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 at the City Mall Kabankalan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Over 60 young individuals from different organizations in the province participated in the convergence that 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.
Alyssa Melody 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, Sidney 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. 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.
Also present during the event was Rep. Mercedes “Cheding” Alvarez 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 them which is the years that we live,” the congresswoman said.
She emphasized that youth should utilize their time in helping build safer, responsive, and empathetic communities either in the 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.*
