In response to the growing need for accessible mental health support and meaningful youth engagement in Negros Occidental, the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc. (NYLI) presented its Paglaum Impact Report to Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson on July 14, at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.
According to a press release, the report outlines the institute’s initiatives in youth empowerment, social innovation, democratic participation, and climate resilience, highlighting the collective impact of young Negrosanon in shaping a more inclusive and empowering hub for both children and youth.
The Governor commended the NYLI team for its consistent and community-rooted work, especially in reaching children and youth in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). He recognized the importance of sustaining youth-led efforts and, in a gesture of trust and support, affirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment by extending NYLI’s use of its Safe Space and Innovation Center through a Deed of Usufruct.
“More than our mental health and psychosocial support services, the Youth Safe Space and Innovation Hub at the same time functions as a hub for youth collaboration, hosting dialogues, capacity-building workshops, and ideation sessions to develop youth-led responses to social issues in their communities,” said NYLI Executive Director Kevin Gaitan during the presentation.
Since the establishment of the Safe Space and Innovation Center in 2022, NYLI has served over 20,000 individuals through various capacity-building programs, mental health initiatives, and climate action training.
The institute has become a symbol of youth participation and a springboard for community-led development.
In his response, Lacson said that the work of NYLI is crucial for youth development and is proud to support the institute.
As NYLI enters another year of program implementation, the renewed usufruct agreement ensures that more children and. youth can access a safe and nurturing environment to learn, collaborate, and lead.
The Paglaum Impact Report reaffirms NYLI’s mission to inspire hope, one community at a time.*
