines Education Officer Mr. Avelino Mejia, and the SUGPAT Team represented by its Program Director Kiko Miranda, Project Officer Jan Aldwin Cutin, and Assistant Project Officer Nimfa Maca on March 2, 2021.

The meeting convened two of the key stakeholders in establishing the alliance, the Provincial Youth Development Office-Designate Mr. John Allen Berbon and the representative from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Mr. Armanoel Escobar.

The inception meeting discussed the current situation of the out-of-school youth in Northern Samar as well as the current programs available for youth to access.

“I look forward to a smooth run as the provincial government, non-government agencies, and the community collaborate in creating an alliance for Northern Samar youth to be bridged to opportunities in continuing education and training, volunteering, dignified employment, and entrepreneurial ventures,” Project Officer Cutin said.

The inception meeting kicked off the start of the partnership between SUGPAT, ING, UNICEF, and the provincial government of Northern Samar in establishing an alliance to serve the youth of the province, as part of the Power for Youth Project.