Tubod, Lanao del Norte – More than 80 youth leaders from all over the province came to the capital town of Tubod to participate in the two-day Inter-Municipal Youth Camp held at the provincial capitol grounds on September 17 to 18, 2011.

The participants are members and officers of the Youth for Development (Y4D) group, an organization supported by the provincial government to help promote positive values among the youth of Lanao del Norte.

“We are thankful to Governor Khalid Dimaporo for recognizing the youth of Lanao del Norte as his partner in bringing positive change and development to the province”, Y4D President Richard Reyes expressed.

On the first day, the campers were taught basic life skills, responsible sexuality, confronting threats, environmental protection, and living effectively with parents.

A controversial topic discussed by facilitators from the Provincial Population Office (PPO) is pre-marital sex. Based on a study made by the UP Population Institute, one out of four Filipinos aged 15-24 are engaging in premarital sex.

The young participants were urged to practice abstinence and to encourage also their peers to do the same to curb unwanted teenage pregnancy cases.

On the evening of day one, a community bonfire was held with a local band providing entertainment for the celebration of the camp’s solidarity night.

“This is the second year that we’re having this youth camp. Through this activity, we hope to unite the youth leaders of Lanao del Norte, promote teamwork between the participants and enhance their leadership skills”, Population Officer Ananette Daniel said.

The campers came from the towns of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), Kolambugan, Tangcal, Nunungan, Kapatagan, Baroy, Maigo, Tubod, Bacolod, Linamon, Salvador, and Tagoloan.

The second day was highlighted by a tree planting activity and a clean-up drive dubbed as ‘Youth Brigade Pahina’.Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion also lend their support by leading the Taebo morning exercises.

The provincial government has identified a new office for Y4D within the capitol grounds as it continue to support activities that empower the youth sector of Lanao del Norte. VNL/PIO-LDN