Youth Forum in RTR Marks Another Major Milestone for the YOLO Program

San Antonio, RTR—November 27, 2025.

The Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) of RTR, headed by Nestor Silling, achieved another breakthrough in youth empowerment with the successful conduct of the 2025 Youth Forum, a gathering that brought together 140 young leaders from all barangays of RTR, Agusan del Norte. The participants included Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, youth volunteers, and emerging young advocates—making it one of the largest youth assemblies in the municipality in recent years.

Held at the scenic Tagnote Fall Function Hall in Barangay San Antonio, the forum served as a dynamic space for learning, leadership strengthening, and youth collaboration. More importantly, it highlighted another major milestone of the YOLO (Youth Optimizing Life Opportunities) Program, which continues to grow in influence and impact across RTR.

A key highlight of the event was the session on Peer Health Navigation, delivered by invited resource speaker Mr. Jayson Patalinghug of Agay National High School. His discussion focused on mental health awareness, early identification of youth at risk, and the crucial role of peer support in promoting well-being. His message strongly resonated with the participants, many of whom expressed interest in becoming part of the Peer Health Navigator network.

This forum also marks a significant moment for the YOLO Program as it recorded an increasing number of trained and aspiring Peer Health Navigators—a positive indicator of the youth’s growing commitment to supporting their fellow adolescents. The expanding network is expected to strengthen community-based health advocacy, ensuring that more young people receive the guidance, connection, and encouragement they need.

LYDC Chairperson Nestor Silling expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming turnout and active participation, emphasizing the continuous transformation of RTR’s youth sector.

“This gathering proves that our young people are ready to lead, ready to listen, and ready to serve,” he said. “With the YOLO Program reaching new milestones and our Peer Health Navigators growing in number, RTR is building a stronger and more compassionate youth community.”

The Youth Forum ended with renewed energy and commitment from attendees, who pledged to bring the lessons of the day back to their barangays and use their voice and influence to uplift their fellow youth. With momentum rapidly building, the LYDC is set to launch more capacity-building initiatives to sustain RTR’s rising generation of empowered, informed, and health-conscious young leaders.

Youth's Choice: Agay NHS Leaders Champion Drug-Free Life at Regional Forum

Butuan City, Caraga Region – November 22, 2025 – A delegation of bright young leaders from Agay National High School, comprising members of the Peer Health Navigators (PHN), Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) officers, and Supreme Secondary Learners Government (SSLG), recently made their mark at the "Youth's Choice: A Drug-Free Life" forum. Held at the prestigious Almont Inland Resort, this significant event brought together passionate youth representatives from all 12 provinces across the Caraga Region, all united by a common goal: to advocate for a life free from the perils of illegal drugs.

The forum was a powerful collaborative effort, meticulously organized and sponsored by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Region, in robust partnership with key government agencies including the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). This inter-agency synergy underscored the comprehensive approach taken to empower the youth in the fight against illegal substances. Attendees engaged in various interactive sessions, discussions, and workshops designed to deepen their understanding of drug prevention strategies, build resilience, and strengthen their resolve to champion a drug-free lifestyle within their respective communities.

A highlight of the "Youth's Choice" forum was the competitive spirit demonstrated in the Advocacy Movie Making Contest and the Digital Information Making Contest. These platforms provided an invaluable opportunity for the youth to channel their creativity and digital prowess into compelling narratives and informative content that powerfully conveyed anti-drug messages. The participation of Agay National High School's PHN, BKD, and SSLG members in such a high-profile regional event not only showcased their commitment to the YOLO (Youth Optimizing Life Opportunities) program but also reinforced their pivotal role as proactive agents of change, inspiring their peers to embrace a future where health, well-being, and responsible choices pave the way for a drug-free life.

Champions Beyond the Field: Learner-Athlete Protection Team Safeguards Delegates at the 2025 Division Athletic Meet

The 2025 Division Athletic Meet, held at Nasipit District, brought together hundreds of young athletes eager to compete, excel, and bring pride to their schools. Yet beyond the thrill of competition, a dedicated team stood guard to ensure that every learner-athlete from RTR enjoyed a safe, respectful, and child-friendly environment.

Housed at Culit Elementary School, the RTR delegates were supported by an exceptional group of Learner-Athlete Rights and Protection Officers: YOLO Coordinator Jayson Patalinghug, Peer Health Navigator representative Dovey Quezon, District Nurse Maria Teresita Espino, School Clinic In-Charge Uldarico Dequilla, and Teacher-Representative Dennis Delarmente.

Protecting Learners, Empowering Athletes

For YOLO Coordinator Jayson Patalinghug, safeguarding learners is not just an assignment but a calling. With his background in youth empowerment and advocacy, he ensured that all policies on learner protection were understood and practiced—reminding all delegations that safety and dignity come before medals.

Working alongside him, Dovey Quezon, the Peer Health Navigator representative, provided a youth-centered approach, creating a safe space where athletes could express concerns about stress, anxiety, conflict, or health issues. Her presence encouraged students to speak up without fear or hesitation.

The Medical Backbone of the Delegation

District Nurse Maria Teresita Espino played a crucial role in addressing medical needs, ensuring immediate response to injuries, fatigue, and health emergencies. With her expertise, athletes and coaches were reassured that professional care was always within reach.

Supporting her was School Clinic In-Charge Uldarico Dequilla, who monitored the athletes' health conditions daily, provided first-aid attention, and helped maintain a safe and hygienic environment in the billeting area.

Bridging Communication and Ensuring Accountability

Teacher-representative Dennis Delarmente served as the vital link between coaches, officials, and the protection team. He ensured that concerns were resolved promptly and all child protection guidelines were strictly followed.

Creating a Child-Friendly Athletic Experience

Throughout the competition week, the team conducted regular rounds, checked on accommodations, monitored safety protocols, and addressed reports related to bullying, misconduct, or violations of child-friendly policies. Their vigilance and compassion helped prevent issues before they escalated.

Their presence emphasized DepEd’s core commitment: Athletic events must uplift every learner, not endanger them.

Unsung Heroes of the Meet

While athletes chased victory on the field, the Learner-Athlete Rights and Protection Team quietly worked in the background—ensuring that every child was protected, every concern was heard, and every need was addressed.

Thanks to the leadership of Jayson Patalinghug, the compassion of Dovey Quezon, and the professionalism of Nurses Espino and Dequilla, along with the support of Teacher Delarmente, the RTR delegation experienced a safe, supportive, and empowering athletic meet.

Their efforts made the 2025 Division Athletic Meet not only an event of sportsmanship but a testament to what true learner-centered service looks like.