430 youth gather for ‘PYAP Day' in Puerto

Some 430 young people converged on October 30 in Puerto Princesa City for the “youth day” organized by the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP). The event was highlighted by a pageant search and an extemporaneous speaking contest participated in by representatives from Barangays Mangingisda, Mandaragat, Sta. Monica, Concepcion, Binduyan, Bancao-Bancap, San Miguel, and Buenavista. Maria Sinuan, event organizer and focal person for the Unlad Kabataan Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the youth day is organized in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). “Every year may PYAP Day para magkaroon ang mga kabataan ng opportunity na ipakita iyong talents nila,” Sinuan said. The participants are less fortunate teenagers who are either from broken families, drug users, persons with disabilities (PWDs), out-of-school-youths (OSYs), and those involved in the perpetration of crimes. She said the goal is to have them socialize with each other to change their behaviors for better lives to lead. “Ang aim ng pageant at extemporaneous speaking ay to make them exposed at makita nila na meron din silang talent. Na nabibigyan sila ng chance to compete,” she said. There were also lectures on social welfare laws, child protection laws, and other topics to teach them to keep away from doing illegal activities. The PYAP is a barangay-based organization for young people between 15-24 years old who are clients of the DSWD. It was first incorporated in July 1974 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the name of Pag-asa Youth Movement, Inc. or PYM, Inc. and thus become an affiliate organization of DSWD. Implemented under the DSWD’s Unlad Kabataan Program, the PYAP provides opportunities for members to live their potentials and contribute to nation building.